About CORD

At CORD, our mission is to support educators, students, and communities in navigating the rapidly changing world of work.

We understand the challenges posed by disconnected education and workforce systems, and we offer a proven framework for fostering coordinated ecosystems that place learners’ evolving skills and personal support needs front and center.

Trusted Experience

CORD is a national nonprofit organization that, since 1979, has served school districts, community colleges and college systems, state departments of education, and workforce development agencies with innovative programs that prepare individuals for greater success in careers and higher education.

CORD’s National Career Pathways Network (NCPN) supports career pathways practitioners from all sectors and champions active employer-educator partnerships. CORD has served in leadership roles on multiple federal projects providing technical assistance to support local design of career pathways embedded with stakable credentials. Our ability to help groups attain mutually beneficial goals through professional development experiences, convenings, and conferences is why many organizations rely on us to coordinate and lead events on their behalf.

Our Approach

Successful career pathways require an ongoing, coordinated effort among educators, community partners, and employers. CORD’s Framework for Career Pathways Alignment gives you a roadmap to create seamless, supportive pathways for learners of all ages.

FRAMEWORK FOR CAREER PATHWAYS ALIGNMENT

Our Commitment

We are not just advisors—we are your biggest fans and dedicated partners. Here’s what you can expect from us:

Outcomes-focused: We commit fully to your success.

Proactive: We think ahead and work efficiently.

Practical: We provide sensible, sustainable, and effective solutions.

Collaborative: We listen first, respect all ideas, and encourage diversity of thought.

Candid: We offer honest, objective, and constructive feedback.

Inspirational: We bring positivity and energy to encourage you.

Future-facing: We look boldly to the future and advise on trends and solutions.

Leadership Team

Hope Cotner

President & CEO

Ron Schwartinsky, CPA

Vice President, Finance

Ann-Claire Anderson

Senior Vice President, Special Projects

Agustin Navarra, PhD

Vice President, International

Jennifer Jirous-Rapp, PhD

Vice President, Pathways & Partnerships

Claudia Maness

Director of Professional Development, CORD/NCPN

Ann Beheler, PhD

Director of Innovation

Maria Coons, PhD

Senior Consultant

Liz Ahlers

Director of Outreach and Communications

Sheila Wilson

Conference Manager

Mark Whitney, PhD

Manager of Publication Services

Richard Hinckley, PhD

Senior Consultant

CORD Board of Directors

Dr. Annette Parker, Chair

President, South Central College

Roger Tadajewski, Immediate Past Chair

Executive Director, National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)

Chris Sadler

President and CEO, Logic Matters

Robin Halliday

CEO (Retired), DIS Corporation/Rivetek

Donald McCoy

IBM Corporation (Retired)

Stephanie Sklba

Vice President, Gateway Technical College

Let's Get Started

Schedule a complimentary strategy session with Dr. Jennifer Jirous-Rapp, Vice President of Pathways and Partnerships, to discuss your needs and explore the possibilities.