The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) today announces the hire of Jennifer Taylor as Vice President of U.S. Jobs. Taylor will drive initiatives that address the U.S. tech industry's critical shortage of qualified, skilled tech workers.  CTA's efforts seek to help reduce the number of unfilled tech-related jobs and increase the number of veterans employed in tech-related jobs since many have relevant, transferable skills.

"Globalization and technological change are reshaping the job market. To overcome the challenges ahead, it is important we help employers identify qualified candidates and prepare job seekers for the jobs of the future," said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, CTA. "It is the tech industry's ethical responsibility to encourage lifelong learning and help American workers obtain the necessary skills to remain employed in an ever changing and innovative global economy. We are thrilled Jennifer is joining CTA to lead our nation's transition to a fully equipped 21st-century workforce."

Taylor will continue to develop CTA's role with U.S. Tech Vets , in partnership with the Northern Virginia Technology Council, and will engage human resource professionals within the tech industry to identify and leverage veteran skills for successful placement and retention. Presently, it is estimated 260,000 unfilled tech jobs exist and 450,000 veterans are looking for work.

"We're witnessing exciting times where new tech-related jobs are created every day in areas of automation, software development, smart technology, robotics, artificial intelligence and more," said Taylor. "CTA, our member companies, and partners are perfectly positioned to create new educational pathways and solutions to help Americans of all ages, diversities and backgrounds learn new tech-related skills and secure meaningful employment and gain a sense of purpose. By doing this, CTA can help our U.S. member companies continue to innovate, thrive and remain competitive in a global economy."

Taylor has an extensive background working in the technology field - with ten years at AARP as the vice president of business development and most recently at Caring Village as executive vice president of sales and marketing. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in communications and an MBA in marketing and management from George Mason University.

A CTA Future of Work survey of more than 300 tech industry leaders found that although some jobs functions will be automated by 2022, employers will hire more employees and will face a difficult time finding properly-skilled candidates.

To learn more about CTA's initiative, read The Hill's profile piece.