Per Scholas Names Caitlyn Brazill as CEO and President, Succeeding Plinio Ayala After His 28-Year Tenure

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Per Scholas, the national workforce accelerator advancing economic mobility through no-cost training for high-growth careers, today announced that Caitlyn Brazill, current President of Per Scholas, will become Chief Executive Officer and President effective January 1, 2027. She will succeed Plinio Ayala, who is stepping down after 28 years.

"This succession reflects Per Scholas' strength, depth of leadership, and continued commitment to expanding economic opportunity," said Per Scholas Co-Founder and Board Chair Lewis E. Miller. "Under Plinio, Per Scholas grew from a local initiative in the Bronx into a national workforce development organization serving more than 25 communities across the country. His legacy includes not only the organization's growth but also a culture of empowerment, rigorous impact measurement, and market responsiveness. Caitlyn has led much of what Per Scholas has become in the last decade, and with her as CEO, we intend to reach 25,000 learners a year by 2030."

Planned over several years in close partnership between Ayala, Brazill, and Per Scholas' Board of Directors, the transition positions Per Scholas to build on its national impact while continuing to provide rigorous, no-cost, AI-enabled training; new pathways into high-growth fields; and a training model that adapts as employer needs change.

"Per Scholas has always been about recognizing talent and creating pathways to opportunity," said Ayala. "I'm incredibly proud of what we've built and, more than anything, of the people who helped build it. . Caitlyn has been instrumental in shaping the organization we are today, and I have tremendous confidence in her leadership and vision."

The transition has also drawn support from longtime funders and employer partners, who highlighted the strength of Per Scholas' model, the organization's ability to respond to a changing economy, and Brazill's role in advancing its growth.

"For an organization to scale its impact over the long term, a strong model and a strong leadership culture have to go hand in hand. Plinio Ayala built both at Per Scholas," said Jim Shelton, CEO of Blue Meridian Partners. "Caitlyn has been part of that leadership for nearly a decade, helping translate the organization's mission into growth, innovation, and measurable results. That depth gives Per Scholas a strong foundation for its next chapter."

"Per Scholas embodies an approach to economic mobility that we believe is essential: meeting people where they are, while continually responding to where the economy is going," said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. "We saw that potential firsthand through our Economic Opportunity Challenge, which recognized Per Scholas for its ambitious approach to expanding pathways to economic mobility. Caitlyn has been central to the organization's continued growth and evolution, and we look forward to seeing her lead Per Scholas as it helps even more people build thriving careers in a rapidly changing economy."

"Per Scholas has proven that its model helps people move into good careers. Caitlyn has been instrumental to that success, and we're excited to see her lead the organization forward. Her commitment to results, learning, and continuous improvement will help Per Scholas continue expanding opportunity for more learners and communities," said Terri Ludwig, CEO, Ballmer Group.

"Employers need workforce partners that can move at the pace of technology and understand where talent needs are headed, not where they've been," said Jay Alvather, CEO of Allegis Group. "We've seen Per Scholas do exactly that, from evolving its training for an AI-powered economy to opening new pathways into critical infrastructure. Caitlyn has been deeply involved in that evolution, and we're excited."

"We are proud to have partnered with Per Scholas for many years, collaborating to dramatically expand their geographic reach and the number of learners, all while the training tracks have evolved to stay up to date on the rapidly evolving employment opportunities in the tech sector. Plinio has been the visionary and guide throughout this expanding impact, with Caitlyn as his key lieutenant, and with an expanding team, much has been accomplished. Under Plinio's leadership, many thousands of people are on a path to better lives. We celebrate and honor all he has accomplished. We know that Caitlyn will further expand this impact at scale, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with her and her team to support their efforts in every way we can," said Larry Gilson, Founder and Chairman of Focusing Philanthropy.

Brazill has spent nearly a decade in senior leadership at Per Scholas, helping to develop the strategy, partnerships, and innovations that drive the organization's growth. She has co-led key initiatives, including AI-enabled instruction, expansion into critical infrastructure training (focusing on Semiconductor, Advanced Manufacturing, Critical Facilities, Data Center Technician, Building Automation Specialist, and Low Voltage career pathways), the Career Accelerator upskilling platform for Per Scholas alumni to continue advancing in their careers, and the Zero Percent Loan for learners who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program.

"I am honored to lead Per Scholas into its next chapter," said Brazill. "Plinio built an extraordinary foundation and a leadership culture that gives people the confidence to see what's changing and move with it. Having helped guide Per Scholas through much of our recent growth and innovation—from becoming an AI-enabled organization to expanding into infrastructure careers and creating new ways for our learners and alumni to advance—I've seen firsthand what's possible. Our mission has not changed. The world around us has. What is evolving is how we deliver on that mission: We are continuing to adapt our training to the changing demands of work—particularly in an AI-powered economy—while increasing the velocity at which we bring those high-growth career pathways to more untapped talent and communities nationwide."

Ayala will remain actively engaged as an advisor through June 2027, supporting continuity and the transfer of institutional knowledge.

About Per Scholas

Per Scholas is a proven talent accelerator that delivers AI-enabled workforce solutions with real results, transforming lives, strengthening businesses, and building opportunity nationwide.

Since 1995, we've provided no-cost training to 35,000+ professionals in sought-after skills. Our responsive training closes hiring gaps in months, delivering day-one-ready talent. With 25+ campuses and remote programs, we partner with employers, from Fortune 500 companies to startups, to build talent pipelines in fields like Data Centers, AI, Advanced Manufacturing, Critical Facilities, Cybersecurity, and Cloud.

Learn more by visiting PerScholas.org and follow us on social media.

Media Contact:
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SOURCE Per Scholas