Pictured: Mary Holland-Bavis, IAED’s Workforce Program Manager.
ITHACA, N.Y., February 13, 2024 – Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) announced it hired Mary Holland-Bavis as Workforce Program Manager. In this novel role, Holland-Bavis is responsible for implementing workforce development programming that addresses the needs of local employers by aligning community partners and resource providers. Specifically, Holland-Bavis will provide tactical leadership to IAED’s ongoing ‘Direct to Work: Pathways to Manufacturing’ initiative and the future ‘Tompkins Build’ construction trades program.
IAED President Heather McDaniel shared, “Mary’s diverse expertise and customer-focused mindset are an invaluable asset to IAED’s workforce program. McDaniel added, “I am confident she will do great things for employers in Ithaca and Tompkins County.”
Holland-Bavis brings over 10 years of program and event management to the role. Her most previous work focused on stakeholder relationships and the planning and delivery of initiatives, events, and awards at the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. Holland-Bavis has worked in similar capacities for Ithaca College and Syracuse University.
“This year is a pivotal one for our workforce development program as we expand the manufacturing partnership and extend into the construction trades. Mary’s skillset is perfect for coordinating and delivering multiple objectives with myriad stakeholders. She’s also able to hit the ground running, which will be a big help,” said Danielle Szabo, IAED’s Director of Workforce Innovation.
Holland-Bavis received a B.A. in Political Science from SUNY Fredonia and an M.Ed. from SUNY Buffalo. She can be reached at maryhb@IthacaAreaED.org.
