Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Aspen Institute Welcomes Annelies Goger as New Research Director of UpSkill America

Washington, DC, March 30, 2026 — The Aspen Institute welcomes Annelies Goger as the new research director of UpSkill America, a critical initiative of the Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program. In this role, she will drive research that expands work-based learning opportunities, builds employer capacity to develop talent, and advances human-centered approaches to AI adoption.

Goger comes to the Institute from the Brookings Institution, where she collaborated with state leaders to scale apprenticeship programs, implement skills-based hiring and promotion practices, and transform labor and education data systems to better capture evolving market trends and analytics. Before that, she served as a senior researcher for Social Policy Research Associates and IMPAQ International, evaluating a wide range of workforce, education, and human services programs. 

“We are thrilled that Annelies has joined the team at UpSkill America as director of research, contributing to UpSkill’s efforts to support employers in expanding and improving high quality education and career advancement opportunities for America’s workers,” said Haley Glover, senior director of UpSkill America. “Annelies brings a wealth of expertise and experience in our field, and an impressive track record leading research efforts that have resulted in deeper understanding, and improved outcomes for employers and working learners.”

Started in 2015, UpSkill America supports employers and workforce organizations to expand and improve high-quality educational and career advancement opportunities for America’s front-line workers. The initiative advances collaborative solutions that work for employers, employees, and communities, recognizing that shared value for workers, communities, and business bottom line is the best strategy for long-term success.

“I’m joining Upskill America at exactly the right moment,” said Goger. “There’s a growing consensus that all learning counts — whether it happens in a classroom, on a job site, or through lived experience — and that employers have to be true partners in building a resilient workforce. What drew me here is a team that doesn’t just talk about closing the gap between education and employment — they know how to actually do it, and do it in ways that move the needle for workers and employers across the country. I can’t wait to get to work.”

To learn more about UpSkill America, click here.

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The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. We recognize that race, gender, and place intersect with and intensify the challenge of economic inequality and we address these dynamics by advancing an inclusive vision of economic justice. For over 25 years, EOP has focused on expanding individuals’ opportunities to connect to quality work, start businesses, and build economic stability that provides the freedom to pursue opportunity. For more information, visit: www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/economic-opportunities-program.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Contact: Tony Mastria
Associate Director of Communications
Economic Opportunities Program
[email protected]