The Pima JTED Governing Board hired Merrill Kemp-Wilcox as the Director of Research and Development, a new position made possible through support from Potoff Private Philanthropy. 

Kemp-Wilcox will focus on building relationships with businesses, industries, educational institutions, and philanthropic communities. Her mission is to enhance Pima JTED’s impact locally in Tucson, Southern Arizona, and nationally in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. 

With a background in education policy and experience in network and coalition building, Kemp-Wilcox aims to strengthen connections between students and industries like mining, optics, healthcare, tech, and the trades. 

Superintendent/CEO Kathy Prather says, “Her appointment signifies a transformational step towards ensuring students receive industry-relevant education and hands-on learning opportunities, ultimately leading to locally relevant jobs and supporting the community and economy.”