Jane Oates

Jane Oates is a prominent figure in the fields of workforce development and education. She is currently serving as the Senior Policy Advisor at WorkingNation, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the challenges of the changing workforce landscape through media and storytelling.136 Previously, she held the position of President at WorkingNation.45

Oates has a distinguished career in public service and education. She was appointed by President Barack Obama as the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she led efforts to design and implement training programs for American workers.24 Before her federal appointment, she served as Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and was a senior advisor to Governor Jon S. Corzine.24

Her early career included significant roles in education policy, serving as a Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Edward M. Kennedy on the U.S. Senate’s Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.13 Oates began her professional journey as a teacher in Boston and Philadelphia public schools and later worked as a field researcher at Temple University.23

Oates holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Boston College and a Master’s degree in Reading from Arcadia University.24 Her extensive experience in both government and educational sectors has made her a key player in initiatives aimed at bridging gaps between education systems and workforce needs.