Ron Hearns is a senior level manager with more than 30 years of business experience. He has an extensive background in employment and training programs that highlight business operations and workforce development projects. He is analytical and a conceptual thinker who strategically partners with decision makers to create opportunities for disadvantaged individuals. Ron currently works as a senior project manager for Ernest R. Sawyer Enterprises and is also a consultant for the Connect Chicago Alliance Project Management Office at O'Hare International Airport, where he oversees and directs new program initiatives and outreach efforts as part of their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Over the past 20 years, Ron has been involved with projects that include strategic development for workforce programs and services at multiple American Job Centers and affiliate centers across the north, south, southeast, and west sides of Chicago. During the past two decades, Ron has developed programs that benefit youth, adults, and dislocated workers. He also develops key relationships and collaborates with local politicians, state representatives, senators, clergy, community-based organizations and other workforce center administrators. Ron holds an M.S. in Marketing Communications and a B.S. in Business Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago.