Emily Stover DeRocco is the former president of the Manufacturing Institute, where she implemented strategies for education reform and workforce development, innovation support and services, and research on behalf of U.S. manufacturers. Under her leadership, the organization developed nationally portable, industry-recognized Manufacturing Skills Certifications now influencing education reform efforts in 36 states. She also served as U.S. assistant secretary of labor for employment and training, creating economic development initiatives in 39 regions. In that role, she also led presidential initiatives to align education, economic development and workforce development investments, and to increase the capacity of the nation's community college systems. Previously DeRocco managed two nonprofits and worked at the Departments of Energy and Interior, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Interstate Commerce Commission. A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, she holds a J.D. from Georgetown Law Center.

Panel:
A Matter of Degrees: How Higher Education Drives Economic Development