RIT Certified appoints new executive director to lead Workforce Development

Rochester, New York – Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has announced the appointment of Rosalie Clemens as the new executive director of RIT Certified, the university’s professional education and workforce development division. Clemens, who officially assumed the role on February 25, brings a wealth of experience in technology, business, and workforce education, positioning her as a strong leader for the organization’s future.

With a background in strategic leadership and industry partnerships, Clemens has played a key role in bridging the gap between education and workforce demands. Before joining RIT Certified, she served as vice president of Workforce Development and Community Engagement at AmeriCOM, where she led national initiatives aimed at strengthening workforce education in the optics industry.

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Her career spans a diverse range of roles across academia, research, and business. She previously worked as senior director of Strategic Initiatives at GS1, an international business standards organization, and director of Global Business Development at Rochester Precision Optics. Her experience extends globally, having worked in Germany, Arizona, and New York, contributing to high-tech industries, startups, and Fortune 500 companies alike.

A Vision for Workforce Development

As executive director, Clemens will oversee RIT Certified’s mission to equip professionals with critical skills, create clear employment pathways, and support businesses by addressing industry workforce needs. She expressed enthusiasm about her new role, emphasizing RIT’s commitment to experiential learning and innovation.

“RIT has a reputation for its leadership in experiential education, and innovation in technology, the arts, and design. RIT Certified leverages those strengths and reflects a deep commitment to regional employers and jobseekers,” said Clemens. “I am very excited to join the exceptional team at RIT Certified, and I look forward to partnering with colleagues across the university to build upon a critical, shared vision.”

Her appointment is expected to drive new collaborations between the university and regional employers, reinforcing RIT Certified’s role as a leader in professional training and workforce upskilling.

Extensive Academic and Industry Background

Clemens holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota and degrees in engineering physics from Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences in Germany. Additionally, she pursued postgraduate studies and research at the College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.

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Her expertise in optics, technology, and business strategy has made her a respected figure in workforce development, particularly within the Rochester community, where she has been actively involved for over a decade.

University Leadership Welcomes Clemens

RIT leadership is optimistic about Clemens’ appointment, recognizing her broad industry knowledge and strategic vision as key assets for advancing RIT Certified’s mission.

“I am delighted to welcome Rosalie Clemens to RIT,” said Prabu David, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “Her extensive expertise and leadership experience will guide RIT Certified as it continues to develop exceptional educational training opportunities that are aligned to meet the needs of employers and the job economy. I am excited to work with Rosalie on this exciting opportunity for RIT.”

Under Clemens’ leadership, RIT Certified is poised to expand its professional education programs, ensuring that individuals and businesses alike have the tools they need to thrive in an evolving job market.