As the new year begins, the Corry Higher Education Council welcomes Matt Platz as their new Executive Director. Platz, a Girard, PA native, is no stranger to small towns with big goals. “I look forward to helping the Hi-Ed and the community of Corry continue its current positive trajectory by sharing my knowledge and creating exciting, new opportunities as the Executive Director,” said Platz.

The Corry Hi-Ed Executive Director plays a major role in the overall progress of the Corry community, one reason Platz was interested in the position. “I have had the opportunity to work with other community members on current projects and felt the sense of ownership of the community they each brought to the table,” said Platz.

With a focus on addressing the hidden workforce, Platz’s previous experience stood out to the Hi-Ed board of directors. “Most recently, I have worked with refugee groups to help them find employment and overcome many of the challenges they experience,” said Platz. “This process has provided knowledge about how best to upskill and remove barriers for the hidden workforce.”

“Matt’s forward thinking and passion to bring success to our organization stood out during the hiring process,” said Curtis Martin, Board of Directors Vice President. The board of directors worked quick and efficiently to hire prior to the holiday season and are excited to introduce Platz to the Corry community. “As a board, we worked very hard to find someone who will carry on our current mission and also bring fresh insight to our existing, excellent staff,” said Martin. “I would like to thank the board and staff for coming together and spending many hours to find the right person for this position.”

The Corry Hi-Ed was established as a nonprofit in 1991 to facilitate the availability of adult education and workforce training in the Corry area. It was the second of nine community education councils to be formed in Pennsylvania since the Warren-Forest Higher Education Council was created in 1984.