The ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program of America is pleased to announce the appointment of Jack Kalavritinos to President and Chief Executive Officer effective February 1, 2015. In the new role of President and CEO Jack brings over 20 years of leadership experience garnered in both the public and private sectors to ACE, one of America’s top workforce development organizations encouraging youth to pursue STEM-related careers. Jack succeeds John Strock who served as Executive Director the past 3 years during a time of transition and strategic re-orientation for the organization.
Seventy percent (70%) of students completing the ACE program enter college studying in an industry-related subject area – many are from underserved populations. ACE annually involves 2,200 design and construction professionals who mentor approximately 8,000 high school students during a 40-hour after-school program.
“After an extensive executive search, ACE is fortunate to have selected Jack Kalavritinos to help coalesce and lead the organization for its next growth steps. He is uniquely qualified to lead ACE based on his proven organizational and leadership skills, strength in advocacy, and strategic communications" stated Thomas Gilbane Jr., ACE Board Co-Chair and Chairman and CEO, Gilbane Building Company. Dr. Charles H. Thornton, ACE Board Co-Chair noted, “With this appointment, I look forward to ACE undertaking exciting and dynamic opportunities in pursuit of our strategic goals in the years to come.” Tony Guzzi, ACE Executive Committee Member and President & CEO, EMCOR Group, Inc. added, "We're confident Jack will build on ACE's successes and help forge a path towards a stronger and more visible nationwide program in the future.”
In speaking about his appointment Jack Kalavritinos said, “ACE has long been a leading example of a successful private-sector solution to a critical workforce development challenge and I'm proud to have the opportunity to be part of the leadership of this extraordinary organization. I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated executives, mentors, sponsors and national staff to strengthen the value provided to ACE affiliates and sponsors, and find innovative ways to communicate to students, educators, employers, and other stakeholders while continuing to build the program nationwide.”
Jack comes to ACE most recently from Covidien, a global healthcare products company, where he has been Director of Global Government Affairs. Previously he served as a senior official in the Office of the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spearheading outreach efforts in the states and communities, including leading a team of regional directors. Jack’s leadership positions also include Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel for the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) where he worked with volunteer leaders to increase the industry's voice in states and on Capitol Hill; many ACEC members are active ACE sponsors. Jack has also served in other positions within government, political and legal organizations.
Jack earned his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., and his law degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
About the ACE Mentor Program
The ACE Mentor Program of America was founded in 1994 by the principals of distinguished design and construction firms under the leadership and guiding force of Dr. Charles H. Thornton. Its mission is to engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, and construction through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry. ACE’s 67 affiliates in 36 states organize 2,200 mentors to deliver a 15-session after-school program to almost 8,000 students. ACE’s sponsors include many of America’s leading companies in the design and construction industry. For more information visit www.acementor.org.
