New York, March 24, 2010 - The New York City Workforce Investment Board (WIB) today announced the election of Kathleen Kearns, Senior Vice President of Continuum Health Partners, as the new Chairperson of the Board. The WIB oversees the City’s investments in its workforce, and plays a vital role in coordinating workforce programming across the City. It is comprised of more than 40 members who are appointed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. As Chairperson, Ms. Kearns will lead the WIB to ensure that New York City businesses have the skilled workforce they need to grow and prosper.

“During this critical time for our City’s economy, we are fortunate to have a leader of Kathleen’s caliber and commitment step into this important role,” said Philip Weinberg, President of the WIB. During the Board’s quarterly meeting on March 10, 2010, Mayor Bloomberg joined Board members in welcoming Ms. Kearns as the new Chair.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of the WIB and thank Mayor Bloomberg, members of the Board and the staff for their warm support,” said Ms. Kearns. “The current economic climate presents us with many challenges, but also offers great opportunities for us to continue to be innovative in our approaches to workforce development. Together with our many talented colleagues in government, business and labor, I am confident that we will have many new successes to share on behalf of New Yorkers.”

Ms. Kearns has been an active member of the WIB since 2004, serving as a member of the WIB’s Executive Committee and as Chairperson of the Strategic Planning Committee. Her appointment took effect on March 10, 2010. Ms. Kearns replaces Stuart M. Saft, head of the Global Real Estate Group at Dewey & LeBoeuf, who stepped down after serving as Chair of the Board since 2000.

“I would like to thank Stuart for his dedication and service to the WIB,” said Robert W. Walsh, Commissioner of the Department of Small Business Services and WIB member since 2003. “I believe Kathleen has the vision and energy to build on Stuart’s many achievements during his tenure.”

Ms. Kearns currently serves as Senior Vice President of Development and External Affairs for Continuum Health Partners, a nonprofit hospital system in New York City that is comprised of five historically distinguished hospitals: Beth Israel Medical Center, Roosevelt Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, Long Island College Hospital, and The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Together, they offer a full range of primary care and specialty treatments using the most advanced approaches available. Ms. Kearns serves as the chief development, public information, and chief marketing officer for the system and its individual components and is responsible for fundraising, media relations, communications, and marketing initiatives.

About the Workforce Investment Board
The New York City Workforce Investment Board (WIB) administers the federal Workforce Investment Act funds in New York City and oversees the public workforce system run by the Department of Small Business Services, the Department of Youth and Community Development and other City agencies. The WIB is comprised of over 40 members representing local businesses, educational institutions, labor unions, community-based organizations, and other government agencies. Examples of Citywide initiatives led by the WIB include coordination of the City’s Green Economy Plan, producing system-wide data through the NYC Labor Market Information Service, and conducting local, state and federal advocacy in support of the City’s legislative workforce priorities.