CWEE Names New Chief Executive Officer, Kate Horle

The Board of Directors of the Center for Work Education & Employment (CWEE), a celebrated local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing employment training and support, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Horle as its new Chief Executive Officer.

With more than two decades of experience as an executive leader, Kate brings expertise in strategy, public policy, leadership, resource development, human services, and organizational transformation and management. Her background spans various industries, including housing and healthcare, where she has championed access for underserved communities.

“Kate’s ¬commitment to equitable systems and empowering families aligns perfectly with CWEE’s mission and our work to foster employment success through skills training and holistic support for career seekers, as well as engagement with local employers,” said Susan Hill, Board Chair of CWEE. “She has the exact right combination of public and private sector experience, leadership skills, and management savvy to lead continued innovation at CWEE in service of our career seekers and their families.”

Kate is an innovative and trusted executive, well-known to many in the Denver community, with a track record of managing high-performing and harmonious teams, as well as extensive financial management experience across sectors. Kate is a skilled networker, relationship builder and collaborator. She has a strong understanding of CWEE’s work and the unique realities that the organization faces in its role at the nexus of public workforce system, career seekers, and employers.

Kate’s preparation for CWEE’s leadership position extends beyond her professional credentials to include a poignant personal connection. About 35 years ago, Kate’s mother, a social worker, taught parenting classes at CWEE, where she worked with young single moms who were learning skills to prepare for employment. “My mom is a lifelong feminist and political activist and was driven to ensure that success was within reach for her daughters. She succeeded in making both my sister and I deeply committed to helping women and families gain equal access to resources including housing, education, health care and economic opportunities, that are vital to a bright future,” said Kate.

“Both she and I are incredibly proud and humbled at this full-circle moment and my opportunity to lead the next chapter of CWEE’s growth and impact.”

Prior to coming to CWEE, Kate served as a senior consultant at Public Knowledge, a consulting firm specializing in health and Medicaid, child welfare, and child support services for state governments. In this capacity, she provided strategic planning, communications, and operational expertise to support the expansion of Medicaid services. Prior to that, Kate held executive positions in the nonprofit and private sectors, where she managed state and federal policy and regulatory issues related to health and human services. Kate has also held leadership roles at the Colorado Regional Health Information Exchange; Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce; Capitol Solutions, Inc.; Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains; and the Denver South Economic Development Partnership. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in policy analysis from the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs. She is a member of the Leadership Denver class of 2003.