The Office of Workforce Development connects CCSF students and San Francisco residents with education, training, work-based learning, and career opportunities. Working across Career Education, Adult Education, Career Services, apprenticeships, and employer-responsive training, the Office helps create accessible pathways from education to credentials, employment, career advancement, and further education.
The Office works with CCSF faculty and staff, the City and County of San Francisco, employers, labor unions, community-based organizations, industry associations, educational institutions, and regional partners. Together, we align programs and resources with workforce needs, expand internships and apprenticeships, and help students develop the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to succeed in San Francisco’s changing economy.
Key Leadership
| Name | Areas |
|---|---|
| John Halpin — Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Development and Partnerships | Workforce Development Career Services Cooperative Work Experience and Education Perkins/California Career Education Act Career Education Pathways Strong Workforce Program (SWP) |
| Stephanie Chenard — Interim Dean, Adult Education, Contract Education, and Extension Programs | Adult Education |
| Zachary Lam — Director, Apprenticeships and ISAs | Apprenticeship |
| James Lewis — Assistant Director, Career Services | Entrepreneurship Center |
Meet Our Team
John Halpin
Interim Associate Vice Chancellor,
Workforce Development and Partnerships
[email protected]
415-452-7013
LinkedIn
I chose to spend my career in the workforce development field because I believe that everyone can achieve career success with the right supports. For over twenty years I have worked with many San Francisco organizations, dedicated to helping people find meaningful employment and advance their skills. I hope to use this experience to continue to serve the San Francisco community and CCSF students in particular. I am grateful to my network that has supported my career growth, and I encourage all CCSF students to grow your network, build your LinkedIn profile, and connect with us in Career Services!
I’ve spent my career at the intersection of education and social work, first as a WIA case manager and then as a program manager for drop-out re-engagement and college access programs in WA state. I’ve worked almost exclusively with special populations, designing programs specifically for homeless young adults, individuals in immigration detention, and young adults involved in the juvenile justice system. Throughout my career I have seen the transformative power of education to liberate minds, create a sense of purpose, and grant access to financial stability. My time working with homeless individuals taught me that workforce development is the most viable and sustainable anti-poverty strategy and I am excited to be doing this important work in the city I grew up in.
James Lewis
Program Lead
Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
[email protected]
415-920-6145
LinkedIn
James Lewis has devoted over 20 years to advancing innovative workforce development initiatives and career services at CCSF, particularly in the realm of work-based learning. His efforts have opened doors to relevant training and employment opportunities for students seeking not just to make a living, but to find satisfaction and purpose in new careers.
Mercede Lorestany
Sr. Management Assistant,
Workforce Development
[email protected]
415-452-5115
LinkedIn
Over the past seventeen years, I have worked in public and private sectors such as the State of California, banking, real estate, and hospitality industries. I was the frontline supervisor responsible for administration and daily activities. My formal education and experience have provided me with an in-depth background in understanding the value of communication skills in the public and private sectors. In my current position at CCSF, I value working with my team in the Workforce Development Department where I support and promote Community College Career Education.
I received my AA in Human Resources Administration from Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). I worked in Human Resources Recruiting for two years, as Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Business and Professional Studies for 10 years, and adjunct faculty in Computer Studies for two years at SRJC. I was also Test Center Coordinator for the SAT Program for eight years.
As SRJC Classified Senate President, I served on all key policy and decision-making shared governance committees, and I continue to pursue higher education in hopes of continuing to passionately support and promote Community College Career Education. I also like to bake.