CORD is pleased to announce that Dr. Maria Coons has joined our team following her retirement from an impressive 37-year career at Harper College, a leading suburban community college in the Chicago area.

Throughout her career, Dr. Coons has held several key leadership roles, including Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Innovation, Vice President of Workforce, and Provost. At Harper College, she was instrumental in developing strategic partnerships and delivering programs in high-growth sectors, contributing to the college’s mission of fostering innovation and workforce development.

Notably, Dr. Coons played a significant role in national efforts to address talent pipeline challenges. She served on the Operating Committee for the White House’s Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP 2.0), where she helped tackle pressing workforce issues in the manufacturing sector. Her visionary approach to strategic alliances has been pivotal in addressing skills gaps and creating opportunities for growth and innovation.

Before assuming senior leadership roles, Dr. Coons was a tenured full-time faculty member and department chair, where she taught management, marketing, and finance. She also developed the successful Fast Track program, which offers cohort-based learning tailored for adult students.

In 2018, Crain’s Chicago Business recognized Dr. Coons as one of Chicago’s Notable Women in Education, a testament to her dedication and impact on higher education.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Coons to CORD, where her expertise and passion for innovation and workforce development will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to prepare the next generation for the future of work.