About ON-RAMP CNY

Building Central New York's Workforce

ON-RAMP is a workforce training center based in Syracuse, New York, focused on building equitable career pathways into advanced manufacturing, construction and other fast-growing industries across Central New York.

Supported by CenterState CEO and funded by New York State, ON-RAMP connects people, employers, training providers and community organizations to ensure local talent is prepared for the region’s economic growth — while prioritizing equitable access for historically underrepresented populations and communities.

Our Mission & Vision

Vision

Vision Our Purpose

A workforce that reflects the diversity of the Central New York community, skilled to operate and enable the advanced manufacturing, building trades and adjacent industries. An ambition reached while increasing social mobility for individuals from underrepresented communities.

A trusted partner and renowned training hub of choice that reflects the communities we serve to ensure our workforce is equipped to enable advanced manufacturing, building trades and adjacent industries in Central New York.

Leadership & Team

Dr. Carlene Lacey

Chief Executive Officer, ON-RAMP CNY

Dr. Carlene M. Lacey is the Chief Executive Officer of CNY ON-RAMP, where she leads the organization’s mission to close critical skills gaps and expand equitable workforce opportunities across Central New York’s advanced manufacturing, construction, building trades and adjacent industries.

Throughout her career, she has led global strategic workforce development initiatives, cultivated impactful community partnerships, and secured funding to expand programs that connect individuals to meaningful career opportunities.

Dr. Lacey has over three decades of executive leadership experience. Prior to leading ON-RAMP, she served as Director of Strategic Workforce Development, Partnerships, and Governance at National Grid. Dr. Lacey holds a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Empire State College, a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, and a Doctor of Management from the University of Phoenix. Today, she is focused on building a workforce training center that connects Central New Yorkers to the training and career pathways shaping the region’s economic future.

Menyia Hicks

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Menyia provides strategic and administrative support to ON-RAMP’s leadership team.

Michael Pasquale

Chief Program Officer, ON-RAMP CNY

As Chief Program Officer, Michael leads the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of ON-RAMP’s workforce programs.

Kadashea Smith

Workforce Enrollment & Trainee Success Coordinator

Kadashea coordinates and supports workforce programs, connecting individuals to opportunities in high-demand industries such as advanced manufacturing and construction.