Empower EDU

Dr. Naomi R. Boyer is an educational strategist and nationally recognized leader in workforce innovation, digital transformation, and adult learning systems. With more than two decades of experience spanning nonprofit leadership, higher education, and cross-sector workforce ecosystems, she specializes in designing technology-enabled, skills-based systems that connect learning to employment and expand economic mobility.Most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Digital Transformation and Chief Innovation Officer at Education Design Lab, Dr. Boyer led national initiatives advancing skills-based practices, including competency-based education, digital credentials, Learning and Employment Records (LERs), and AI-enabled skills ecosystems. Her work translated strategy into scalable implementation across more than 30 regions, strengthening skills visibility, improving employer alignment, and building data infrastructure that supports more equitable, skills-first pathways for adult and nontraditional learners.Previously, as Vice President at Polk State College, Dr. Boyer led institutional innovation at the intersection of technology, workforce development, and skills-based program design, including serving as Chief Information Officer. She launched nationally recognized competency-based programs and built integrated pathways aligned to regional labor market needs—creating flexible, learner-centered models that prioritized demonstrated skills over traditional seat-time structures.Earlier in her career at the University of South Florida, as the VP of Extended University, she led distance education, instructional design, youth-based programs, international programming and partnerships, and continuing education initiatives, pioneering technology-enabled learning environments and faculty development strategies that expanded access and supported adult learners in more self-directed, outcomes-oriented models.Across all roles, Dr. Boyer’s work is grounded in advancing adult learning and self-directed learning as critical enablers of skills-based mobility and workforce participation. She is a scholar and practitioner in the field, serving as Chair of the International Society for Self-Directed Learning and contributing extensively to research, publications, and global thought leadership.Currently, Dr. Boyer operates as the President of NOME, LLC, as strategic advisor and consultant, partnering with organizations, regions, and national initiatives to design next-generation skills-based ecosystems, AI-enabled platforms, and workforce systems that translate learning into validated skills and real economic opportunity.