EFFINGHAM — The Effingham Regional Career Foundation (ERCF) is proud to announce the appointment of Courtney Conlin as its first Executive Director, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to strengthening workforce development and expanding career opportunities throughout the region.
Since its founding, ERCF has worked collaboratively with local school districts, business and industry partners, and higher education institutions to develop innovative career pathways that prepare students for high-skill, high-demand careers. The addition of a dedicated Executive Director represents the next step in the Foundation’s growth and long-term sustainability.
As Executive Director, Conlin will lead the Foundation’s strategic initiatives, cultivate partnerships, oversee fundraising efforts, support the continued growth of CORE Academy, and advance ERCF’s mission of connecting education with workforce needs across the region.
“Being named CORE Academy’s first Executive Director is both an honor and an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of the organization”, Conlin said. “Career and technical education has always been at the heart of my work, and I am excited to help lead CORE Academy into its next chapter. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated educators, business partners, and community to create innovative pathways that inspire students, prepare them for successful futures, and support the workforce needs of our region. I am grateful for this role and look forward to the continued growth and impact of CORE Academy and the students we serve.”
ERCF Board Chairman Joe Schumacher said the appointment reflects the Foundation’s vision for the future.
‘Courtney understands this region and the employers in it, and she has spent years doing exactly the work CORE Academy exists to do — connecting students to real career pathways. She brings both the educational grounding and the entrepreneurial drive this role needs. Our board is confident she is the right person to lead CORE Academy into its next phase.” Schumacher serves as Vice President of Operations for Stevens Industries.
The Effingham Regional Career Foundation was established to create sustainable pathways to employment by bringing together education, business, and community leaders to address regional workforce needs. Through initiatives such as CORE Academy, the Foundation provides students with hands-on career exploration, technical training, industry-recognized credentials, and meaningful connections with local employers.
The Executive Director position will focus on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening employer engagement, increasing student access through scholarships and community investment, and ensuring ERCF continues to serve as a regional leader in workforce innovation.
“The appointment of our first Executive Director is more than filling a leadership role,” said S chumacher. “It represents an investment in the future of our students, our employers, and the economic vitality of our region.”
As ERCF continues to grow, the Foundation remains committed to building strong partnerships that create opportunities for students while helping local businesses develop the skilled workforce they need to succeed.
About the Effingham Regional Career Foundation
The Effingham Regional Career Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing innovative, skills-based education and workforce solutions that prepare students and adult learners for career success while strengthening the regional economy. Through partnerships with school districts, higher education, employers, and community organizations, ERCF supports career exploration, technical training, and workforce development initiatives that meet the evolving needs of employers throughout the region.