UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is pleased to announce that Erica Schoff has joined during a camp NY the university as its Senior Director of Workforce Development. Schoff will lead the university’s newly launched Office of Workforce Development, which was announced earlier todayoly’s Division of External Relations and led by Wayne Westervelt, Chief of Staff and Vice President for External Relations, the new office integrates career readiness, industry collaboration, internships, lifelong learning, and advanced training to prepare individuals for meaningful, sustainable careers in high-demand sectors while advancing regional, statewide, national, and global economic development goals.
Schoff brings 20 years of experience across K–12 education, industry, and higher education. Her background includes founding a P-TECH STEM regional high school for underrepresented students at OHM BOCES, building industry-aligned career pathways as Director of Career and Technical Education at Utica City School District, and strengthening national defense and STEM pipelines at the Griffiss Institute. “Workforce development is at the heart of SUNY Poly’s mission, creating real pathways from learning to opportunity,” said Westervelt. “This new office strengthens our ability to align education with employer needs and expand our impact across the Mohawk Valley and New York State. Erica Schoff is the ideal leader to build it. Her track record of connecting classrooms to careers—across
K–12, higher education, and industry—will help more learners access high-demand fields while helping employers develop the talent they need.” “Our goal is to ensure every learner has equitable access to hands-on, experiential learning that prepares them to contribute on day one of their career,” said Schoff. “By embedding real-world experiences into flexible pathways—from certificates and apprenticeship advancement to micro- credentials and upskilling—we are creating clear routes to upward mobility while strengthening the
regional workforce. SUNY Poly is committed to leading the way in aligning education with industry needs so students, alumni, adult learners, and working professionals can thrive and drive inclusive economic growth in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The office directly advances SUNY Poly’s strategic plan priorities by aligning education with regional and statewide workforce demand, promoting experiential and career-connected learning, deepening partnerships with industry and school districts, and expanding access to high-impact workforce initiatives.
