As a Policy Associate for the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, Carolyn McKinnon currently leads the board’s Industry Demand team, overseeing a portfolio encompassing instructional innovations in sector strategies, incumbent worker training, employer-specific customized training, continuing education, and economic development.

Carolyn was formerly policy advisor to the director of Washington’s Department of Commerce, where she focused on creating partnerships to strengthen communities and promote household financial security. As Director of Washington’s Retirement Marketplace, she launched the nation’s first-of-its-kind online benefits exchange to help working people become financially prepared for retirement. Her public service career spans 20+ years advancing the economic opportunities for hard-working Washingtonians through workforce and economic development.

Carolyn holds a Master of Science in Urban Studies and Economic Development from Cleveland State University.

Passionate about creating community and protecting coastal waterways, she’s the past President of the Child Care Action Council Trustees, founder of a social network for parents of newborns, and an avid sea kayaker with the Mountaineers Olympia Branch.