Bronx native brings economic development and talent pipeline management experience to the Bronx Private Industry Council
BRONX, NEW YORK — HERE To HERE, a Bronx career pathways nonprofit, today announced the selection of Dr. Edward “Eddie” Summers to head the Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC), an employer-led, student-centered alliance transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx. Summers joins the Bronx PIC from Long Island University, where he served as Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Chief Strategy and Planning Officer. Summers was also instrumental in building the Brooklyn Education Innovation Network (BE.IN), where he managed the Tech Talent Pipeline Internship program. He brings vast economic development knowledge and strategic leadership experience to the PIC, which will officially launch later this spring.
“Eddie was born and raised in the Bronx and knows firsthand the power internships and work-based learning can have on a young person’s career pathway,” said Abby Jo Sigal, CEO of HERE to HERE. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Eddie leading the Bronx PIC in its inaugural summer. His experience in building strong internship programs and collaborative talent pipelines will be an incredible asset in the PIC’s efforts to address talent gaps, provide meaningful work-based learning experiences to Bronx students, and partner with Bronx high schools and CUNY to continue developing talent in the borough.”
Summers will lead the Bronx PIC’s transition from a pilot project to a sustainable independent organization in collaboration with HERE to HERE, which founded the organization in partnership with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and a diverse and committed group of local employers and institutions. He will also be responsible for shaping the organization’s strategic vision and operations and managing external relationships.
“Congratulations to Eddie Summers and best of luck to him in his new role as Executive Director of the Bronx Private Industry Council. The Bronx PIC has only been operating for a short time but is an important resource to create ladders to achievement for those involved in its internships and other job training programs,” said Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President. “Developing our young local talent is crucial in ensuring the success of businesses in our borough and I am excited to see them continue this great work and more with a fresh perspective under their new leadership.”
Summers’ own career pathway is an example of the power of internship opportunities in the borough. He grew up in the South Bronx, had his first internship at 13 years old, and worked at several law firms in New York City as a legal assistant at 15 years old. He believes these experiences shaped his ability to access future education and job opportunities.
“As a South Bronx native, I am thrilled and honored to work in my community to advance an organization that has such an important mission,” said Summers. “The Bronx Private Industry Council presents an incredible opportunity to help youth build the skill sets necessary to support the growth of local businesses. The PIC is about investing and betting on the Bronx and its talent.”
Summers has served on the boards of Protect the Dream Youth Programs, the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency, and the Dutchess County Local Development Corporation. He earned his Ph.D. in Public and Urban Policy from The New School. He also received a Master’s of Philosophy from The New School and his Master’s of Public Administration and bachelor’s degrees from Marist College.
“Dr. Summers has the perfect combination of skills needed to meet the needs of our Bronx students looking to prepare for their future, as well as our Bronx employers who want to ensure that they have a workforce that will provide them with the ability to not just stay in business, but grow and expand,” said Marlene Cintron, president, Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.
The Bronx PIC is currently accepting new employer members for the summer 2019 cohort. To learn more about PIC membership, please contact BronxPIC@heretohere.org.
About HERE to HERE
HERE to HERE is a Bronx-based nonprofit that unites employers, educators, and community-based organizations to connect young people to family-sustaining careers and create a thriving, inclusive economy. HERE to HERE supports people and institutions already developing career pathways and breaks down barriers between them. HERE to HERE creates and identifies resources for new programs and advocates for policies that ensure every student can develop the passion, experience, and professional network to get from high school to anywhere.
About the Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC)
The Bronx Private Industry Council (Bronx PIC) is an employer-led, student-centered alliance transforming how businesses, schools, and community organizations develop talent pipelines in the Bronx. The Bronx PIC connects Bronx employers with the talent they need to achieve their long-term business goals, creates internships and work-based learning opportunities for Bronx students, and helps to build a bright economic future for the borough. Founded by HERE to HERE in partnership with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, and a diverse group of local employers and institutions, the Bronx PIC is committed to supporting the evolving needs of Bronx businesses and partnering to prepare Bronx students to generate inclusive economic growth across the borough.
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