Whitmore Named Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development

Carrie Coates Whitmore has been named the Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Tompkins Cortland Community College. She replaces Martha Hubbard, who retired in December 2018 after 22 years at the College. 

Whitmore worked as Hubbard’s assistant since 2012. In her new role, she will lead the College’s efforts to provide professional development opportunities to the community, both in classroom settings and through customized training offered to local organizations. “I’m looking forward to expanding on the many wonderful relationships we enjoy with our business and non-profit partners,” said Whitmore. “I think it’s important to be open to new opportunities on how the College can work to serve the professional development needs in our community.”

Prior to coming to Tompkins Cortland, Whitmore worked for the Town of Ithaca for more than a decade, including nine years as the Deputy Town Clerk. She knows from personal experience the value of continuing your education as an adult. “I am a lifelong learner. All my degrees were earned while also working a full-time job,” said Whitmore, who has an associate’s degree from Herkimer County Community College, a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire State College, and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota. “I know what it’s like, the challenges they face, so I have a passion for helping adults further their education, whatever that may look like or whatever their goals may be.”

Whitmore helps individuals and organizations reach their goals through BIZ, the name given to the College’s workforce development efforts. BIZ offers many different types of education, including state-mandated continuing education for specific professions like licensed social workers and non-credit workshops for individuals looking to enhance their skills in topics such as customer service, communications, and computer skills. Organization-specific training is also available, sometimes paid for with grants that BIZ helps secure. 

With her experience at the College and working in the community, Whitmore has built the relationships that make her perfectly suited to her new job. “I like working with our clients and our instructors,” said Whitmore. “They work with us because they know we are all striving towards the same goal: helping our community grow.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the College’s continuing education and workforce development efforts can contact Whitmore by email at clw@tompkinscortland.edu or by phone at 607.844.6586.