Kenny Willoughby
Kenny is the Program Manager of the Forge Fellowship, and plays a pivotal role in the organization. His journey to this position began after retiring from United States Marine Corps, and participation in the Forge Fellowship during his SkillBridge. Kenny's firsthand experience in the Forge Fellowship SkillBridge program, where he worked to enhance the quality of the Fellowship, laid the foundation for his current responsibilities. Upon completing the program, he joined the team to further his efforts in providing transitioning service members opportunities to enter high-demand, high-paying career fields. This role also involves enabling Arkansas businesses to access a consistent stream of talented veterans, thereby expanding and enhancing the state's workforce.
In his capacity as Program Manager, Kenny is instrumental in the expansion and development of the Forge Fellowship. He is actively involved in partnering with the Office of Skills Development to extend the program's impact on transitioning service members and the State of Arkansas. This partnership aims to provide veterans with essential resources and opportunities necessary for their success in the civilian workforce and to secure quality employment in Arkansas and beyond. The expansion of the Forge Fellowship under his management includes the implementation of innovative employer-matching-internship programs, collaboration with industry partners, and the provision of comprehensive career readiness resources. These initiatives are part of the broader goal to attract and upskill veterans in Arkansas, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth and prosperity.
Kenny's role as the Program Manager of the Forge Fellowship is multifaceted, focusing on improving the program's quality, providing opportunities for transitioning service members, and contributing to the economic development of Arkansas through strategic partnerships and program expansion. His background as a retired Marine and a graduate of the program he now manages adds a unique perspective and understanding to his approach in leading the Forge Fellowship.
In addition to his responsibilities as the Program Manager of the Forge Fellowship, Kenny also plays a crucial role as the manager and coordinator of the Forge Institute's Annual Cyber Summit. His duties in this capacity include moderating panels and discussions, bringing together various industry experts and leaders. His role in these summits is to facilitate insightful discussions among experts, which is pivotal in driving cybersecurity awareness and collaboration in Arkansas and beyond.
Kenny's contributions to the Forge Fellowship and the Cyber Summit underscore his dedication to enhancing opportunities for transitioning service members and strengthening cybersecurity initiatives in Arkansas.
