Thomas-O’Dell

Crickett Thomas-O’Dell

Statewide Pre-Apprentice Program Coordinator/Director of Community Engagement, Workforce Development Institute, & NYS Building & Construction Trades Council

Crickett Thomas-O’Dell joined WDI in 2019 as Regional Director for the Capital Region. As of January 2022, Thomas-O’Dell has moved into the Statewide Pre-Apprentice Program Coordinator/Director of Community Engagement position to help fulfill WDI's commitment to providing opportunities for entry-level workers from underrepresented populations to gain the foundational and technical skills that will lead to successful apprenticeships. 

Before joining WDI, Thomas-O’Dell oversaw the daily operations of a transportation services company based in Washington, DC where she provided expertise in business development, organization administration, and structure development, along with policy and procedure creation and implementation. Thomas-O’Dell has spent most of her professional career working in education settings providing consultative services in collegiate enrollment management, the transition from print to digital learning environments, international educational travel, and STEM curriculum implementation at the high school and middle school levels nationally.


Working within a wide range of industries through meetings with unions, community-based organizations, businesses, and educational institutions, she has developed strong relationships. She collaborates with a network of professionals who are dedicated to workforce development solutions with a focus on preparing youth, women, and underserved communities for the workforce of today and tomorrow. Thomas-O’Dell received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Russell Sage College and Sage Graduate School.