Whitinsville, MA – July 9, 2024 – Blackstone Valley Education Foundation (BVEF), a leader in career connected learning, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Conley as the new Executive Director. With an extensive background in career connected learning, Dr. Conley brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to this role.

 

Dr. Conley has made significant contributions to the education landscape over the last 26 years. She has worked with student and adult learners in a variety of settings including as a college professor, director of curriculum and instruction, principal, consultant, teacher leader and conference presenter. As the Director of TIMES2 Institute, Dr. Conley played a pivotal role in developing and launching a professional development institute that garnered regional and international acclaim. Collaborating with the Rhode Island Governor’s Workforce Board and Northeastern University, Dr. Conley successfully implemented ExGen, a teacher externship program to help bridge industry and education. The mission of ExGen is to prepare educators to excel in creating, implementing and evaluating experiential learning opportunities that bring real world and contextualized learning into classrooms that results in inspired students who succeed in the next generation workforce. TIMES2 Institute was also instrumental in deploying STEM curriculum, professional development and programming throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and internationally. “Preparing the next generation to be successful in a global economy is work that I am deeply passionate about and I look forward to working with Blackstone Valley Education Foundation in envisioning how to prepare primary and middle school students as well as eductors for the workplace of tomorrow,” shares Dr. Conley.

 

Throughout her career, Dr. Conley has been dedicated to enhancing educational experiences in public, charter, and magnet schools. From August 2014 to May 2017, she spearheaded the creation of an innovative magnet program from the ground up, which was recognized as the National Magnet School of Excellence in 2016 and 2017, and as a National Green Ribbon School in April 2017. These prestigious recognitions were achieved through the collaborative development of cutting-edge curricula and programs focused on health and wellness, STEM, work-based learning, teacher externships, environmental sciences, integrated technology, and students’ social-emotional needs.

 

Dr. Conley holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Bucknell University, an M.S. in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University, a certificate in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership from Northeastern University. Her dissertation work centered on how to prepare educators for integrating career connected learning into core curricula, emphasizing the essential skills required for success in tomorrow’s workforce and society.

 

Lee Gaudette, one of the original founders of BVEF and its current Treasurer said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Conley as our new Executive Director. Our ability to attract and hire a professional with the perfect fit of expertise, background and training will usher in a new chapter of vibrancy and relevance for BVEF. Last year, the majority of our career programming was transferred to the BV Hub for Workforce Development. We look forward to Dr. Conley’s leadership as BVEF refines and articulates new ways we can enhance education offerings and support the interests of the business community in the Blackstone Valley.”

 

For more information about BVEF and to stay updated on our latest initiatives, please contact Dr. Erin Conley @ 508-234-3133 x8888 or econley@bveducationfoundation.org.