Chelle Travis is the executive director of SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students. Travis has led the organization since 2019 and has overseen record-setting growth in membership and partner development. Travis’ professional experience is rooted in a wide variety of academic settings, from secondary institutions to universities to technical and community colleges. She also previously served as the director of SkillsUSA Tennessee. Travis has collaborated with every category of career and technical education (CTE) stakeholders to design curricula, develop programs, draft legislation and more. The goal of her efforts remains the same: to help students realize their full personal and professional potential while elevating the value of CTE and bringing it to the forefront of educational discourse.
Workforce development and CTE hit close to home. My mother was a CTSO advisor, my father worked in machining and my grandmother was a licensed cosmetologist. I consider it a true honor to lead this organization that transforms students’ lives.
— CHELLE TRAVIS, SkillsUSA
Since taking the helm in Nov. 2019, Chelle has led SkillsUSA through rapid change with several notable accomplishments, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to its members and mission.
Chelle’s impact on workforce development extends far beyond SkillsUSA through her service on several national boards and committees that directly influence CTE programming and policy.
In addition to her servant leadership on these boards and committees, Chelle proudly represents SkillsUSA through active membership in leading professional associations and organizations.
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Interested in having Chelle attend an upcoming event to provide an overview of SkillsUSA, be a guest on your podcast or serve as a trusted voice in a written publication? Submit this form with details about how you’d like to engage Chelle and a member of our team will follow up with you accordingly.
Her areas of expertise include secondary and postsecondary education, workforce development, education policy and advocacy, industry partnerships and student engagement.
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Across the SkillsUSA network, students, advisors and partners witness the firsthand impact of Chelle’s leadership. Hear how she’s directly influencing their CTE experience and driving meaningful change.
