Driven by purpose

Grant Collins believes in employment for our most vulnerable communities. His leadership and demonstrated success has, for decades, been delivered through bold, innovative workforce development policies and programs; His vision has changed the lives of millions of individuals with multiple barriers, and has enhanced our local, national and global economies.

Mr. Collins is the president of several non-profits within the Fedcap Group. He leads the Group’s efforts on Workforce Development through a variety of employment service contracts with governments across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. He is also the president of Fedcap’s operations in the United Kingdom and Canada.

Prior to joining Fedcap in February of 2013, Mr. Collins was Senior Vice President and Chief Strategist for a large for profit human service agency while also leading their international operations in Germany, England, and the Netherlands.

He joined that firm following his departure from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2007 were he lead the nation’s principal social assistance program for lone parents ($16.5 billion) during the Bush Administration. Mr. Collins was a two-time recipient of the HHS Secretary’s Distinguished Award for Service his team’s work on transforming employment services. During his tenure, his office led the reauthorization of the state-implemented assistance program that helped more into work.

Mr. Collins’ work in reducing poverty and transforming state and local governments extends to all 50 states, as his human service career began as a work readiness instructor and trainer to state, local governments, and community based organizations across the United States. He has been a key contributor to landmark reform efforts in New York City, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
Since leaving the administration, Mr. Collins has testified before the United States Congress on three occasions, twice before the United States House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Human Resources and once before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture. Mr. Collins is still active in advising current administration and state official on ways to evolve current programs and approaches.

Mr. Collins earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Bethany College in Kansas. And has entirely too many hotel points for one human being.

Ms. Emery is a charismatic leader with an impressive 20 years of experience in workforce development programming. As the Assistant Vice President for Programs and Services for Families Forward Maine, Ms. Emery coordinates the statewide delivery of the ASPIRE program which each year helps upwards of 10,000 low-income Mainers move toward financial independence through education and job training. Ms. Emery has spent her career navigating and advocating for families and their children, becoming an expert with State and Federal rules and policies that affect low-income families with children in Maine. As she leads the largest workforce development contract in Maine, she is deeply committed to leading and developing high-performing team members that support the Families Forward mission of helping Maine families achieve greater economic security through access to employment, training, and education and community resources. Ms. Emery was born and raised in Eastern Maine and has a degree from Husson University.

Michael Bernier is a seasoned operations executive with a track record of driving exceptional results in various sectors. As the Assistant Vice President of Operations for Fedcap Inc., he leverages over 15 years of global experience to optimize business operations, project execution, customer care, communications, and facilities management. Michael is recognized for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to process optimization. His expertise spans strategic planning, process improvement, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and team leadership. Michael's impact extends beyond operations, as he has played a pivotal role in marketing initiatives, technology implementations, and program management across various divisions within Fedcap Inc.

Dr. Lisa Vermette, an interdisciplinary scholar in adult education and workforce development, champions economic empowerment through education. With 15+ years of fostering community relationships, she sheds light on pressing social issues through her writing and photography. As Director of Assessment and Education at Fedcap Maine, she leads efforts to alleviate poverty by creating tailored education and training programs. Passionate about her work, she also enjoys gardening and exploring Maine's mountains.