Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board Appoints Mary Beth Phillips as Executive Director
GENEVA, N.Y. — October 6, 2025 — The Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (FLWIB) has appointed Mary Beth Phillips as its next Executive Director, following its September 17, 2025 Board meeting. Phillips began service on September 29, 2025.
Phillips brings more than 15 years of leadership in workforce development, nonprofit management, and strategic grant planning. Her career reflects a deep commitment to economic mobility and community empowerment, with a proven ability to forge high-impact partnerships across education, healthcare, manufacturing, and the public sector.
She previously served as Director of Grants Development at Finger Lakes Community College, where she led initiatives aligned with labor-market demand and regional talent pipelines. Over the past three years, her team delivered a 1,884% increase in grant awards with a sustained 70% success rate. Throughout her career, she has managed $64+ million in grants and coordinated professional development for hundreds of staff in education, healthcare, and nonprofit settings.
Phillips holds an M.B.A. from Capella University and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Keuka College. She also earned a project management certificate from Cornell University.
“As a Finger Lakes native, I’m honored to step into the role of Executive Director at the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board. I’m excited to help expand opportunities for job seekers and support the region’s employers. I look forward to collaborating with partners across the area to strengthen our workforce and grow our local economy,” said Phillips.
“As our region navigates changing labor markets and fast-shifting industry demands, the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board is essential in connecting people to skills and employers to talent,” said Board Chair Pete Bekisz. “Mary Beth brings the vision, grant savvy, and community-first approach our region needs right now. We’re thrilled to welcome her as Executive Director and confident in the impact the WIB will continue to have under her leadership.”
The Board also extends its gratitude to Michael P. Woloson for his service as Interim Executive Director since July 2024. With the appointment of Phillips, Woloson will return to his position as Deputy Director.
About the Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board
The Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board (FLWIB) aligns regional talent, training, and employer needs across the public, private, education, and nonprofit sectors to strengthen the economy of the Finger Lakes. FLWIB oversees strategy and investment for the local workforce system, connecting jobseekers to in-demand skills and employers to qualified talent.
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