CareerRise Names Jacqueline Joyce as President and CEO
PRESS RELEASE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA (February 10, 2026) – The CareerRise Board of Directors is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of Jacqueline “Jacque” Joyce as its new President and CEO, effective February 1, 2026. Joyce brings six years of progressive leadership at CareerRise and a proven track record of building partnerships, managing complex operations, and advancing workforce solutions across Metro Atlanta.
Since joining CareerRise in 2019 as Industry Partnership Manager, Joyce has advanced through roles of increasing responsibility, serving as Industry Partnership Director and most recently as Operations Director. In her operational role, she successfully implemented comprehensive HR and IT systems and helped lead CareerRise through its transition to an independent 501(c)(3) organization in 2023. Her work has strengthened employer engagement, built cross-sector partnerships, and established the operational infrastructure critical to the organization’s mission.
“Jacque’s leadership reflects both a deep understanding of our mission and a clear vision for CareerRise’s future,” said Terri Block, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her progression within the organization gives her unique insight into how our partnerships, operations, and strategy work together to advance economic mobility. The Board’s unanimous decision reflects our confidence in her ability to lead CareerRise into its next chapter.”
“I am honored to step into this role,” said Joyce. “CareerRise has tremendous opportunity to deepen our impact connecting employers, training providers, funders, and community partners to expand opportunity across Metro Atlanta. I am deeply grateful to Doug Hooker for his leadership and guidance, and I look forward to working alongside our partners to build on our strong foundation, strengthen our regional workforce system, and advance skilled workers, good jobs, and strong communities across Metro Atlanta.”
Joyce holds a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Business Management from Kennesaw State University. Prior to joining CareerRise, she worked in workforce development at WorkSource Atlanta, where she served in roles ranging from Labor Market Analyst to External Programs Manager.
The Board extends its appreciation to Doug Hooker for his service as Interim CEO. During a critical transition period, Hooker provided steady leadership, strategic guidance, and organizational stability that positioned CareerRise for continued success.
CareerRise remains committed to advancing economic mobility through close collaboration with employers, workforce organizations, and community partners throughout Metro Atlanta.
About CareerRise, Inc.
CareerRise, Inc. is a workforce intermediary that strategically connects the dots between employers, training providers, support services, job seekers, and workforce funders to build partnerships and implement impactful workforce strategies in Metro Atlanta.
To learn more about CareerRise, please visit our website.
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Media Contact:
Allison Carpenter, Communications Manager
CareerRise
[email protected]