We’re pleased to introduce the facilitators of the 2025 Central Ohio Workforce Leadership Academy! The Academy — launched in partnership by Ohio Workforce Coalition, Greater Ohio Workforce Board, and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Albuquerque workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects. The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.
The Central Ohio Workforce Leadership Academy is one of eight national academies launched in 2024. Alumni of the Academy become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining more than 370 alumni from 22 previous Academies in 17 cities in the US and Canada.
Facilitators
Rebecca Kusner
Director, Ohio Workforce Coalition;
Founder, R4 Workforce
Rebecca Kusner is a nationally recognized workforce development expert with over twenty years of experience in creating equitable and effective workforce systems. As the founder of R4 Workforce, Rebecca specializes in projects at the intersection of programs, policy, and community power. She has developed and led award-winning initiatives that align workforce practices with organizational objectives while driving systemic improvements. Her expertise includes competency-based education and hiring practices, career pathway and training program development, and business engagement.
Rebecca will provide strategic guidance to ensure that job descriptions are aligned with the organization’s salary structure, role expectations, competencies, and equity standards. She will leverage her extensive experience to ensure clarity and alignment with best practices. Rebecca’s insights will help shape deliverables that promote inclusivity and support organizational growth while fostering a transparent and equitable workplace culture.
John Trott
Executive Director
Area 7 Workforce Board
John Trott is the Executive Director of the Greater Ohio Workforce Board (also known as Area 7 Workforce Board) supporting 43 member counties. The Board oversees the investment of federal workforce dollars in businesses and job seekers, operating a network of OhioMeansJobs Centers in one of the nation’s largest workforce regions with an average annual budget of $35 million. He is also a charter member and past president of the Ohio Workforce Association – an organization dedicated to advocating the importance of locally designed and operated workforce programs.
John has spent over 30 years working in federal, state and local workforce programs. He started his career in Ohio state government as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives. As head of Local Operations at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services he oversaw the complete restructuring of unemployment insurance delivery in Ohio, by closing the state’s 60+ unemployment offices and shifting services exclusively to Internet and call centers. He has a Business Degree in Economics and International Business from the Ohio State University.
Dr. LaShon Sawyer
Director of Advocacy & Policy, Towards Employment;
Director, Northeast Ohio Workforce Coalition.
Dr. Sawyer champions workforce development advocacy and policy efforts while having a deep passion for social justice issues and advocating for inclusion, racial equity, and fair hiring practices. LaShon also runs a clinical private practice where she specializes in serving adult individuals conquering stressors associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Dr. Sawyer holds the highest clinical license available in her discipline, licensed independent social worker with supervision privileges. She also holds an MS in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and completed her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice at Capella University. LaShon focuses on criminal justice reentry advocacy, policies, and services. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, LaShon loves to spend time discovering new locally owned businesses and food options while spending time with her teenage son and extended family.
