Michael Fanelli

Michael W. Fanelli is an experienced education and workforce development leader whose career has focused on creating pathways that connect students to college, careers, and economic opportunity. His work spans K–12 education, higher education partnerships, workforce development, and employer engagement, with a particular focus on strengthening the connection between education and the needs of New Jersey’s economy. In his current role with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation, he supports initiatives that bring together education, workforce, and industry partners to develop talent pipelines and expand education-to-career pathways for JAG NJ students through apprenticeships, specialized training programs, internships, and employment opportunities for program graduates.

Michael served as the founding principal of one of New Jersey’s first P-TECH schools, developed in partnership with CGI and Middlesex College. He also served as principal of a National Blue Ribbon pre-medical high school and helped expand internship and career-connected learning opportunities through partnerships with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Throughout his career, he has focused on creating innovative programs that combine strong academics with meaningful workplace experiences and employer engagement.

In addition to his work in education, Michael has held leadership roles in the private sector, where he advanced workforce development initiatives and created externship opportunities in partnership with colleges and universities. He holds a Master of Education in School Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from La Salle University. He remains active in statewide efforts to strengthen talent pipelines and prepare learners for success in a rapidly changing economy.