Bunker Hill Community College has named Kristen P. McKenna to the position of Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. In this capacity, McKenna will manage corporate learning initiatives, development programs, and community education offerings at the institution. The newly renamed Division of Workforce and Economic Development assists regional businesses and community-based organizations through career pathway development, specialized training programs, and personalized assistance aimed at strengthening workforce and economic growth throughout the greater Boston area.
McKenna brings more than 20 years of experience in implementing, managing, and developing policy across higher education, workforce development, and nonprofit and government-supported initiatives. She has served in senior leadership roles at River Valley Community College in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and Bristol Community College in Fall River, Massachusetts, where she focused on program enhancement, enrollment growth, and industry-aligned workforce training.
Through her work with the Rhode Island Governor’s Workforce Board and the Institute for Labor Studies and Research, McKenna has led multiple initiatives aimed at increasing credential completion using technology-driven approaches. She will contribute significant expertise to BHCC’s workforce development efforts and the creation of pathways connecting non-credit to credit programs.
BHCC’s community education offerings have become a vital resource for the Greater Boston area, providing English language instruction, test preparation, continuing education, and international learning opportunities. During the 2018 academic year, the College served over 2500 students in customized training, community education, and adult basic education programs. By prioritizing workforce and economic development, BHCC plans to broaden access and equity through expanded course offerings and innovative pathway development, ensuring community members have flexible, supported options.
The division is collaborating with organizations including Facebook to create new opportunities supporting local entrepreneurs through workshops on social media marketing and related topics.
McKenna earned a Masters of Education in Adult Learning and Higher Education Administration from Eastern Nazarene College, a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Rhode Island College. For more information about BHCC’s Workforce and Economic Development program and available courses, visit bhcc.edu/ce.