Jessica Valand

Jessica Valand is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in workforce development and economic policy. Currently serving as the Managing Director of the State Data Collaborative at the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, Jessica leads a national initiative aimed at enhancing mobility-focused policy through the use of administrative data. Prior roles include Acting Vice President and Director at Results for America, where Jessica significantly scaled workforce strategies and fostered partnerships to improve economic mobility outcomes. Jessica's earlier positions at the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and the Colorado Department of Human Services involved overseeing workforce systems and managing economic opportunity programs during challenging periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic. An alumnus of the University of Denver with a Master's in Development Economics and Colorado Christian University with a Bachelor's in Global Political Economy, Jessica combines a strong academic background with practical experience in data analysis and program implementation.