Ray Kelly
New Market Thoughts
Nov 14, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/14
In this week's News Roundup, we've found stories about leveraging innovative strategies, technology, and targeted interventions to address pressing educational and workforce challenges. From the resurgence of community colleges and non-degree credentials to the ethical integration of AI in classrooms and efforts to combat learning loss, a shared focus emerges on expanding access, improving quality, and preparing diverse student populations for the evolving economy.
Nov 7, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 11/7
The articles featured in this week's News Roundup shine a light on a common thread: technology and smarter workforce linkages are reshaping education for today’s job market. From data-driven career coaching and expanded apprenticeships to virtual career fairs and AI-enabled learning, edtech and workforce development firms have opportunities to widen access, align curricula with in-demand skills, and support responsible, humane use of AI in student success and mental health.
Oct 31, 2025
4
min read
News & Updates
Edtech and Workforce Development News Roundup - 10/31
Education and workforce development continues to evolve, with recent research highlighting both exciting opportunities and pressing challenges. From the transformative potential of augmented reality in classrooms to the declining aspirations for higher education among high schoolers, and the persistent issues surrounding quality employment and mental health, these developments underscore the need for innovative solutions.
With fifteen year’s experience serving on private equity and venture backed boards of directors, Ray brings a proven ability to govern, collaborate and provide mentorship to growing high performance executive teams. Ray’s personal values, global network and functional skills in marketing, organizational management, and technology development have all proven beneficial in his board and advisory roles.
In addition to his advisory role with New Markets and others, Ray also currently serves as the chair of Hello PLATO, an early-stage education technology business, and as a Trustee for the University of Tampa. Ray successfully helped lead an exit as the independent board director for SaaS company WebInfinity.
He previously served as a CEO and director at Graduation Alliance ( a New Markets success story), Certiport, MidAmerica, and ExecuTrain, all with successful exits and outcomes.
Ray was previously a catalyst for growth in executive positions with several other technology and education industry companies, including Prometric (EdTech company sold to ETS), Mentergy (a publicly traded e-learning provider), NCR Corporation, and Hewlett-Packard’s Retail Industry Organization.
Ray has an MBA and a computer science degree and has authored and presented numerous papers on leadership and technology in more than 100 countries. An active community leader, Ray founded and developed The Cancer Challenge, growing it into one of the world’s premier charity events for cancer prevention and treatment.
As a New Markets senior advisor, Ray is especially interested in helping portfolio firms with overall strategy development, in developing and implementing plans for growth, implementing disruptive technologies, and building high caliber teams.
