Jason Perkins-Cohen Joins Maryland Department of Labor as Deputy Secretary

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Jason Perkins-Cohen Joins Maryland Department of Labor as Deputy Secretary

BALTIMORE, MD (March 27, 2023) — Jason Perkins-Cohen has taken the position of  Deputy Secretary at Maryland Department of Labor. 

For almost a decade, Jason Perkins-Cohen dedicated himself to serving Baltimoreans by connecting them to economic opportunities that set them on the path to financial freedom. Most recently, Jason served as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development (MOED), where he oversaw workforce development initiatives responsive to the needs of Baltimore’s businesses, citizens and youth. Under Jason’s leadership, MOED developed One Baltimore for Jobs, an innovative partnership with 19 community-based organizations that has helped residents access occupational training in industries offering family supporting wages. MOED also oversees YouthWorks, the city’s summer jobs program serving 8,000 youth each summer.

“Jason brings over 25 years of leadership and commitment to public service to this position,” said Secretary Wu. “His experience and ability to bring diverse stakeholders together to develop and implement critical workforce initiatives will be a huge asset to advancing the Department’s mission and I am delighted that he is joining the team.”

Prior to joining MOED, he was the Executive Director for the Job Opportunities Task Force, a nonprofit workforce intermediary. The British Council awarded Jason an Atlantic Fellowship for Social and Economic Equality in 2001.

Jason has served on the state’s Unemployment Insurance Task Force and its Task Force on Prisoner Reentry. Jason currently serves on the Maryland Adult Literacy Advisory Council, the city’s Journey Home Board and the board of the Baltimore City Foundation.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor,” said Jason Perkins-Cohen. “I am excited to join this team that is working toward the creation of  a more inclusive and skilled workforce and an economy that promotes shared prosperity and that leaves no one behind.”

Jason has a Bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master’s degree in Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He lives in Baltimore city with his wife and two children.

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