Kathy Oren
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Kathy Oren has announced her retirement as president and CEO of the Community Education Coalition (CEC), effective Dec. 31. For nearly 12 years, Oren has dedicated herself to strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline through innovative collaboration with community, education, and business partners, coalition officials said.
The CEC Board of Directors announced that Jim Roberts, current vice president of the Community Education Coalition, will step into the role of president and CEO following Oren’s retirement. Roberts, former Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation superintendent, will share his vision for the future of the coalition during the 2025 annual meeting.
Carla Clark | For The Republic Dr. Jim Roberts introduces Nicole Wheeldon, 2024 honoree, during the Women in Leadership Luncheon held at the Commons, Columbus, Ind., Friday, August 23, 2024.
During Oren’s tenure, the CEC team, working alongside education, employer, and community partners, has contributed to numerous impactful initiatives. Under her leadership, the coalition:
● Earned national designations such as the Lumina Talent Hub and 21st Century Talent Region, underscoring CEC’s leadership in workforce alignment.
● Gained national recognition for initiatives like TuFuturo, honored by Excelencia in Education, which contributed to Director Luz Elena Michel’s receipt of the Indiana Human Rights Commission Trailblazer Award in 2020.
● Launched the AirPark Columbus College Campus branding and website, elevating the campus’s visibility and resources. Introduced The Bridge and The Landing initiatives to support student success and workforce integration, and expanded student housing on campus.
● Introduced Umoja Unity: Black and Black-Biracial Youth initiatives and strengthened Early Learning Coalition initiatives by establishing dedicated leadership.
● Secured funding partnerships with prominent organizations, including Lumina Foundation, Strada Education Foundation, Cummins Foundation, Early Learning Indiana, Indiana Commission for Higher Education, and others.
For more on this story, see Saturday’s Republic.
