Tempe, Ariz. — Education at Work, a U.S.-based provider of staffing solutions whose mission is to help high-achieving college students gain career-ready skills and financial stability, today announced that two industry veterans have joined its senior management team: Mel Vance as senior vice president of operations, and Amy Price as senior vice president of shared services.
Vance joins Education at Work (EAW), an affiliate of Strada Education Network from National Asset Managers, LLC, where he most recently led the company’s business development, asset management, sales, and marketing strategy. In his new role, Vance will oversee operations and implement cost-effective systems for EAW clients and its home base while building workplace efficiency and a high-performing culture.
Vance’s approach to operational leadership stems from a 25-year career managing customer experience for global companies including FedEx, TeleTech, and Sitel. He also understands the needs of today’s adult learners through his time educating students as an adjunct business instructor at the University of Phoenix.
“Education at Work’s organizational model is the perfect blend of responsible sourcing for business solutions,” Vance said. “I’m proud to be part of a forward-thinking leadership team, focused on building a best-in-class operations mindset, delivering value for our clients, and contributing to reducing the burden of student debt.”
Price joins EAW from PharMerica, where she was the director of customer service, supporting the frontline medical needs for 71 pharmacies and more than 1,100 long-term care facilities nationwide. Price brings more than two decades of contact center, global consumer products, project management, and analytics experience to her new role.
She will be responsible for leading a diverse team to advance EAW’s growth in the Business Process Outsourcing industry in the newly created role of senior vice president of shared services. Building on a career spanning multiple sectors, focused on metrics and employee development, she is poised to deliver on the organization’s bold strategies to attract and retain talent to support EAW’s objective of expanding its client base over the next 18—24 months.
“Leading shared services, supporting college student success, and accomplishing business goals is an ideal day at the office,” Price said. “As a 20-year veteran in customer experience, global consumer products, it is rare to take a bottom-line driven industry and pair it with a mission-driven organization. I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to work in my chosen industry, supporting young professionals at my alma mater (Arizona State University) and working with an esteemed and experienced leadership team at EAW. I am looking forward to what we are positioned to accomplish in the future.”
“Both Amy and Mel are leaders in the BPO space, holistically leading in-house call centers and outsourced contact centers,” said EAW President Jaime Nunez. “Our leadership team has the talent, knowledge, skill, and ability to drive performance and build a culture of belonging and engagement.”
“We are in a unique position,” Nunez said. “Our organization is at the table with major employers, universities, and funders [thanks in part to our nonprofit status]. This position creates an advantage as we understand the real-time needs of the workforce and the connection between education and employment. It makes our sourcing solutions a formidable choice — and stands out in the BPO industry. Our teams have the chance to highlight and promote our operational rigor, business intelligence, and pulse on the next generation of workers. Ultimately, these strengths lead to growing our mission and expanding corporate social responsibility of our clients.”