As I reflect on my first year as Chief Executive Officer of SERJobs, I am filled with gratitude, humility, and excitement for what lies ahead.

When I accepted the opportunity to lead this remarkable organization, I knew I was joining an institution with a rich 60-year legacy of transforming lives through workforce development. What I could not have anticipated was how deeply inspired I would become by our members, our staff, our Board of Directors, our partners, and the countless individuals who believe that meaningful employment has the power to transform lives and strengthen entire communities.

This first year has been one of listening, learning, evaluating, and building.

Facing Challenges Head-On

Like many nonprofit organizations, SERJobs entered this year facing significant challenges. We experienced reductions in federal funding, operational challenges, staffing transitions, and the need to strengthen financial sustainability while continuing to meet the growing needs of our community.

Rather than allowing these challenges to define us, we chose to see them as opportunities to rethink, refocus, and rebuild.

Together, we embraced change.

Developing a New Strategic Direction

One of our proudest accomplishments this year was the development and unanimous approval of SERJobs' 2026–2030 Strategic Plan.

The process involved thoughtful conversations with our Board, staff, partners, employers, and community stakeholders. Those discussions led us to a clear conclusion: while workforce development remains our mission, our greatest opportunity for impact is through specialization.

We made the bold decision to become the premier workforce organization focused on construction and skilled trades.

Our new mission reflects that commitment:

SERJobs empowers individuals through training, coaching, and career connections in construction and skilled trades—building strong careers and stronger communities.

This strategic focus positions SERJobs to respond directly to one of the region's greatest workforce shortages while creating pathways to family-sustaining careers.

Building a Culture of Accountability

Throughout the year, we strengthened our internal operations by emphasizing accountability, measurable outcomes, and transparency.

Among the initiatives we implemented were:

• Weekly and Monthly organizational KPI reporting

• Improved financial oversight

• Stronger grant management processes

• Enhanced board governance

• Greater cross-department collaboration

• Increased focus on employer engagement

• Data-driven decision making

Every member of our team understands how their work contributes to our mission and the lives we serve.

Strengthening Employer Partnerships

Workforce development only succeeds when employers are engaged.

This year, we expanded relationships with contractors, construction companies, educational institutions, foundations, financial institutions, and community organizations throughout the Texas Gulf Coast.

These partnerships are helping us align our training programs with real workforce needs, ensuring our graduates possess the skills employers seek today.

Our philosophy is simple:

Recruit. Train. Place.

Everything we do is centered on connecting individuals with meaningful careers.

Expanding Our Impact

During the past year, our staff continued delivering life-changing services across workforce training, financial empowerment, career coaching, youth services, veterans programs, and employment placement.

Together we have:

• Helped hundreds of individuals prepare for employment

• Expanded industry-recognized certifications

• Increased employer engagement

• Strengthened financial coaching and education

• Enhanced support services that remove barriers to employment

• Continued serving thousands of individuals throughout the Texas Gulf Coast

Behind every statistic is a person who now has hope, dignity, and a brighter future.

Those stories remain our greatest measure of success.

Investing in Our Team

Organizations succeed because of people.

I am incredibly proud of the dedicated SERJobs staff who embraced change with professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our members.

This year included leadership transitions, new hires, internal promotions, organizational restructuring, and renewed expectations.

Our team responded with determination and an extraordinary willingness to grow together.

Their commitment inspires me every day.

Looking Ahead

Our work is only beginning.

As we enter our next chapter, our priorities are clear:

• Become Houston's premier construction workforce training organization

• Expand employer partnerships

• Grow apprenticeship opportunities

• Increase job placement outcomes

• Strengthen financial sustainability

• Continue building an organizational culture rooted in excellence, accountability, innovation, and service

The future of workforce development requires organizations that are agile, collaborative, and willing to evolve.

SERJobs is ready.

Thank You

None of what we have accomplished this year would have been possible without the unwavering support of our Board of Directors, our dedicated staff, our generous funders, our employer partners, community organizations, elected officials, volunteers, and the many individuals who believe in our mission.

Most importantly, thank you to our members.

Your perseverance reminds us every day why this work matters.

It is an incredible privilege to serve as CEO of SERJobs during this historic milestone as we celebrate 60 years of transforming lives through opportunity. Together, we honor our legacy while building an even stronger future.

I firmly believe the best days of SERJobs are still ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey.