KYLE VAN ACKER
Ham Lake
Summary
Dynamic workforce development leader with over 11 years of experience directing multi-program operations across housing, employment, and behavioral health systems. Expertise includes managing multimillion-dollar public funding streams from DEED, DHS, and Hennepin County while successfully leading diverse and cross-functional teams to launch innovative workforce and housing initiatives that support marginalized populations. Recognized for building high-performing teams, strengthening government partnerships, and advancing equity-centered program design. Actively engaged as a statewide leader on multiple workforce and rehabilitation councils, driving impactful change in community development.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Workforce Development Manager
GOODWILL-EASTER SEALS MINNESOTA
St. Paul, MN
06.2015 - Current
- Provide executive-level leadership for a diverse portfolio of workforce development and housing stabilization programs serving Metro-wide individuals with disabilities, youth experiencing homelessness, and adults exiting homelessness.
- Direct multi-program operations spanning disability employment, youth housing and employment, mental health–focused supported employment, and county-funded homelessness initiatives; $1.28M-FY 2025 Revenue
- Lead, coach, and develop teams of up to 11 professional staff who serve over 200 participants annually; implement performance management systems, accountability structures, and leadership development practices
- Oversee implementation and compliance for multiple public funding streams (DEED, DHS, Hennepin County), ensuring adherence to state and county requirements
- Serve as primary organizational liaison to government partners, contributing to program design, contract negotiations, reporting strategy, and continuous quality improvement
- Launch and scale innovative pilots, including homelessness-to-employment pathways and subsidized employment models
- Drive cross-system collaboration among workforce, housing, and behavioral health partners to improve employment and stability outcomes
- Support grant development, reporting, renewal, and sustainability planning across multiple contracts
- Provide executive briefings, program analysis, and recommendations to senior leadership
- Key Programs Directed: Disability Placement & Retention Services (DEED), Youth Heading Home (DHS), Hennepin County Exiting Homelessness Pilot, Working Well – Individual Placement & Support (IPS), Minnesota Subsidized & Transitional Employment Demonstration (Federal Research Initiative)
Workforce Development Supervisor
Goodwill–Easter Seals Minnesota
St. Paul, MN
10.2014 - 06.2015
- Designed and launched a new subsidized employment program, including service model, employer engagement strategy, and data tracking systems
- Supervised and developed a team of career specialists; led hiring, onboarding, coaching, and performance improvement
- Strengthened program operations through process redesign and responsive service delivery
- Managed partner coordination, reporting, and funder communications
Mental Health Coordinator
Tasks Unlimited, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
11.2010 - 10.2014
- Directed day-to-day operations of two supported housing sites serving adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI)
- Oversaw program safety, crisis response, medication coordination, and resident support services
- Led interdisciplinary teams integrating housing, mental health treatment, and employment supports
- Coordinated care for 12–13 residents, supporting long-term stability and vocational advancement
Education
Masters of Public and Nonprofit Administration -
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY
St. Paul, MN05-2020
Bachelor of Applied Science - Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Duluth, MN08-2007
Skills
- Public Sector Partnerships (State & County)
- Program Design & Implementation
- Workforce Development and Housing Strategy
- Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Grant-Funded Program Oversight
- Training curriculum development and facilitation
- Coalition-Building
- Funder and governmental Advocacy
- Cross-System Collaboration (Workforce, Housing, Behavioral Health)
- Equity-Centered Leadership
- Accessibility Expert
- Event planning
- Multi-Program Operations & Contract Management
- Grant-Funded Program Oversight & Compliance
- Team Leadership
- Coaching & Performance Management
- Equity-Centered & Anti-Racist Leadership
- Motivational Interviewing
- Training facilitation
- Workforce analytics
- Organizational development
- Recruitment strategies
- Employment law
- Labor market analysis
- Staff development
- Curriculum design
- Career counseling
- Training design
- Talent management
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Career development
- Effective communication
- Active listening
Timeline
Workforce Development Manager
GOODWILL-EASTER SEALS MINNESOTA
06.2015 - Current
Workforce Development Supervisor
Goodwill–Easter Seals Minnesota
10.2014 - 06.2015
Mental Health Coordinator
Tasks Unlimited, Inc.
11.2010 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Applied Science - Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
Masters of Public and Nonprofit Administration -
METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Activities
- TREASURER-Envision Communities, Inc, 2021-09, Present
- BOARD MEMBER-Tasks Unlimited, Inc., 2021-06, Present, Mental Health Committee Member
- BOARD OF REGENT-Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, 2015-10, Present
- MEMBER- State Rehabilitation Council, 2022-01, 2025-12
- MEMBER- Governor’s Workforce Development Board, 2022-01, 2025-01
- MEMBER- State Rehabilitation Council for the Blind, 2022-01, 2024-06
- BOARD MEMBER- Lac Courte Oreilles Charter School Authorizer Board, 2018-01, 2024-06
Awards
- APPOINTMENT, GOVERNOR’S WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL-Governor Tim Walz, 2022-01-01, The GWDB has statutory responsibility under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which provides leadership on opportunities and key workforce strategies for the state. I served as a Community Organization Representative and liaison to the State Rehabilitation Council and State Rehabilitation council for the Blind
- BUSH FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP- Forum on Workplace Inclusion, 2020-01-01
- EQUITY WORKS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE, 2017-01-01
- COALITION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING - National Coordinator of the Year, 2012-01-01
- COALITION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING - National Coordinator of the Year, 2014-01-01
- NONPROFIT EMERGING LEADERS ACADEMY, 2011-01-01