Rocky Mount, NC – Longtime business leader Reuben Blackwell will lead a national network of career training organizations dedicated to building economic power for poor people across America. Executive directors of OIC of America elected Reuben Blackwell as its new leader effective March 2024. Blackwell has served as OIC of Rocky Mount’s President & CEO for over 25 years. Last summer, Blackwell welcomed President Joe Biden on his visit to Rocky Mount to talk about the importance of career development and skills training in the U.S. economy.
“I’m honored to know that I have the trust of OIC’s executive leaders across America to represent their interests to our Board of Directors and to our national stakeholders,” says Reuben C. Blackwell, IV. He continues, “I’m excited to join our leadership team and build the momentum to reach our goal of training tens of thousands of Americans to fulfill the demand that a growing American economy needs.”
Blackwell will take the helm in March when all OIC affiliate leaders converge in Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal funding to build OIC of America’s Sullivan Training Network. The Network will offer no cost, accredited career training to tackle the national labor shortage, while meeting workers’ need for stable, good paying careers. The Network has garnered multi-million dollar funding from national funders, including MacKenzie Scott and Blue Meridian Partners.
“The Executive Directors Association of OIC of America is our strongest ally,” says Louis J. King II, President & CEO of OIC of America. “Reuben’s leadership is critical to translating the decades of collective experience of our leaders on the ground to increase the Sullivan Training Network’s national impact. America is stronger when we tackle the systemic barriers that keep poor people from fully participating in today’s economy, and that’s what we continue to build towards with Reuben.”
OICs have been building economic power for poor people for more than 60 years. Its 25 affiliate organizations in forgotten communities throughout the country have trained over 2 million people.
About OIC of America
OIC of America (OICA) is a national nonprofit with 60 years of experience transforming lives and strengthening communities through meaningful participation in today’s economy. Strategically located in the hearts of forgotten places, OICA’s 25 affiliates support underserved communities in 15 states throughout the nation. Visit https://oicofamerica.org/ to learn more.
About OIC of Rocky Mount
OIC Rocky Mount is a sustainable approach to workforce development. Through integrated programs, OIC is uniquely positioned to offer an excellent academy, employer engagement opportunities, and medical services. Students experience in-depth classroom sessions combined with real world simulations, and potential employers can find well-trained, job-ready employees. Visit https://oicone.org/ to learn more.
