Jennifer G. Wakefield

Jennifer Gilbert Wakefield is a visionary leader in workforce development and higher education, with a strong focus on strategic planning and economic growth. As the Executive Director of the Workforce Development and Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center at Genesee Community College, she has been instrumental in designing and implementing workforce training programs that align with industry demands. 

A doctoral candidate in Executive Leadership at St. John Fisher University, Jennifer specializes in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and workforce innovation. She holds a Master of Arts in Adult and Higher Education Administration from the University of South Dakota and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in Spanish from The Ohio State University. Her academic foundation and professional experience enable her to develop forward-thinking strategies that bridge the gap between education and evolving labor market needs.

Jennifer has secured and managed millions of dollars in grant funding to support training programs in high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and clean energy. Her leadership in workforce development has strengthened partnerships with regional businesses, workforce boards, and educational institutions, fostering economic growth and community development.

In addition to her leadership roles, Jennifer is an advocate for innovative education models and policy-driven workforce strategies. She serves on multiple boards, including the GLOW Workforce Development Board and the Continuing Education Association of New York, and has been recognized with the SUNY Leadership Fellow distinction and the Leading Change in Higher Education Badge of Distinction.

In speaking engagements, Jennifer shares insights on strategic planning, workforce transformation, and the future of education. She is deeply committed to shaping policies and programs that create lifelong learning opportunities and drive sustainable workforce solutions.