Francie Genz is the CEO of the Institute for Networked Communities and a nationally recognized expert in regional economic and workforce development strategy. She has worked with regional teams and state system leaders across the country to build durable partnerships with industry and align institutions in service of inclusive growth. Her work spans hands-on facilitation, strategic advising, and the design of implementation frameworks that integrate economic and workforce development systems.
Francie has supported leaders in more than 50 regions and a dozen states to build the civic infrastructure and cross-sector partnerships required to take on complex economic challenges—from strengthening talent development systems to creating the conditions for industry innovation and growth.
She is the co-developer of the nationally recognized Next Generation Sector Partnership model, active in over 20 states. She currently advises the inaugural cohort of National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines on ecosystem-building strategies that ensure innovation translates into local opportunity and lasting economic benefits.
In addition to her advisory work, Francie has built and led national learning networks that equip practitioners with the tools, strategies, and shared language needed to lead at the intersection of workforce and economic development.
Francie holds a Master of Public Policy from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband and two sons.