Jenny Geno is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in career and technical education (CTE), special education, and educational leadership. After serving as the Executive Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Director of Career Education Planning District (CEPD) 23 at Saginaw Intermediate School District (ISD) for seven years, Jenny concluded her role in July of 2024 to take on the position of Workforce Development Specialist at Hemlock Semiconductor. In her new role, Jenny focuses on developing workforce development strategies, creating talent pipelines, and aligning educational initiatives with the semiconductor industry’s evolving workforce needs.
Throughout her career, Jenny has been a champion for advancing workforce development and educational equity. While at Saginaw ISD, she successfully secured over $6.5 million in competitive state grants, expanded apprenticeship opportunities for youth, and co-led the creation of Michigan’s first teacher apprenticeship program. She was instrumental in the historic passage of a historic CTE millage in Saginaw County in 2018 and led the establishment of eight PRIME schools across Saginaw County, creating a vital talent pipeline for manufacturing. Under her leadership, she developed 8 brand new CTE programs and 6 advanced training opportunities for students at the Saginaw Career Complex. In addition, she developed the very first CTE Early Middle College programs in healthcare and education through the Saginaw Career Complex, accelerating students into the workforce and reducing student debt. Her initiatives have bridged the gap between industry and education, providing students with career pathways in high-demand fields such as engineering, advanced manufacturing, health occupations, hospitality, construction, education, insurance, and cybersecurity.
Jenny’s extensive professional experience also includes the establishment of a new CTE department at the Saginaw ISD, where she built a team to support CTE and career development across Saginaw County. She also held various leadership roles at the Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center including Special Populations Coordinator, Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor, Assistant Principal, Associate Director and Career Education Planning District Director.
Jenny’s academic credentials reflect her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Michigan State University, a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders from Saginaw Valley State University, and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, from Saginaw Valley State University. She also holds additional credentials in Leadership, Great Expectations Methodology, Career and Technical Education, and Public Policy.
A recognized leader in the field, Jenny has served on several state and national boards, including the Michigan ACTE Executive Board, the Youth Solutions Board, Michigan CEPD Council Executive Board, Michigan’s Apprenticeship Advisory Board, and the Michigan State Workforce Development Board. Jenny has also been a board member for many local organizations, some of which include Saginaw Future, Inc., the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, the Great Lakes Bay Manufacturers Association, Partnershift, the Community Engagement and Inclusion Council, and the Dow Chemical CAP Council. She currently serves on the Michigan Chamber’s Health, Human Resources and Talent Committee, Michigan Association of Career and Technical Education Executive Board, Youth Solutions Board, Michigan Works Career Education Advisory Board, and Midland’s Childcare Collabor-action Team.
Jenny has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 National CTE Administrator of the Year Award, the 2022 ACTE CTE Administrator Region 1 Award, 2022 Michigan CTE Administrator of the Year Award, the 2021 Michigan Manufacturers Association Talent Champion Award, the 2020 Junior Achievement Distinguished Achievement Award in Education, and the 2023 YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Education.
She has presented at various conferences and workshops on topics including leadership, CTE, registered apprenticeship, industry partnerships, and workforce development. Her commitment to education and workforce transformation is further reflected in her published works, which include articles in Techniques and Academic Leadership Online.
Her dedication to improving educational outcomes and building stronger connections between schools and industries has earned her recognition as a visionary leader in education and workforce development.