Ronald Marlow has been promoted to the position of vice president of workforce development and alternative education at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD), a role that will have him leading the development and delivery of workforce development, educational, and supportive services through programs that bridge equity and access gaps for low-income adults and youth.

His job will involve him working with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), ABCD’s education alternatives, University High School and Ostiguy High School, Youth Services, and the MassHire Metro North Career Centers.

Marlow previously served as ABCD’s director of workforce development and alternative education.

“Ron’s experience in the workforce development arena at ABCD the past four years, at the National Urban League, and with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and beyond have prepared him to lead ABCD’s workforce development and educational programming initiatives at the highest level,” said ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler.

“His ability to impact our client base through effective, results driven programming and solutions at fundamental levels – education and employment – facilitate bridging other equity and access gaps faced by Greater Boston residents, particularly in underserved communities.” 

Before joining ABCD, Marlow served as vice president for workforce development at the National Urban League in New York City. As undersecretary for workforce development with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he oversaw  implementation of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“A strong foundation prior to first grade, and then into the workforce as a teenager via ABCD helped bridge the access and opportunity gaps for me, as a kid who attended ABCD Head Start in Dorchester and then later when my family moved to Mattapan as a SummerWorks participant,” he said.

Born and raised in Boston, Marlow earned his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and his master’s degree in law, policy, and society from Northeastern University.