Molly Blankenship joins the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce as Vice President of Talent Initiatives this week.
“Molly is a skilled, passionate talent development leader dedicated to aligning systems, policies and programs to equip all students and adults with the education and training they need to meet employer needs and be successful from cradle through career,” says Christy Gillenwater, Chattanooga Chamber President & CEO. “Her national experience adds new perspectives and additional depth to our already strong and dynamic team.”
Prior to joining the Chattanooga Chamber, Blankenship managed a portfolio of programs related to education attainment, talent development and diversity, equity and inclusion as Community Advancement Manager for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). In this role, Blankenship provided consultation to chambers of commerce on education and talent development, and worked to stimulate the cross-sector collaboration necessary for true community progress.
She also managed the Fellowship for Education and Talent Development, a nine-month professional development program that helps chambers improve education and talent development outcomes in their communities. The Fellowship has supported more than 80 chamber of commerce professionals from across the country. As a result of their participation those chambers launched collective impact initiatives to address cradle-to-career education outcomes, work-based learning collaborations, college completion strategies and more.
In addition, Blankenship provided strategic direction and program management for the Education Attainment Division, a national network of more than 700 chamber champions working to advance education and talent development priorities.
Before joining ACCE’s staff, Blankenship was an Associate on United Way Worldwide’s Network Engagement and Performance team. She also co-founded and led Reclaim Ourselves, a community organization dedicated to using the arts and arts education to advance social change.
Blankenship, a Tennessee native, studied public policy and advocacy at Middle Tennessee State University.
