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

RECENT ARTICLES

July 13, 2026
Partners are applying the same employer-driven approach to other high-demand careers
July 9, 2026
Dive into Colorado’s Efforts to Build a More Connected Education-to-Career Ecosystem
July 2, 2026
As our nation celebrates 250 years, we're inspired to keep building toward a future where opportunity is within reach for every learner and earner. Throughout July, The Attainment Network team will join partners across Colorado and the country to strengthen career-connected learning, expand economic mobility, and build systems that help every learner and earner thrive. Here’s where you can find us this July: 🗓️ July 1 🔹 Colorado Space Institute Space Educator Bootcamp Celebration – Castle Rock Emily will join education, industry, and workforce partners to celebrate the Colorado Space Institute’s Space Educator Bootcamp and explore how educators are bringing space science and STEM learning into classrooms across Colorado. 🗓️ July 10 🔹 Regional Accountable Entity 1 San Luis Valley Programs Improvement Advisory Council Meeting – Alamosa Wes will join healthcare providers, community organizations, and regional leaders working together to strengthen healthcare programs and address the social determinants of health across the San Luis Valley. 🗓️ July 13-15 🔹 CU Badge Summit – Boulder Stefan will attend this national convening focused on the future of digital credentials and how they can expand learning and career opportunities. 🗓️ July 14-16 🔹 College Board District Success Network Conference – Denver Rana will serve on a panel exploring how schools can help students connect classroom learning to future college and career opportunities. 🗓️ July 16 🔹 Postsecondary Talent Development System Transition Advisory Committee – Denver The Transition Advisory Committee, including our own Michelle Camacho Liu, reconvenes to continue developing recommendations to guide Colorado's new unified postsecondary talent development system. 🗓️ July 20-21 🔹 ECMC Research Gathering: From Questions to Change – Minneapolis Stefan will join ECMC Foundation partners from across the country to explore how research, policy, and practice can work together to drive meaningful systems change. 🗓️ July 23 🔹 Construction Pathway Meeting – Alamosa Ashley and Wes will reconvene with education, workforce, and industry partners in the San Luis Valley to continue building a shared strategy for strengthening construction career pathways across the San Luis Valley. 🗓️ July 30 🔹 Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants Summer of Fun – Colorado Springs Michelle Payne will connect with accounting professionals, educators, and employers to explore trends in the profession and opportunities to expand mentorship and internship pathways. If you’ll be at one of these events or working on something similar, please reach out. We’d love to hear from you.