In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall speaks with Robert M. Sainz, President and Executive Director of New Ways to Work, about creating stronger pathways to education and employment for young people. Drawing on more than 30 years of public service and youth workforce leadership, Robert explores the challenges facing opportunity youth, the growing interest in entrepreneurship, and the urgent need to protect investments in youth employment and reengagement programs. He also shares three essential ingredients for greater impact—reliable community data, caring and capable staff, and intentional collaboration—and challenges workforce leaders to engage young people in program design, advocate more visibly for their work, and celebrate the lives changed along the way.

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we sit down with Nicole Ganier, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at KRA, to learn more about her professional journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for the future of workforce development. Nicole shares insights from her experience in staffing, workforce services, and organizational growth, discussing the importance of authentic leadership, relationship-building, and creating opportunities that transform lives. From the power of meaningful work to the importance of innovation, trust, and excellence, Nicole offers an inspiring perspective on how KRA can continue expanding its impact while helping individuals, families, and communities build stronger futures.

In this episode of Getting to Know KRA, we are joined by Kathy Koontz for a conversation about KRA's long-standing partnership with Qlarant and their work supporting performance reviews for Maryland's Medicaid program. Kathy shares insights from her extensive healthcare background, explains the role of managed care organizations, and discusses how data analysis, monitoring, compliance reviews, and continuous quality improvement help strengthen services for Medicaid recipients. The episode also explores upcoming Medicaid changes, including work requirements and eligibility redeterminations, and highlights the growing need for stronger collaboration among managed care organizations, workforce partners, community-based organizations, and state agencies to help individuals maintain access to care.

Tune in to discover how stronger partnerships, innovative workforce strategies, and a commitment to lifelong learning can help create more responsive systems for the future of healthcare and workforce development. In this episode, we are joined by Van Ton-Quinlivan, a nationally recognized leader in workforce education and talent development, for a conversation about expanding access to opportunity, building effective pathways to employment, and fostering collaboration between educators, employers, and communities. Van shares insights from her decades of leadership experience and explores why learning, unlearning, and relearning are essential skills for navigating an ever-changing world of work.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Van Freeman of STRIVE, Sharon Bonney, CEO of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), and Matt Weis, workforce and education leader focused on career pathways and talent development. Together, they explore the future of workforce education, adult learning, and innovative approaches to building stronger pathways to opportunity.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Darrell Andrews (Coach D), nationally recognized workforce development speaker and founder of Darrell Andrews LLC, and Karla Coleman, workforce development leader and advocate for community impact. Together, they discuss leadership, opportunity, and innovative strategies for empowering individuals and strengthening the future workforce.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Anthony Murphy, CEO of Lead The Way, Anthony Gagliano, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CareerSource Suncoast, and Denise Reading, CEO of Future Plans. Together, they discuss leadership, workforce innovation, and the partnerships helping shape stronger career pathways and communities across the country.

Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum, this episode features conversations with Brent Balog, Interim Executive Director of Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and Thurman Roberts, Tribal Career Navigator at Nevadaworks. Together, they share insights on workforce development, community partnerships, and the innovative ideas shaping the future of workforce systems across the country.

In this Getting to Know KRA episode of The Hub, we sit down with Kevin Mayo, Corporate Data Analyst at KRA Corporation, to explore the critical role data plays in driving performance, accountability, and impact across workforce programs. Drawing on his background in the U.S. Air Force and logistics management, Kevin shares how data integrity, strong team culture, and proactive quality assurance help transform numbers into meaningful insights that guide decision-making at every level. From connecting daily activities to big-picture goals to balancing compliance with client-centered service, this conversation highlights how managing for results isn't just about metrics—it's about telling a credible story of impact in the communities we serve. 

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9927dd0d-21d1-46cc-b646-b0b61a3c6a67" data-testid="conversation-turn-5" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:04508096-d81a-4322-a943-f707b5131d3f-7" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Recorded live at the 2026 NAWB Forum in Las Vegas, this episode features a dynamic conversation with Ron Painter, former CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards and current principal at Forbes Field Associates. Together, we explore what it takes to lead in today's rapidly evolving workforce landscape—from navigating policy shifts and leveraging data, to building agile, collaborative organizations that can respond to constant change. Ron shares insights on the importance of vision, the realities of labor force trends, and how leaders can stay relevant in the face of disruption, including automation and AI. Whether you're a workforce professional, policymaker, or organizational leader, this conversation offers practical wisdom and big-picture perspective on shaping the future of work.