Road to Hire Announces Dr. Monique Perry-Graves as New CEO
Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte, Joins Board of Directors
CHARLOTTE, NC – Road to Hire (R2H), a local nonprofit empowering Title 1 high school students through college and on to successful tech careers at major Charlotte employers, today announced Dr. Monique Perry-Graves as its new incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO), starting in May of this year. Kieth Cockrell, President of Bank of America Charlotte, is also joining the organization’s board of directors.
Founded by Red Ventures CEO Ric Elias, R2H has been a pivotal force in bridging the opportunity gap for young adults in Charlotte. Dr. Perry-Graves, a respected NC education and community leader, joins Road to Hire after serving as the first tri-region statewide Executive Director for Teach For America (TFA) North Carolina, bringing over 25 years of experience in social impact, business, and education. She led teams statewide to accelerate TFA's mission of educational access through the recruitment, retention and support of its network of over 2,000 alumni, corps member teachers, and tutors. Prior to leading TFA North Carolina, she spent over a decade in leadership at York Technical College.
"Monique is the ideal leader to take Road to Hire into his next chapter. Her deep experience across education, business, and nonprofit sectors, combined with her passion for empowering young people, aligns perfectly with our mission,” said Ric Elias. “This isn't just a job for Monique; it's a calling. She understands the transformative power of meeting determination with opportunity, and she's committed to deepening the impact we have on Charlotte’s youth and workforce.”
Dr. Perry-Graves’ career began through an education-based workforce internship program, which provided her with a strong foundation as a college student and helped her professional future. She attributes much of her ability to enter and navigate the corporate world after college to the training, mentorship, and opportunities that program provided.
“I am honored to join Road to Hire and contribute to its vital mission as it begins a new chapter and charge in its history. I believe deeply in the power of education and opportunity, and I am excited to work alongside such a dedicated team and board members to empower young adults and make a profound impact on the workforce development and economic mobility landscape in our region,” said Dr. Perry-Graves.
Dr. Perry-Graves’ commitment to education and leadership is evident in her numerous accolades, including her selection by the SC Technical College System as the A. Wade Martin Innovator of the Year, being named one of The Mecklenburg Times 50 Most Influential Women of 2020, and her recent inclusion in the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2024 Most Admired CEOs list. She is also an alumna of The Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program’s Presidential Fellowship.
For more information about Road to Hire, visit roadtohire.org.
About Road to Hire:
For over a decade, Road to Hire (R2H) has empowered students from Title 1 high schools through college and early professional journeys, connecting them with top Charlotte employers like Bank of America, Lowe’s and Ally on their way to strong, sustainable tech careers. Through personalized mentorship, financial assistance, and ongoing support, Road to Hire is not only changing lives but also reshaping the workforce landscape for a brighter tomorrow.