About us

Washington State Centers of Excellence

Vision
Washington shall become a national model in developing partnerships among business, industry and education for the purpose of enhancing economic and workforce development initiatives to meet the current and future needs of the industries critical to the state's economic vitality.

Mission
Washington's Centers of Excellence shall serve as the statewide liaisons to business, industry, labor and the state's educational systems for the purpose of creating a highly skilled and readily available workforce critical to the success of the industries driving the state's economy and supporting Washington families.

Core Expectations

• Ensure the efficient use of state resources for workforce development activities and initiatives by fostering a culture of cooperation within the Community & Technical College system
• Provide leadership by representing the Washington Community & Technical College system, local business and industry in state, national and international industry specific forums, activities and economic development initiatives
• Serve as a resource for the creation and sharing of model curricula, educational pathways, degree/certificate programs, industry specific skill standards and best practices
• Demonstrate excellence in communication and collaboration while fostering synergistic interconnectedness of Washington's economic, workforce development and education systems
• Ensure the long-term sustainability of the Center of Excellence

About the Director

Mary Kaye Bredeson is the Director for the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Materials Manufacturing. As Director, Mary Kaye provides leadership in promoting and maintaining the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Materials Manufacturing as a recognizable and highly valuable component in Washington’s economic and workforce development initiatives.  As the center director, Ms. Bredeson works to encourage educational programs to share “Best Practices” and resources as well as providing a clear point of contact for industry employers to share their workforce needs with education and training providers.  As the CoE director, Mary Kaye has developed a variety of workshops and projects focusing on K-16 outreach and developing awareness around career opportunities in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry.