Plinio Ayala became President and CEO of Per Scholas in November 2003 after having served as Vice President of Operations with oversight for the bulk of our programs. Today he leads the organization in its national expansion, where we provide our tuition-free technology training and professional development services in six cities across the country: Atlanta, GA; Greater Cincinnati and Columbus, OH; Dallas, TX; the National Capital Region, and New York, NY. Plinio previously served as Director of Program Operations at SOBRO, and before that as Chief Program Officer at Jobs for Youth. In 2012, he joined a diverse group of stakeholders with decades of experience in New York City’s workforce system to develop a blueprint for the new Mayor, Re-Envisioning the New York City Workforce System. In 2006, he received the Liberty Award from the New York Post for his work, and in 2005 was issued a Citation of Merit by the Bronx Borough President for his leadership in Bronx County. In 2016, Plinio announced the Diverse by Design National Working Group that will be focused on uncovering, distilling, and promoting best solutions that attract more diverse and inclusive talent to all ranks of the tech sector.  Mr. Ayala has more than 20 years of nonprofit management experience and is deeply committed to driving positive and social change in communities across the country. When not at Per Scholas, Plinio spends time with his three children and wife — and the New York Mets.