Local Content Power List 2026: Kate Shea

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Kate Shea brings a deeply grounded, equity-centered approach to workforce development, shaped by experience across rural communities, education systems, and regional planning. As Chief Operations Officer in the Office of Initiatives at Cal Poly Humboldt, Shea focuses on building accessible local workforce pathways that connect people to skilled careers and long-term economic stability. Her commitment was forged early in her career while working in human resources in a rural Midwestern town, where she saw how county-level vocational programs could successfully prepare young people for manufacturing careers.

Another formative moment came through her involvement in developing regional healthcare career pathways, watching them evolve from early concepts into self-sustaining systems. Today, Shea applies those lessons by helping lead apprenticeship readiness programs and contributing to regional workforce strategy with a focus on equity and access. She works closely with community partners, educators, and the trades to remove barriers and align pathways with employer needs, particularly as the energy transition reshapes local labor markets.

Looking ahead, Shea sees the greatest opportunity in strengthening strategic partnerships that support coordinated planning and sustainable workforce solutions. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and intentional design to ensure emerging opportunities translate into lasting community benefit.