We have some incredibly exciting news to share with the AdvanceNC community! Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our new Project Manager, Jacob Dolan.
Jacob steps into this role with a wealth of experience and a deep passion for regional workforce development. He will be leading our strategic initiatives to foster economic growth, strengthen community partnerships, and expand education-to-career pathways across the region.
A Dedicated Champion for Workforce Development
Jacob joins AdvanceNC with a stellar ten-year history of building collective-impact initiatives right here in North Carolina.
Previously, he served as the Employer Engagement Strategist for Made in Durham, where he managed employer recruitment and work-based learning. While there, he certified industries for the Triangle Regional Career Pathways Collaborative and helped build vital talent pipelines through high-impact programs like WayMakers: Skilled Trades Pathway and biotech initiatives in BULLS. Jacob also successfully built and facilitated the Durham Work-based Learning Collaborative, aligning efforts across Durham Public Schools, Durham Tech, local government, and major nonprofits.
When the pandemic hit, Jacob pivoted to launch a consulting business to help local, regional, and state partners adapt to emerging needs. From leading strategic planning processes to designing programs using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds—such as Capital Area Workforce Development’s Five Stars Hotel Employment Initiative and Durham’s YouthWorks—Jacob has consistently proven his ability to innovate in changing economic landscapes.
Powered by Our Generous Partners
This incredible new chapter for AdvanceNC is made possible by an amazing alignment of regional champions who believe deeply in our mission.
Thanks to a generous $100,000 donation from the John M. Belk Foundation, we have officially secured the full funding needed for Jacob’s salary for the next two years! This transformative contribution combines with vital previous investments of $50,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation and $150,000 from other generous funders.
“We are deeply grateful to all our partners for making this possible and investing so heavily in AdvanceNC’s mission,” says Margaret Roberton, AdvanceNC Director. “Jacob’s deep expertise in building collaborative talent pipelines, backed by this multi-year funding, ensures we have the dedicated leadership needed to drive meaningful workforce impacts for advanced manufacturing.”
Looking Ahead
Jacob is thrilled to hit the ground running. “I am honored to join AdvanceNC at such a pivotal moment for our region,” Jacob shared. “The incredible commitment from our funders demonstrates a shared belief in AdvanceNC’s vision. I look forward to working alongside our partners to create tangible, lasting impacts for North Carolina’s manufacturing workforce.”
When he isn’t busy transforming regional workforce pipelines, Jacob lives in Durham with his wife Amanda, a local school teacher. They share their home with their daughter Maya—a rising junior at Middlebury College (when she’s not away at school)—two cats, and some colorful fish.
Welcome to the team, Jacob!
Want to connect with Jacob or welcome him yourself? You can reach him directly at jacob.dolan@advancenc.com.
