CenterState CEO Appoints Dr. Carlene Lacey as Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse

Following a comprehensive national search, CenterState CEO is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Carlene Lacey as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse (One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships). Dr. Lacey brings extensive expertise in leadership, workforce development, grant writing and community engagement, all critical to advancing ON-RAMP Syracuse’s mission. 

ON-RAMP Syracuse is a newly established workforce innovation hub focused on addressing critical workforce skill gaps in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in Central New York. Its mission is to create a robust, skilled talent pipeline for local employers while ensuring equitable access to training and employment for historically underserved communities.

Dr. Lacey has spent her career advancing strategic workforce development initiatives, cultivating sustainable community partnerships, and securing vital grant funding to scale impactful programs. Her decades of service in the corporate and nonprofit sectors reflect a lifelong commitment to family, community, inclusion, access, empowerment and service. Most recently she served as director of Strategic Workforce Development, Partnership and Government for National Grid.

Dr. Lacey holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from SUNY Empire State College, an MBA in Human Resource Management, and a Doctor of Management from the University of Phoenix.

As CEO, Dr. Lacey will focus on building a workforce development hub that ensures local residents—especially those from underserved communities—can access the job opportunities coming to Central New York. She will oversee day-to-day operations, lead fundraising efforts and collaborate with staff, volunteers and industry partners to advance ON-RAMP’s mission and impact. In her role, Dr. Lacey will establish a team to lead the nonprofit, create innovative collaborative programming, engage employers, and drive growth to create a more inclusive, skilled workforce. 

“I am honored to lead ON-RAMP Syracuse during this transformational time for our region,” said Dr. Lacey. “I look forward to bringing my many years of strategic workforce development work and passion for this community to this new role.  Through collaboration with our many partners we can expand access training and workforce development programs that open new pathways to wealth-building careers in Central New York.”

“Dr. Lacey emerged as the top candidate from a highly competitive national search,” said Ben Sio, Interim President and CEO of CenterState CEO. “As a Central New York native with deep roots in the community, she represents the tremendous talent already present in our region. In hiring her we were reminded what we already know - that we have plenty of the best and brightest leaders in the country right here in Central New York. Finding such incredible local talent is a metaphor for what ON-RAMP’s all about. Ensuring that people from this community have access to new jobs and opportunity is critically important to our collective success.”

CenterState CEO partnered with McCormack+Kristel on the nationwide search for a visionary CEO to launch ON-RAMP, a new workforce training nonprofit. ON-RAMP will coordinate, support and supplement adult workforce development programs serving Syracuse and Onondaga County, as well as the organizations that provide needed wraparound services. It will also help attract, retain and advance a diverse pool of candidates to enter that talent pipeline, with the goal of ensuring that traditionally underserved communities can benefit from the massive influx of investment into the region. 

Last month, CenterState CEO officially acquired 1300 South Salina Street (formerly the Sears Building) as the site for New York's first ON-RAMP Workforce Innovation Hub. The flagship Hub will anchor a broader revitalization of the site and will serve as a critical gateway for both job seekers and manufacturing and construction firms, supporting the region’s growing demand for skilled workers, anchored by Micron’s $100 billion commitment Empire State Development approved an $8.5 million Phase 1 Investment, including capital for the acquisition and redevelopment of the property.  

Backed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development, ON-RAMP will provide high-quality training and career pathways, with a strong focus on serving un- and under-employed workers.  

New York’s Empire State Development engaged CenterState CEO to develop ON-RAMP with its flagship location in Syracuse, with additional sites throughout the state.  

“Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to expanding economic opportunity and investing in impactful workforce development programs is a key reason why so many high-growth companies, including Micron, choose to locate in New York,” said Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development. "Thanks to the Governor's leadership and strong regional partners like CenterState CEO, innovative initiatives such as ON-RAMP are connecting businesses with the skilled talent they need to grow—while helping hardworking New Yorkers, especially those from underserved communities, access training and career pathways to succeed in the jobs of the future. ESD is proud to welcome Dr. Carlene Lacey, whose expertise and proven ability will advance ON-RAMP’s mission and benefit communities across Central New York.”

“ON-RAMP Syracuse marks an important step forward in preparing Central New York’s workforce for future careers in the high-tech industry," said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer and President of the Micron Foundation. "By offering programs that help individuals develop in-demand skills in advanced manufacturing and construction, ON-RAMP Syracuse is helping to strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. We extend our congratulations to Dr. Lacey on her new role as she leads ON-RAMP’s efforts to connect job seekers with meaningful opportunities and meet the needs of local employers.”  

“Dr. Carlene Lacey brings the executive leadership, workforce training, and fund development experience needed to launch ON-RAMP in our community,” said Sharon Owens, City of Syracuse Deputy Mayor. “What is equally important is how her story exemplifies exactly how education and skills training can empower individuals and change the trajectory of their families.  Congratulations, Dr. Lacey.”

“Dr. Lacey’s commitment to workforce development and Central NY is impressive,” said Dr. Warren Hilton, President of Onondaga Community College. “She knows the key partners, business, higher education, government, etc., in Central NY in a way that will accelerate the success of ON RAMP. “

"Dr. Lacey embodies the intersection of professional excellence and personal commitment to social impact that CNY ON-RAMP requires,” said Tim Penix, Vice President at SUNY Educational Opportunity Center. “Her quarter-century of leadership across multiple sectors including community, corporate, health, and energy development, coupled with her authentic dedication to serving underserved populations, ensures that our organization will remain true to its mission while achieving the scale and sustainability needed to transform lives and strengthen our regional economy."

Lacey officially began her new role on July 8. A series of community outreach and engagement events are being planned so the community can learn more about ON-RAMP Syracuse and her vision for this critical program.

Employers, training providers, jobs seekers and community partners interested in learning more about opportunities to engage with ON-RAMP are encouraged to complete a short interest form.