
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE
January 24, 2025
Effective February 3, 2025, Michael W. Santos takes the helm of the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board Staff as Executive Director/CEO.
Santos is an accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in workforce development and program management. He brings a wealth of expertise in driving economic growth, securing funding, and fostering strategic partnerships across a variety of sectors. In his most recent position as Career Center Director at MassHire South Shore in Quincy, MA, Santos demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing career services, workforce development initiatives, and community partnerships. He previously served as Director of Reentry and Apprenticeship Integration for the City of Quincy, where he managed reentry programs for individuals transitioning from incarceration, and as Regional Service Director at Eliot Community Human Services, where he managed operations for juvenile justice facilities.
Santos earned an MBA with a specialization in Human Resource Management from Capella University and a bachelor’s in Psychology from Bridgewater State University. His skills include strategic planning, financial management, and building collaborative relationships with government, employers, and community organizations.
A dedicated community leader, Santos serves on the boards of multiple organizations and is committed to enhancing workforce opportunities and supporting community development in Greater New Bedford. Santos is a recipient of several national and regional awards, including the National Society of Leadership and Success award and the President’s Award for Excellence from Southcoast Hospitals Group.
“Following months of screening hundreds of candidates, it was clear that Mike possessed the background needed to oversee the challenges faced by our Workforce Board in strengthening our local economy. Mike possesses the skills and leadership style needed to guide efforts in upskilling job seekers and connecting them to occupations that support our local employers,” said David Slutz, MassHire GNB Workforce Board Chair.
“As I embark on this new chapter, I carry with me the valuable experiences and lessons learned from my time at MassHire South Shore. I am excited to apply these insights in my new role and work tirelessly to drive innovation, growth, and positive change at the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board.” Mike said of his new role.
Outside of work, Santos serves as a trial judge for the American Kennel Club, specializing in Beagles and Basset Hounds, and breeds and trains Beagles. He enjoys traveling, especially cruising. He resides in Dartmouth with his wife, has four grown children and one grandchild.
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About the MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board
The MassHire Greater New Bedford Workforce Board is a business-led, policy-setting board that oversees workforce development initiatives in the ten-community region stretching from Dartmouth to Wareham, MA. Appointed by New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, the Board is composed of business, civic, education, labor, and community leaders.
The Workforce Board oversees workforce development efforts in Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, and Wareham. The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board is one of 16 similar Boards in Massachusetts. Workforce Investment Boards direct federal, state, and private funding for educational and occupational skills programs.