WPTI Welcomes New Board Chair, Colin Mincy of Human Rights Watch

Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Colin Mincy, Chief People Officer at Human Rights Watch, as our new Board Chair. Colin is a global HR, talent and work culture thought leader who became Human Rights Watch’s inaugural Chief People Officer in 2019, when the organization elevated the role to demonstrate its commitment to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and to ensure a resilient and thriving staff that reflect the organization’s global role, identity, and mandate. He takes on this new role as Board Chair after serving WPTI for four years as a member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

For four years, I have been honored to serve WPTI as a member of its Board of Directors and have watched proudly as the leadership and staff of the organization have diligently worked to serve the New York workforce community meaningfully, ensuring all people experience and have access to the dignity of work. I am deeply humbled and honored to have been appointed Chair and appreciate the confidence that the Board Vice Chairs and members have placed in me. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that in this moment of record unemployment, particularly in marginalized communities, that we have the resources, partnerships, and programs in place to meet the moment and ensure that we recover and rebuild from the challenges that the pandemic has placed in our path. I am confident that the future for WPTI and New York City’s workforce will be bright,” said Colin Mincy.

“I am thrilled to have a leader with Colin’s extensive experience in human resources and talent management as our new Chair,” said Sharon Sewell-Fairman, CEO of WPTI. “His deep expertise in understanding the workforce needs of a changing labor market is equally matched by his passion and commitment to driving social change for marginalized populations, and will be invaluable to WPTI’s mission and critical work to build the capacity of organizations that provide job training, education and placement services. WPTI is extremely honored to have Colin lead the organization at this pivotal moment.”

Board member Blake Foote, a workforce development consultant, remarked, “Having worked with Colin on the WPTI Board in recent years, his talents and impact are clear. Colin's dynamic leadership will fortify the organization's new strategies to help the workforce field re-orient services as we rebuild from the effects of the pandemic and make significant strides in digital inclusion.”

“Colin is an amazing leader, who brings to WPTI a sharp intellect, deep commitment to equity, and profound ability to inspire teams and stakeholders. These attributes are especially valuable at a time when WPTI's crucial work to strengthen job readiness and training for job seekers in communities of color and advance digital inclusion in the workplace is more needed than ever.  I am excited for WPTI (and for myself) to have Colin as a valued leader and colleague,” said Joan Rosenthal, WPTI’s Vice Chair.

Colin possesses a long track record of leadership in the field of human resources and talent development. Prior to joining Human Rights Watch, he was the Director of Culture and Change Management for Open Society - US, and managed human resources operations for Open Society Foundation’s US offices. Colin also worked at the International Rescue Committee leading the regional human resources function for its US and European headquarters. Previously, Colin worked in the finance and technology sector as HR Business Partner Consultant for CFO Americas at Credit Suisse, Head of Human Resources at Tracx, and led SimCorp’s North America function in New York and Toronto.

Colin’s contributions to making the world and his community a better place extend beyond his work at Human Rights Watch. He is a member of CNBC’s Workforce Executive Council, an invitation-only group of CHROs, DEI and talent management leaders who regularly contribute ideas and share their expertise on topics necessary to succeed and thrive in the current ever-changing business and living environment. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Youth Represent, a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that young people affected by the criminal justice system are afforded every opportunity to reclaim lives of dignity, self-fulfillment, and engagement in their communities. Additionally, Colin sits on the Advisory Board of Hacking HR and is a founding member of their Experts Council. Since 2007, Colin has given of his time and resources as an advisor and workshop facilitator for INROADS New York/New Jersey, a program that he is alumni of and attributes much of his success to.

Please join us in welcoming Colin as our new Chair.