Lexington Park, MD (11/1/2024) – Chris Abell has joined TPP as the Workforce Development Director for the SoMD 2030 Workforce Development initiative.
In his role of Workforce Development Director, Abell will lead AMP/TJR, and the college internships programs for students in Southern Maryland, the 2025 SPARK! Career Fair and related STEM initiatives. SoMD 2030 is designed to develop opportunities on three levels – high school seniors, college, and college graduates. Students will be educated on security clearances through Project Scope, and learn about career prospects in Southern Maryland, and career entry level opportunities.
Chris is a technology champion with a strong commitment to bridging the gap between innovation, employers, and practical workforce solutions. Returning to St. Mary’s County after an extensive career, he brings a wealth of experience as a nonprofit leader, workforce board director, and the co-founder and technology lead of the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC).
Chris holds a certification in Humane Technology and serves on the Maryland Nonprofits Accelerator Advisory Committee. He is involved with the Rural Maryland Council, Maryland Nonprofits, and the Maryland Tech Council. He shares his insights as a speaker throughout the state, engaging audiences with groups such as Prince George’s County Public Schools, Carroll Ignite, the UME Digital Equity Summit, and at forums discussing smart farming cybersecurity challenges and solutions.
Chris is well-suited for the position as TPP Workforce Development Director given his passion for developing career pathways in technology, engineering, and government roles, and his leadership skills in people management, training, and scaling operations at corporations and non-profits, including Western Maryland Consortium, Starbucks and Best Buy.
A proud graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2002, which laid the foundation for his career dedicated to positive community impact and workforce development.
In addition to his work at TPP, Abell will work with the SoMD 2030 Advisory board, NAWCAD, SMNA, St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert County schools, College of Southern Maryland (CSM), St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM), University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) and Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head.
For more information about SoMD 2030, please visit: https://paxpartnership.org/somd-2030-workforce/