Montgomery County, Maryland, United States, July 2026 — WorkSource Montgomery has promoted Barleh Jessica Issoufou to the position of Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, recognizing her outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing workforce development and economic opportunity across Montgomery County.
In her new role, Barleh will oversee the organization’s business operations, working closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to strengthen operational excellence, enhance organizational performance, and expand innovative workforce solutions that support employers, job seekers, and the broader regional economy.
Prior to this promotion, Barleh served as Deputy Director, Workforce Services at WorkSource Montgomery for over three years. In this capacity, she provided strategic direction and operational leadership for workforce development programs and business engagement initiatives, driving organizational performance through data-driven decision-making, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative employment and talent development strategies.
Before joining WorkSource Montgomery, Barleh spent more than four years with Career TEAM LLC, where she most recently served as Regional Director of Operations, overseeing the implementation of strategic business plans and operational delivery for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs across the East Coast. Simultaneously, she also served as Executive Director, providing strategic, fiscal, and operational leadership for the District of Columbia’s TANF Employment Provider program and helping expand employment opportunities for underserved communities.
Earlier in her career, Barleh held leadership positions with Community Purchasing Alliance as Regional Director, where she led strategic planning and innovative purchasing initiatives supporting community organizations, and with EDSI as Program Manager, managing large-scale employment and training programs serving thousands of residents annually.
She began her professional journey with the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development as a Claims Examiner, and also gained valuable community development experience through internships with Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and The Center for Family Services, as well as serving as Youth Volunteer Coordinator with the American Red Cross.
Barleh holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, an academic foundation that has complemented her career in workforce development, community engagement, organizational leadership, and public service.
With more than fifteen years of experience spanning workforce development, operations management, public sector partnerships, community engagement, and organizational leadership, Barleh is well positioned to help lead WorkSource Montgomery through its next phase of growth and impact.
About WorkSource Montgomery
WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) is the primary workforce development organization serving Montgomery County, Maryland, connecting employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and economic development partners to build a highly skilled workforce. Through innovative workforce solutions, strategic partnerships, and employer-focused programs, WSM helps strengthen regional competitiveness while creating meaningful employment opportunities and sustainable economic growth.
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