Skills for Chicagoland's Future
Bridget Altenburg has extensive work experience in various leadership positions. Bridget is currently serving as the President and CEO of Skills for Chicagoland's Future. Prior to this role, they were the President and CEO of National Able Network from 2018 to 2023, where they led workforce development programs and turned around the veterans program. Bridget also held the position of Acting CEO at the Center for Economic Progress in 2018. Before that, Bridget was the Executive Director of Chicago Cares from 2011 to 2013, managing the premier volunteer service organization in Chicago. Bridget worked as a Director at the Academy for Urban School Leadership from 2008 to 2011, responsible for fundraising and communications. Bridget also has experience working as a Consultant for various companies from 2006 to 2008. Bridget began their career as a Captain in the US Army from 1995 to 2000. Throughout their career, Bridget has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a track record of success in organizational growth and development.
Bridget Altenburg attended the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1991 to 1995, where they completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Russian and French. In 2000, they enrolled at Columbia University and pursued an MBA degree with a focus on Management and Finance, which they successfully completed in 2002.
Skills for Chicagoland's Future
Skills for Chicagoland’s Future is a signature initiative of Chicago Mayor's Office and Cook County Board President Preckwinkle that is designed to close the workforce skills gap, drive business growth and get unemployed and underemployed Chicagoland area residents back to work. We do this by partnering with local employers to identify their available hiring needs and match them with qualified unemployed/underemployed job seekers in the Chicagoland area. We also access and coordinate government funding for customized training, so candidates have the skills necessary to deliver results from their first day on the job. We are a public-private partnership that is supported by the City of Chicago, Cook County, and the State of Illinois, as well as by private and corporate foundations. Our nonprofit status means we provide these recruitment, placement and training services at no cost to the job seeker. Our win-win approach is not only an important civic initiative but also a great way to make our region economically stronger and bring a highly skilled and diverse workforce to companies who need it.