Paul Harden is named Director of Transportation Technologies. Paul comes to NEIT with many years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He served the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) in various roles. Most recently, he was the Manager of Workforce Development and Business Services & Sector Lead for Marine Trades, where he assisted companies with workforce development, addressed operational and regulatory challenges, and developed training programs. In addition, Paul implemented over $15 million in workforce development grants for both large and small companies for training of new hires and the retraining of existing employees.
Prior to his position at RIEDC, Paul coordinated the state’s responsibilities for the America’s Cup World Series, overseeing public safety, logistics, transportation, and security for the event with over 30 public and private entities. Paul is also a partner in a Ford dealership in Camden, NY, where his company won Ford’s President’s Award for customer service and sales in 2010 and 2012.
Paul earned a MBA from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Hobart College. He serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Workforce Partnership of Greater R.I., the R.I. Marine Trades Association, the Northeast Economic Developers Association, the R.I. Hospitality Education Foundation, the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities Employment Committee, and the R.I. Disability Business Enterprise Committee.