SEYMOUR, Conn. — June 11, 2026 — Microboard is proud to announce that Nicole Russo, Owner, President, and CEO of Microboard, has been appointed to serve on the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission, a new statewide commission established by Governor Ned Lamont to help strengthen and modernize career pathways for students, job seekers, and employers across Connecticut.
The commission brings together leaders from K–12 education, higher education, business, labor, workforce development, state government, municipalities, community organizations, and students. Chaired by Dr. Miguel Cardona, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Connecticut education commissioner, the group will develop a five-year strategic plan designed to ensure that Connecticut’s workforce system can respond to the evolving needs of students, workers, employers, and the state economy.
For Russo, the appointment reflects both Microboard’s long-standing commitment to workforce development and the growing importance of advanced manufacturing in Connecticut’s future.
“I am honored to serve on the Connecticut Career Pathways Commission and grateful to Governor Lamont for recognizing the importance of bringing industry voices into this work,” said Nicole Russo. “At Microboard, we see every day how powerful it can be when people are given access to hands-on training, meaningful career opportunities, and a clear path for growth. Connecticut has an extraordinary opportunity to connect education, employers, and workforce partners in ways that prepare people not only for the jobs of today, but for the technologies and industries that will define tomorrow.”
Microboard, a second-generation, family-owned electronics manufacturing services provider based in Seymour, Connecticut, manufactures and tests complex printed circuit board assemblies and higher-level assemblies for industries including defense, medical, telecom, and industrial markets. The company has grown into one of Connecticut’s respected employers in advanced manufacturing, with a strong focus on training, career advancement, internships, veteran hiring, and creating opportunities for people to build long-term careers in technology and manufacturing.
The Connecticut Career Pathways Commission will focus on several key areas, including pathway design and delivery, credentialing and quality, work-based learning and employer engagement, and policy, funding, data, and accountability. Its recommendations are expected to address topics such as expanding internships and apprenticeships, aligning credentials with employer needs, strengthening credit-transfer policies, modernizing instructional delivery, and reducing barriers that prevent students and job seekers from accessing high-quality career pathways.
“As an advanced manufacturer, Microboard depends on talented people with technical skills, problem-solving ability, curiosity, and a commitment to excellence,” Russo said. “But workforce development cannot happen in isolation. It requires collaboration between schools, colleges, employers, families, workforce boards, and state leaders. I look forward to working with my fellow commission members to help build a system that gives more people visibility into meaningful careers and gives Connecticut employers access to the skilled workforce they need to grow.”
The commission is expected to submit its final report to the Governor’s Office and the Connecticut General Assembly by December 31, 2026.