Steve Pappageorge calls his promotion at Moraine Valley Community College an honor and a chance to help more students and employers connect.
Pappageorge, a Frankfort resident and longtime leader in the college’s workforce programs, was recently named vice president of Workforce, Strategy and External Affairs. In his expanded role, he will oversee apprenticeships, the Job Resource Center and business partnerships aimed at strengthening the region’s workforce.
“It’s an honor to serve the college’s students and the district’s employers,” Pappageorge said. “I’m excited to help employers connect with our students. We have so many college resources designed to attract, develop and retain their workforce.”
Pappageorge has led Moraine Valley’s community education and workforce development efforts since 2017, most recently as executive director of Community Education, Workforce Development and Government Relations.
He said the college plans to be more proactive with businesses, tailoring training to their needs — whether through credit courses, noncredit programs or new approaches yet to be designed.
“We will go to the employer and find out what they need,” Pappageorge said. “If the college doesn’t offer that, we will figure out how to meet the need. We will be helping the college move at the speed of business.”
College President Pamela J. Haney said his track record makes her confident he’ll succeed.
“In his previous role, Steve greatly grew our partnership efforts, expanding the college’s strategy to connect with local businesses and community stakeholders,” Haney said. “In this new role as vice president, I know Steve will excel in creating opportunities and connections for nontraditional and working students, local businesses and the community as a whole.”
Pappageorge said the mission is personal. He said he is eager to help workers retrain, match job seekers with careers and give employers the talent pipeline they need.
“I’m looking forward to making an impact in the district’s workforce,” he said. “Whether it is helping incumbent workers get retooled and retrained, helping folks find their career and getting them trained, or helping employers connect with potential employees and seeing the southwest suburbs thrive.”
Pappageorge holds a Bachelor of Arts in business and economics from Lake Forest College and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from Northern Illinois University. He is also a Certified Management Accountant.