Allied Universal reappoints Northeast Region President to NY WIOA Board

NEW YORK—Allied Universal, a North American-based security and facility services company, announced the reappointment of Caress Kennedy, regional president, Northeast Region, to the New York board supporting the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The board, in partnership with the Mayor, provides overall policy guidance and oversight on the implementation of WIOA in New York City.  A member since 2014, Kennedy was reappointed to the board for the remainder of WIOA’s three-year term.

“I am very excited to be reappointed as part of the executive committee of WIOA in New York City and look forward to working with fellow members to strengthen and improve the city’s public workforce system and help get New Yorkers, including youth and those with significant barriers to employment, into high-quality jobs and careers,” Kennedy said. “My work with WIOA is truly rewarding because the organization provides the opportunity for people to find careers through training, education, and support services which gives them the ability to succeed in their lives and to care for their families.”

The WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. It also aims to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. WIOA was signed into law on July 22, 2014. The work of the Board represents a vital link to improve the City’s workforce to better meet the needs of business and industry.

In her role at Allied Universal, Kennedy has oversight of more than 26,000 security professionals in eight states. She previously served as managing partner for the Northeast Region at AlliedBarton Security Services, which merged with Universal Services of America to form Allied Universal in 2016. Prior to joining the company in 2011, Kennedy held senior-level positions where she was responsible for regional and national operations at COMSYS, Global Employment Solutions, Norrell Corporation, Thomson Financial and Xerox.