North Central Michigan College has named Cassandra Hernandez to lead its Workforce
and Continuing Education division. Hernandez began her tenure in mid-July following
the retirement of longtime dean Christy Lyons at the end of June.
A seasoned workforce strategist, public policy advocate, and community leader, Hernandez brings more than a decade of experience building coalitions, expanding access to education, and advancing economic mobility. At North Central, she will lead efforts to strengthen workforce and continuing education programs that align with employer needs and regional economic development strategies.
“Cassandra brings a deep understanding of workforce development and a collaborative spirit that aligns well with our mission,” said Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Stephen Strom. “Her ability to build strong partnerships will enhance our efforts to prepare learners for the evolving needs of our regional economy.”
Hernandez earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and her Master of Public Administration (MPA) with a concentration in Public Policy and Management from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she served as president of the MPA Student Association. Her passion for education led her to teach courses in state and local government as a volunteer adjunct instructor at El Paso Community College.
Her professional background includes key leadership roles with Workforce Solutions Borderplex and the El Paso Chamber, where she led initiatives in workforce development and industry alignment. She also served in several administrative capacities with the City of El Paso, gaining firsthand insight into the structural and systemic needs of underserved communities.
In 2017, Hernandez was elected to the El Paso City Council, where she served two terms representing District 3. During her time in office, she championed policies to support seniors and individuals with disabilities, advocated for infrastructure improvements in historically underfunded areas, and served on boards including the El Paso Employees Retirement Trust and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Now, with her move to Northern Michigan bringing her closer to family, Hernandez is eager to leverage her public service and leadership experience to strengthen connections between North Central, local employers, and the community.
“I’m excited to bring my life and career experiences to North Central, where I can help empower students, support local employers, and contribute to the growth of our regional economy,” Hernandez said. “If you’re considering rethinking your career or have immediate or planned workforce needs, don’t hesitate to reach out so we can explore how North Central can support your goals.”
For more information about North Central’s workforce and continuing education programs, visit the college's Workforce and Continuing Education webpage.