Worksystems Announces the Retirement of Executive Director Andrew McGough 

Portland, Ore. — January 26, 2026 — Worksystems Executive Director Andrew McGough will retire effective June 30, 2026, after more than two decades leading the Portland Metro Workforce Development Board, and more than three decades of workforce development service. His tenure has been marked by transformative investments in workforce and economic development, advancing equity, opportunity, and business competitiveness across the region.

Under McGough’s leadership, Worksystems championed initiatives such as the Summerworks youth work experience program, Future Ready Oregon/Prosperity 10,000, and sector partnerships that strengthened job quality and created pathways for thousands of residents. Central to this was his leadership role in forming the Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC), a dynamic partnership of the region’s three Workforce Development Boards (Worksystems, Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and Workforce SW Washington). Together, the CWWC has brought more than $60M in competitive workforce grants to our regional labor shed.

McGough’s advocacy also led to the adoption of the Oregon Self-Sufficiency Standard as a tool to fully understand the amount of income necessary to meet the basic needs of Oregon families—without help from public subsidies, differentiated by family type and location. His commitment to human-centered design and inclusive career pathways have left a lasting impact on the region’s workforce system.

Legacy in Workforce Development
McGough’s first job in workforce development was as the Director of Finance and Administration for the Private Industry Council of Southwest Washington. After eight years in Southwest Washington, he went on to serve as the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Workforce Boards in Washington, DC.

Upon moving back to Portland, Oregon in 2001, McGough dove into regional workforce development efforts. He became the Chief Operating Officer at the Washington Workforce Association that year and moved on to the same role at Worksystems in 2003. He was promoted to Executive Director of Worksystems in August 2006.

Celebrating Leadership and Service
Throughout his time as Executive Director of Worksystems, McGough has been a convenor and collaborator—aligning policymakers, education, labor, and employers to design programs that produce durable economic outcomes for community members and businesses.

“Andrew has drawn on his deep knowledge of the workforce system to elevate our region’s understanding of what’s possible. His leadership has helped illuminate the potential we have—and the opportunities we must seize—to build a stronger, more resilient workforce for the future.” – James Paulson, Owner of JMPDX, LLC and Worksystems Board Chair

“Andrew McGough’s leadership as Executive Director of Worksystems leaves an indelible mark—strengthening opportunity across our region while helping to shape the national conversation on workforce development. As he retires, we celebrate a career defined by vision, partnership, and lasting impact for employers, jobseekers, and communities alike.” – Travis Stovall, CEO of eRep and Mayor of Gresham

“Andrew’s strategic leadership has been central to workforce development throughout Oregon and at the national level for more than 25 years. He has played a key role in building the innovative workforce system Oregon relies on today through his relentless vision and commitment to impact. Andrew has also been a trusted mentor and friend, and his influence on this work will be felt for years to come.” – Georgia Conrad, Executive Director/CEO of Oregon Workforce Partnership

“I’m deeply grateful to our Board, our amazing staff, and the countless partners who have made this journey so meaningful. Together, we’ve met challenges head‑on, celebrated real successes, and built a stronger, more inclusive workforce system for our region.” – Andrew McGough

Recruitment for New Executive Director
The Worksystems Board has initiated a search for the next Executive Director to continue this legacy of innovation and impact. Interested candidates can learn more and apply here.

Release Date: January 26, 2026
End Date: February 17, 2026
Media Contact: Rachael Brown (she/her),Worksystems Communications Manager
[email protected], 503-459-1565