Kerry Douglas-Duffy

Kerry Douglas-Duffy is a seasoned leader serving as the Director of the Bureau of Workforce Innovation and Quality, within the Office of Workforce Development at the New York State Department of Labor. With over twenty years of experience with the department, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Kerry is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in New York state, a federal law that aims to improve the nation's workforce development system. This involves guiding 33 local workforce development boards across the state, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to provide effective employment and training services to workers, youth, and employers.

Her responsibilities encompass leading policy development, where staff work to create and refine policies that promote a skilled and adaptable workforce. Her bureau monitors the administration of WIOA, including the Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs, which provide critical services such as job training, education, and career counseling, and the Quality Assurance and Contracts units, which ensure that workforce development programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness.

As a strategic leader, Kerry is involved in workforce development and strategic planning, collaborating with stakeholders to identify emerging trends and needs in the labor market. Her work also involves the Office of Career Development and Inclusion, that focuses on creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce system that provides opportunities for all individuals to succeed.