The Attainment Network Announces New CEO

March 5, 2025

Rana Tarkenton to take the reins

We are excited to share an important leadership update at The Attainment Network! After a rigorous and transparent search process, our board has unanimously and enthusiastically selected Rana Tarkenton as our new Chief Executive Officer. 


Rana has served as The Attainment Network’s Chief Operating Officer since 2020, and she brings a deep commitment to expanding education and skill-building opportunities for all learners. Her leadership will build on our momentum, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that every learner in Colorado has access to high-value, in-demand career opportunities.  


Rana will officially take over as CEO on April 1, following the transition from Therese Ivancovich, who announced her resignation in December after nine years of exceptional leadership. We are deeply grateful for Therese’s vision, dedication, and lasting impact. 


Rana brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to working in partnership to advance opportunities for all learners. Her leadership will build on our momentum by deepening partnerships, expanding innovative career pathways, and ensuring every learner in Colorado has access to the education and real-world experience they need to succeed in high-value, in-demand careers. 


Prior to joining The Attainment Network, Rana was the founding Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Impact at the University of Colorado Denver. She also served as Chief Operating Officer at the Denver Scholarship Foundation and oversaw statewide college access and outreach programs for the Colorado Department of Higher Education. She began her professional career in Boston in the community arts world before following her heart into the field of educational opportunity programs here in Colorado. 


“The Board has full confidence in Rana and the entire Attainment Network team as they continue to drive forward our mission,” said Andrea Stiles-Pullas, board member and chair of the search committee. “We look forward to this next chapter and the exciting opportunities ahead.” 


Please join us in celebrating Rana

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We’ve hit the ground running in this new year, and we are so excited about the work ahead with our partners across the state. From financial literacy fairs to rural workforce strategy sessions to celebrating our shared successes, The Attainment Network team is diving into 2026 with purpose and partnership. Here’s where you can find us this January: 🗓️ January 20 🔹Jeffco Public Schools State of the District — Lakewood Rana will join Jeffco Public Schools to celebrate recent achievements and to hear an update from Superintendent Tracy Dorland on the district’s progress, priorities and vision for the future. 🔹 Opportunity Now Celebration — Governor’s Residence, Denver Rana and Stefan will attend this special event hosted by OEDIT to celebrate the continued success of the Opportunity Now Colorado grant program. Recipients will be announced of new performance-based grants to strengthen Colorado’s education-to-employment ecosystem. 🗓️ January 23 🔹 Northfield FAB Life (Financial Literacy) Fair — Denver Michelle will support ECMC’s FAB Life event at Northfield High School, where students will take part in an interactive simulation to build real-world financial literacy skills. 🗓️ January 27 🔹 Alamosa Economic Development Meeting — Alamosa Ashley will join regional leaders in the San Luis Valley for this recurring convening to align on economic development priorities and explore workforce collaboration opportunities. 🗓️ January 28 🔹 COBRT State of the State with Governor Polis — Denver Rana will attend the Colorado Business Roundtable’s State of the State gathering, featuring Governor Jared Polis and business, education, and civic leaders discussing Colorado’s economic and policy outlook.  We’re excited to be back in action after a restful holiday break. If you’ll be at any of these events we’d love to connect!