Kate Samsot Fessler
Senior Director, Rise up @Nrf Foundation
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WORK HISTORY
Senior Director, Rise up @Nrf Foundation
Washington, DC, US
Oversee education and certification program -Direct the credentialing team (sales, product and platform)-Implemented annual strategic plan with quarterly \"step-backs\"-Led team through six consecutive years of 5% or more increases in sales (from $2.9M to $8.2M)-Increased number of training organizations from 800 to 3,500 -Oversaw development of new certifications, micro-credentials and learner resources -Completed staff reorganization, creating more efficient workflows
EDUCATION
Vanderbilt University
Master of Arts (M.A.), Educational Leadership and Administration, General
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts - BA, International Relations and Affairs
ABOUT KATE SAMSOT FESSLER
I am an executive leader in workforce innovation, working at the intersection of retail talent development, CTE ecosystems, and industry–education collaboration. I champion career pathways that expand economic mobility, strengthen employer pipelines and create meaningful on ramps for learners nationwide. With over six years of leadership at the NRF Foundation, I’ve directed multi-functional teams to achieve consistent annual revenue growth exceeding 10% and expanded partnerships with training organizations from 800 to 3,500. My work includes launching new certifications, micro credentials and learner resources. I’m grounded in strategic planning, operational efficiency and a commitment to accessible credentialing. My expertise spans credential strategy, national partnerships, sales strategy, customer engagement, curriculum development and team leadership. I’m energized by building systems that align retailers, school districts, state agencies and training partners around future ready workforce goals. At my core, I believe effective workforce solutions must honor both the needs of employers and the aspirations of learners.
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