Portland, OR — May 5, 2026 — Worksystems is thrilled to announce the appointment of Miriam Halliday as its next Chief Executive Officer. Halliday brings a decade of experience leading public workforce systems and will assume the role as the organization enters a pivotal moment for aligning workforce strategies with the Portland metro region’s economic development goals.

Halliday currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Southwest Washington, where she helped coordinate a complex, multi-county public workforce system, working closely with employers, labor, education partners, community-based organizations, and elected officials to expand economic opportunity and strengthen regional competitiveness. She succeeds Andrew McGough, who announced his retirement earlier this year after more than two decades of leadership at Worksystems.

“I have known and worked with Miriam for years,” said Andrew McGough, outgoing Executive Director. “She is an innovative, passionate workforce leader and is the perfect fit to lead Worksystems into the future. We are lucky to have her.”

A Portland native and graduate of Portland State University, Halliday brings deep regional knowledge and strong relationships across the region. As CEO, she will lead Worksystems’ efforts to coordinate the public workforce system across the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Washington County—supporting jobseekers, employers, and communities through effective partnerships and smart investments.

Halliday has collaborated closely with Worksystems for many years on shared regional strategies that reflect the integrated labor market via 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 and advanced employer-driven strategies such as the nationally recognized Quality Jobs Initiative.

During her tenure at Workforce Southwest Washington, Halliday led a comprehensive strategic planning process that aligned Board members, staff, and partners around shared priorities and long-term investments, positioning the organization for long-term impact and sustainability. She spearheaded several initiatives that gained statewide and national attention, including the launch of Next in 2017, the first and only youth employment and training center in Clark County. She also designed and managed pilots that led to two statewide programs: Career Connect Washington and Economic Security for All, a career connected learning model and a poverty-reduction model that was later codified into state law.

“Miriam has led Workforce Southwest Washington with steadiness, integrity, and a deep commitment to our mission. She has strengthened the organization, increased alignment, and positioned us well for the future,” said Board Chair A.D. Simmons.

“Worksystems has made an outstanding choice in appointing Miriam,” added Workforce Southwest Washington Board Vice Chair Corey Giles. “I’ve seen firsthand her professionalism, passion, and commitment to workforce development. She brings people together and leads meaningful change—she will be missed, and her next organization is gaining a remarkable leader.”

Halliday has also worked closely with other workforce boards across Washington State through the Washington Workforce Association, helping secure strong gubernatorial and legislative support for statewide workforce investments while reinforcing the role of local workforce boards. Her leadership has emphasized strong governance, fiscal stewardship, cross-sector collaboration, and results-driven systems change.

“We look forward to her bringing the energy and talents she demonstrated in Southwest Washington to Worksystems,” said James Paulson, Worksystems Board Chair.

Halliday was selected following a comprehensive, national search led by the search firm Raftelis and a Search Committee made up of members of Worksystems’ Board of Directors. The process included broad outreach, multiple interview rounds, and engagement with staff and regional partners, with a focus on identifying a leader who brings deep workforce system expertise, strong regional relationships, and a collaborative, values-driven leadership style.

“We are lucky to have found such an experienced, well-connected, and capable leader in Miriam to meet this unique moment in the history of Worksystems,” said Paul Brown, Chair of the Search Committee. “She is exactly who we need right now.”

Halliday will begin her role with Worksystems on June 22, 2026.

Release Date: May 5, 2026
End Date: July 1, 2026
Media Contact: Rachael Brown (she/her),Worksystems Communications Manager
[email protected], 503-459-1565