SkillsUSA Illinois, a membership association that connects students to careers in trade, technical and skilled occupations, has announced the appointment of a new interim leader.
In a news release Tuesday, July 29, the SkillsUSA Illinois Board of Directors said that Bryna Ryan has been named interim executive director. Ms. Ryan joined SkillsUSA Illinois as its workforce development director in 2024.
She replaces Eric Hill, who left the organization Monday, July 28, SkillsUSA Illinois said. Mr. Hill, who the board thanked for his service in a news release, had been its executive director since 2015. When asked about his departure, SkillsUSA told the QCBJ there was no further comment on the personnel issue.
With its state office in Pekin, SkillsUSA Illinois works to help employers statewide address a growing skills gap with its nonprofit partnership of students, instructors, and industry. It works with a large membership base of hundreds of employers across Illinois including John Deere, 3M, Lowe’s, Constellation, Lincoln Electric, CAT, Vermeer Midwest, Morton Buildings and dozens more.
Ms. Ryan brings past leadership experience with several nonprofits in central Illinois to her new role. Before joining SkillsUSA last year she had served as the CEO of the Neighborhood House Association of Peoria, Illinois. Ms. Ryan earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Helping kids find jobs
SkillsUSA Illinois introduces and encourages young people about employment needs and the skilled workforce required to meet them. It connects students in high school, college and middle school who are preparing for careers in the construction trades as well as skilled service occupations, including health occupations, and other fields.
The association has leveraged millions of dollars in state and federal grant funds to expand its school-based programs into new markets such as Chicago’s suburbs and Springfield. With chapters across the state, it also is continuing to search out future partners to expand into other areas, including the Quad Cities, the association told the QCBJ.
SkillsUSA Illinois’ board leadership said Ms. Ryan’s transition to the interim role gives needed assurance that the organization will lead a successful upcoming school year for SkillsUSA Illinois chapters, which serve 16,000 students across the state.
“We are confident Bryna is the proven, experienced leader who knows our members and how to help them succeed during this transition period,” Sean Fitzgerrel, the board chair of SkillsUSA, said in the release. “SkillsUSA Illinois is in an excellent position to have a great school year ahead, and Bryna’s insights and leadership will make sure we step up to meet the challenge.”
Learn more about SkillsUSA Illinois and its innovative work connecting students with meaningful careers and helping by visiting its website here.
