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Dr. Michele Linch serves as the State Director of the Learning Blade, Career Blade, and Ready for Industry systems, which are focused on building the high-demand workforce pipeline for Arkansas.  She took this role after having served as the Arkansas State Teacher Association's Executive Director for over ten years. She has worked in education for more than three decades, from teaching science in a high-performing inner-city school to providing teacher and leadership training in the poorest province in China. She has served in higher education as a Dean, professor, program head, and Director of the Arkansas Leadership Academy Teacher Leadership Institute. She has a passion for connecting the education and business sectors in powerful ways that provide all students and educators with equitable access to K-Adult career exploration and preparation learning experiences that close opportunity gaps and inspire students and adults to pursue high-demand careers.