Future Workforce Development Trends
Jesse Jur, PhD
Deputy Director, Office of Science, Technology & Innovation, North Carolina Department of Commerce
Dr. Jesse (Jess) Jur is the Deputy Director of the North Carolina Office of Science, Technology & Innovation (OSTI), a team located North Carolina Department of Commerce that is responsible for managing strategic programs and conducting policy research to foster economic growth in North Carolina. Within OSTI, Dr. Jur leads efforts for the North Carolina Defense Innovation Network in developing strategies to increase statewide defense R&D funding. Prior to this role, Jess was the Director of Technical Program Development at Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA), where he led business development and technical strategy for over $25 million in U.S. government programs. Additionally, he served as a professor at North Carolina State University, where he led a research group focused on smart textiles and textile product design. Dr. Jur has extensive experience in technology and supply chain analysis, managing investments, and collaborating with domestic industry and academia. A technology innovator, manager, and communicator with materials engineering expertise in research strategy and administration, he has a proven capability in developing creative solutions and teams across government, industry and academic partners to yield high economic and human impact.
Kate Bashford
Battery, Energy Storage and EV Project Manager, Appalachian Energy Center, Appalachian State University
Kate works at Appalachian State University as the Battery, Energy Storage and EV Project Manager for the Appalachian Energy Center’s participation in the statewide STEPs4GROWTH program, and leads the NC Battery Industry Partnership initiative. Kate previously worked as a state policy advisor for New England’s grid operator and electricity market manager, the Independent System Operator of New England, and served as the Executive Director of Clean Energy New Hampshire. She has a master’s degree in international energy management and policy from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and economic analysis from Boston University.
Tiffany Jacobs
Executive Director, Forge Greensboro
Tiffany Jacobs recently transitioned from a highly successful role with ApprenticeshipNC to become the Executive Director of Forge Greensboro, the largest community makerspace in the Southeast, serving over 400 members. With a longstanding commitment to equitable access, she has been on the Forge Greensboro board since 2018, while also serving on and contributing to various boards and committees throughout the state, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW). Tiffany’s experience includes spearheading workforce development initiatives and collaborative partnerships across the Piedmont Triad Region, where she focuses on increasing access and exposure to close skills and equity gaps that currently exist in the workforce. She was named as one of the Outstanding Women in Business award recipients in 2022 and received a Leaders in Diversity award issued by the Triad Business Journal in 2023. As a recognized leader in economic mobility, she is excited to create new opportunities for her local community and beyond.
Fred C Henry Jr.
Deputy Director, GuilfordWorks
Fred Henry Jr. has more than 20 years of experience in workforce development in various areas, including employment services, career counseling, programs, and business engagement.
A native of Winston-Salem, NC, Fred attended public school in Forsyth County before enrolling in North Carolina A&T State University. There, he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science Degree in Student Personnel/Human Resources Business Industry. Most recently, Fred received the professional designation of a Certified Workforce Developer from the National Association of Workforce Boards through NC State University’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) and the NC Workforce Development Leadership Initiative.
Fred is a workforce development professional, passionate about serving this community and seeing the citizens of this state prosper. In 2011, he received the City of Greensboro’s “2010 Employee of the Year for Core Values.” He enjoys building relationships through his workforce and economic development endeavors. Fred is also the proud father of a 12th grader, Fred C. Henry III, better known as “Tre.”
Joe Rotondi
Business Development Officer, Minerva Lithium LLC
Joe Rotondi is a seasoned business development professional with a passion for fostering connections and driving economic impact. His career began with humble roots, working various jobs—including as a bartender, where he discovered his love for engaging with people and building meaningful relationships. This experience honed his ability to listen, connect, and bring people together, which later became the foundation of his career in business and sales development.
Joe’s journey took a significant turn when he became the Executive Director of Forge Greensboro. There, he led the organization for seven years, shaping its vision, expanding its programming, and increasing its community impact. Under his leadership, the organization launched diverse initiatives, from youth education and workforce development to entrepreneurial programs, all while dramatically growing its fundraising efforts.
Today, Joe is deeply committed to developing new technologies, believing that the startup sector holds the greatest potential for meaningful economic impact. His work with startups spans consulting, sales strategy, and business development.
