Kristen Susman

About Kristen Susman

I am a workforce development leader and Director of Business Services for the American Job Center Southwest Region in Bridgeport, focused on connecting employers with qualified talent and aligning workforce solutions with regional economic goals. I develop employer-driven strategies, build strong partnerships with businesses and industry groups, and lead a team that delivers job development, placement, and customized hiring and training initiatives. Using data, KPIs, and feedback, I continuously improve services, support grant-funded innovations, and help employers build resilient, inclusive talent pipelines

Experience

1. Director of Business Services - American Job Center Southwest Region

   Career Resources, Inc

   Aug 2025 — Present · Bridgeport, CT, US

   Lead the strategic direction and execution of business engagement, employer partnerships, and workforce solutions for the Southwest American Job Center, aligning services with regional economic development goals.*Develop and implement forward-thinking business services strategies that respond to local labor market trends and emerging workforce needs.*Build and maintain a robust pipeline of employer partners through outreach, relationship building, and value-based workforce solutions.*Design and lead demand-driven initiatives and customized workforce programs based on employer needs, including targeted hiring events, upskilling opportunities, and apprenticeship pathways.*Supervise and support a team of Business Services Job Developer and Career Developer, fostering collaboration across programs to strengthen job development and placement outcomes.*Oversee the execution of employer engagement strategies, job development activities, and placement services while ensuring compliance with WIOA, TFA, and other federal, state, and local workforce regulations.*Engage directly with employers and job seekers when needed to model high-quality service, resolve issues, and enhance satisfaction on both sides.*Support grant applications and new program development that expand workforce solutions, innovation capacity, and sector-focused partnerships.*Use data, reports, and key performance indicators to monitor impact, inform decision-making, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery.

Education

• UConn School of Public Policy

  Fellow-UCONN School of Public Policy, Encore Connecticut Program, Executive Non-Profit Management

  2024

• University of New Haven

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Health/Health Care Administration/Management

• University of Connecticut

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science and Government

Skills

• Managed Care
• Customer Service
• Account Management
• Hospitals
• Contract Negotiation
• Relationship Retention
• Project Execution/Managment
• Marketing
• Forecasting & Budgeting
• Certficate of Therapeutic Approaches to Dementia
• Sales & Marketing Management
• Healthcare
• Healthcare Management
• Business Cycle Planning
• Client Development
• Strategic Planning & Analysis
• Budgets
• Physicians
• Public Speaking