Jillian Bumpus

Dr. Jillian M. Bumpus is a nationally recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development strategist with more than 20 years of experience guiding schools, state agencies, and postsecondary institutions in building career-connected learning systems that lead to sustainable employment outcomes. Bumpus has led large-scale consulting initiatives across New York State and nationally, specializing in CTE program design, Perkins V implementation, Comprehensive Local Needs Assessments (CLNA), faculty development, and work-based learning innovation.

Her expertise lies in helping educational organizations align curriculum, policy, and labor-market data to create pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers. She has provided technical assistance to districts, BOCES, workforce boards, and colleges to strengthen CTE pipelines, enhance data reporting systems, and build effective advisory boards that meet both industry and compliance standards.

During the pandemic, Dr. Bumpus pioneered “On the Job Solutions,” a virtual work-based learning model that used real-time, body-camera technology to connect students with professionals on live job sites. This innovation allowed schools to meet state work-based learning requirements while providing students with meaningful, hands-on engagement during remote instruction. The model was successfully piloted in multiple schools and has since been recognized as a best practice for virtual experiential learning.

A former Dean of Instruction and CTE Technical Assistance Provider for the New York State CTE Technical Assistance Center, Dr. Bumpus has developed and delivered professional learning programs for educators in curriculum alignment, project-based learning, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Her work has consistently improved faculty retention, student engagement, and post-graduation outcomes.

Dr. Bumpus holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University, where her research explored the impact of CTE availability on students’ job skill behaviors and attitudes. She also holds an MBA from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Nyack College. Known for her practical, systems-level approach, Dr. Bumpus is a sought-after speaker and thought leader at state and national conferences, including SkillsUSA, SAiL, and NACE.