Jessica Valand

Consultant and Expert Senior Advisor

Jessica Valand is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development with over 20 years of experience advancing economic opportunity through data-driven, outcome-focused strategies. She has deep expertise in policy design, program administration, and cross-sector data collaboration.

Jess currently leads a national data collaborative helping public agencies leverage administrative data to improve economic outcomes and inform policy. Previously, she was in senior leadership at Results for America, she supported hundreds of public-sector workforce and economic development clients in scaling evidence-based strategies and advising on federal workforce policy.

With nearly 15 years in Colorado state government, Jess brings deep knowledge of the state’s workforce and human services systems. As a regional director and state program administrator for TANF and SNAP E&T, she led local implementation of public workforce programs across 10 counties and helped redesign economic security programs statewide. She is known for effectively linking local innovation with nationally proven practices to drive measurable impact.

Jessica holds a Master’s in development economics from the University of Denver and an undergraduate degree in global political economy. A returned Peace Corps Volunteer and lucky resident of Ski Town USA (Steamboat Springs), she makes the most of living in the beautiful northern Colorado mountains with her husband and 2 kids.