TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit championing students from technical education through to skilled technician careers, announced Brandon Zollner as its new chief development officer.
Zollner joins TechForce from Western Governors University (WGU), where he served as executive director of development. He brings extensive experience building philanthropic and corporate partnerships at the intersection of education, workforce development and economic mobility, foundation officials said in a press release.
“Brandon joins TechForce at an exciting point in our growth,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Our work has grown beyond any single program. We are building an ecosystem that connects students, schools, industry and working technicians to help more people successfully navigate the path from career exploration through education and into the workforce. Brandon understands how philanthropy and industry partnership can accelerate that kind of systemic change, and we are thrilled to have him on our leadership team.”
As chief development officer, Zollner will lead TechForce’s development strategy, strengthening and expanding the partnerships and philanthropic investment that fuel the foundation’s work nationwide.
Throughout his career, Zollner has focused on creating greater access to opportunity through education and partnership. Before joining TechForce, he spent more than five years at WGU and previously held leadership roles in advancement and corporate and foundation relations at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Saint Louis University.
Zollner’s appointment comes as TechForce continues to grow its national community and strengthen the connections among students, schools, working technicians and industry needed to build a stronger skilled workforce, noted the release.