For 20 years, Patricia Blumenauer has been working closely with city stakeholders to grow the number of quality programs and initiatives available to Philadelphia residents that facilitate their advancement and help them reach their full potential. In her current role as Chief Operating Officer at Philadelphia Works, the city’s workforce development board, it is her charge to manage state and federally regulated investments such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and provide strategic oversight to the adult and youth workforce systems. With this responsibility in mind, Patricia helped to drive the redesign of Philadelphia’s TANF service delivery system (EARN) which resulted in an effective, customer-centered approach. Patricia is also responsible for developing strategies to strengthen connections between the Philadelphia workforce system and regional businesses; this includes implementing smart workforce solutions that respond to business needs, increase economic opportunity, and advance job quality for all Philadelphia residents.
In addition to leading policy and program implementation, Patricia guides the data team at Philadelphia Works that provides interpretation of labor market information, technical expertise, and reporting across multiple data systems to meet performance requirements in developing workforce solutions to meet city needs. Under her leadership, Patricia is accountable for the strategic implementation of a regional strategy for delivering apprenticeship services to employers and career-seekers. Likewise, she works with regional partners to drive the Southeast Pennsylvania workforce development planning region’s priorities forward.
Prior to joining Philadelphia Works, Patricia managed behavioral health and intervention programs for children and families in Philadelphia. She holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College and a bachelor’s in Human Development from Cornell University. Patricia currently serves on Philadelphia’s Digital Literacy Alliance and is a Regional Liaison for the National Association of Workforce Boards.
