Shining a Spotlight on our Board: Dr. Kim Poast Ph.D.
Kim Poast on Leadership, Learner Voice, and What’s Next
The Attainment Network’s board is made up of dedicated and highly experienced members whose leadership strengthens our work and broadens our impact. In this Board Spotlight, we’re honored to feature Dr. Kim Poast – an early champion of our mission and a lifelong advocate for learner-centered systems. Kim brings decades of experience in education and workforce development, and her insights inspire our team and partners. We’re grateful for her vision, her candor, and her commitment to creating more inclusive and effective pathways for Colorado learners and earners.
Q: What inspired you to get involved with The Attainment Network?
A: I have been involved with The Attainment Network since its inception and have always seen the promise in the effort and its potential to impact learners. The Attainment Network’s ability to leverage networks to make communities work better for learners is inspiring.
Q: How have your personal or professional experiences shaped your understanding of the shifts needed in our education-to-workforce systems to better support learners and meet industry needs?
A: I've worked in this space for over 30 years and have witnessed firsthand the evolution of education and the workforce. What was once traditional higher education (when I started) is now an intentional partnership connecting where students start with where they are going. The demand for learners to have career-connected skills and relevant experiences has only grown over the years.
Q: What’s a piece of career advice you’ve received that still sticks with you, and who offered you that advice?
A: The most important advice I’ve received is to ensure that the work you are doing aligns with your values. A professor once told me that you must know “when to leave your keys on the table,” which speaks to that sentiment. Another colleague,
Rico Munn, used to tell me to just “stand down.” What he meant was that sometimes, the fight is just not worth it – you have to know when it’s the right time to lean in and also when to lean out.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of The Attainment Network and its impact on learners, earners, and entire communities across the state?
A: The potential to scale to other regions and replicate this good work outside of Colorado is what excites me most.
Q: What book is on your bedside table? Would you recommend it? Why or why not?
A: I just finished
James –
it was so good, and sad, and so relevant today. It’s a twist on the story of
Huckleberry Finn –
but told from Jim’s perspective.
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