Brian Richard, Ph.D., leads NIU’s Workforce Policy Lab (WPL). At the WPL, his most recent work concentrates on the evaluation of state and local workforce development and training programs. Recent projects include evaluations of WIOA Title I programs in Colorado and Wyoming, Illinois workforce boards training expenditures and the IllinoisWorks Pre-apprenticeship program. He has also completed the legislatively mandated reports on Apprenticeship and Work-based Learning in Illinois, the economic impacts of Illinois’ community college system and the Illinois defense industry. Previously, Brian was an assistant professor in the Department of Economic and Workforce Development at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he taught courses focused on research methods, economic development finance, and business recruiting and retention.
Yolanda Clark, Ph.D., leads research and evaluation for the Workforce Policy Lab. Her most recent work concentrates on workforce equity and the evaluation of state and federal workforce development and job training programs. Prior to joining NIU-WPL, Yolanda was an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Community Development at Delta State University.
Jennifer Foil, Ph.D., leads the design and implementation of statewide systems to expand apprenticeships and work-based learning. She advises the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Workforce Innovation Board, driving strategic planning, cross-organization alignment and policy innovation to build a more responsive workforce ecosystem. Jennifer collaborates with state and national partners to advance promising practices. Outside of work, Jennifer serves on the Board of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA).
Andy Blanke, MPA, specializes in data analysis and has been involved in many statewide data projects, including statewide and regional economic development plans, the Statistical Adjustment Model for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the Enterprise Zone Data Assistance Program. Andy also hosts trainings on using PowerBI software for visualizing economic and demographic data.
Nate Carlson is the technical assistance program manager and state apprenticeship mentor for the Apprenticeship Illinois grant program facilitated in part by the NIU Workforce Policy Lab team. Previously, he worked as an apprenticeship outreach specialist/business services team member in Southeast Illinois and taught communication courses as an adjunct instructor at Eastern Illinois University.
Candace Dickerson is a research associate and workforce development technical assistance program manager for Northern Illinois University. She focuses on workforce development policies and practices for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), where she helps to provide technical assistance and support to grantees across a range of initiatives.
With a strong background in workforce development, Candace brings extensive experience working with special populations, including under-served and underrepresented communities, out-of-school youth, minorities and first-generation college students. Candace earned a Master of Science degree in higher education administration and leadership and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Louisiana State University.
Christine Flynn, MSW, MPA, is a research associate at Northern Illinois University’s Workforce Policy Lab, where she leads strategic initiatives at the intersection of workforce and economic development. With over a decade of experience in public service, she brings expertise in advocacy, nonprofit leadership, resource development and organizational strategy. At NIU, Christine has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including programs under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Illinois Works Jobs Act.
Anastasia Kocher is a research specialist for the Workforce Policy Lab focusing on state-sponsored training programs and workforce equity initiatives. Anastasia holds a Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in international politics, both from NIU. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in instructional technology. Anastasia is driven by a passion for workforce innovation, digital equity and empowering underserved communities.
Deidra Minor, Ph.D., is a research and evaluation associate at the Workforce Policy Lab, where she leads applied research focused on improving workforce development systems across Illinois. Her recent work evaluates the role of supportive services and barrier reduction in state-funded job training programs, with a focus on equity, sustainability and community impact. She also supports state agencies and grantees through policy analysis, program design and strategic communication.
Deidra spent over 15 years in higher education, designing curricula and leading degree programs in workforce and leadership development at The University of Southern Mississippi. She holds a Ph.D. in higher education administration with an emphasis in workforce development and is deeply committed to bridging research, policy and practice to improve economic mobility.
Julie Gommel Bailey, M.P.H., has been a research specialist with NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies for 17 years. She has 20 years of survey research experience, designing and managing custom research projects with governmental and public service organizations, including schools, libraries, park districts and health organizations. Her projects provide actionable information to be used in organizational decision-making and planning. She has expertise with multiple modes of survey research, including telephone, internet, mail, focus groups and multi-modal research. Julie earned a Master of Public Health with a focus in health promotion from Northern Illinois University.
Ivy Hood, MPPA, has seven years of research, analytics and project management experience, including data analysis, designing and conducting surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops and educational outreach in northern Illinois. Her experience includes work for the 2020 Census, economic development groups, elections authorities, electric vehicle and other transportation planning, collaborative governance, government revitalization, budgets and community needs/development. Ivy maintains a strong conviction that nuanced and unbiased research and analysis are vital to producing accurate, useful and contextualized information for clients.
Ivy began working at NIU in April 2022 and completed a master’s degree in public policy and administration with a focus in public policy from Northwestern University in December 2022. Ivy earned a B.S. in economics and international Studies from Rockford University.