Lexington Park, MD – November 1, 2024 — The Pax Partnership (TPP) has appointed Chris Abell as Workforce Development Director for the Southern Maryland 2030 (SoMD 2030) Workforce Development initiative. This role marks a pivotal point in TPP’s efforts to enhance career readiness and workforce pathways for Southern Maryland students.
Abell’s appointment aligns with SoMD 2030’s mission to develop career and educational opportunities at multiple levels, focusing on high school seniors, college students, and recent graduates. Under his leadership, the program will address workforce needs through several targeted initiatives, including AMP/TJR and internships for college students, as well as the upcoming 2025 SPARK! Career Fair and various STEM activities. Project Scope, a key element of the initiative, will educate students on security clearance processes, preparing them for entry-level opportunities and career pathways within the region’s workforce.
Returning to St. Mary’s County with an impressive career background, Abell brings expertise in workforce development and a strong commitment to bridging gaps between innovation, employers, and practical workforce solutions. He has previously served as a workforce board director and nonprofit leader and co-founded the Maryland Apprenticeship Connector (MAC), where he also contributed as technology lead. His role in MAC has equipped him with insights into technology-driven workforce pathways, an area he is passionate about cultivating further in Southern Maryland.
A technology advocate with a people-centered approach, Abell holds certification in Humane Technology and serves on the Maryland Nonprofits Accelerator Advisory Committee. His involvement extends across the state through his work with the Rural Maryland Council, Maryland Nonprofits, and the Maryland Tech Council. He has shared his expertise with a range of audiences, including Prince George’s County Public Schools, Carroll Ignite, the UME Digital Equity Summit, and various forums addressing cybersecurity solutions in smart farming.
“Chris Abell’s extensive experience and passion for connecting young people with career pathways in technology, engineering, and government roles make him a perfect fit for the TPP Workforce Development Director position,” said a TPP spokesperson. “His leadership in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, combined with his talent for managing and scaling workforce programs, will be instrumental as SoMD 2030 grows.”
Abell’s academic background further supports his career path in community impact and workforce development. A 2002 graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Abell’s education laid the groundwork for his career focused on positive social impact.
As part of his responsibilities, Abell will work with the SoMD 2030 Advisory Board and collaborate with local educational institutions and organizations, including NAWCAD, SMNA, school districts in St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM), University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland (USMSM), University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), and the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Indian Head.
For further information about SoMD 2030 and its workforce development efforts, visit SoMD 2030 Workforce Development.
