Alabama Workforce Leader Recognized for National Breakthrough in Talent Innovation

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 17, 2026

Alabama Workforce Leader Recognized for National Breakthrough in Talent Innovation

MONTGOMERY, AL – Apolitical announced this week that the Office of Education and Workforce Statistics has been selected as Alabama’s featured winner in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs, a national recognition highlighting innovative public sector solutions across the country. The selection recognizes the leadership of Nathaniel Rankin, Director of the Office of Education and Workforce Statistics, and his role in the creation and implementation of the Alabama Talent Triad.

Apolitical’s 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs award in collaboration with the National Academy of Public Administration and Humans of Public Service highlights one standout public service innovation from each U.S. state, along with Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico.

In the face of worker shortages and fragmented credentials, Rankin and his team launched the Alabama Talent Triad, as a first-of-its-kind statewide platform designed to directly connect employers and job seekers through a shared skills-based framework. The Talent Triad provides employers with clearer insight into workforce skills while helping Alabamians translate education and training into meaningful employment opportunities.

“Nathaniel Rankin and the Office of Education and Workforce Statistics exemplify the kind of leadership Alabama needs to meet today’s workforce challenges,” said Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce. “The Alabama Talent Triad strengthens our ability to connect people who are ready to work with employers who need skilled, capable talent. This work supports our broader goal of building a workforce system that is responsive, data-informed, and focused on creating real opportunities for both workers and businesses across Alabama.”

The Alabama Talent Triad integrates credential data, workforce information, and employer needs into a single, accessible system. By helping individuals better understand how their skills align with in-demand jobs, the platform supports more efficient hiring, reduces barriers to employment, and strengthens Alabama’s overall workforce pipeline. Since its launch, the Talent Triad has become a model for other states seeking to modernize workforce data systems and improve job matching outcomes.

“The Alabama Talent Triad reflects what is possible when data, collaboration, and workforce strategy are aligned,” said Rankin. “This work is about creating clarity for employers, opportunity for workers, and a system that supports informed job placement decisions across our state.”

Selection for 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs positions Alabama as a national leader in workforce innovation. The Alabama Talent Triad will be featured as a case study for public agencies across the country looking to improve workforce alignment, talent mobility, and data-driven decision-making.

The recognition will be highlighted during a national virtual event hosted by Apolitical in February, bringing together public servants and policy leaders to share best practices and scalable solutions for workforce development.

To learn more about the Alabama Talent Triad, visit www.alabamatalenttriad.com.