Founder Mickey Wiles taps Chelsea Bardot Lewis as next CEO; Lorcan Ackley becomes Director of Operations

South Burlington, Vermont: Working Fields, a mission-driven staffing agency with a unique peer support model, is pleased to announce a significant transition in its leadership team. After successfully leading the company since its inception in 2017, CEO & Founder Mickey Wiles will be transitioning out of day-to-day operations. Wiles remains committed to the company and will continue to offer strategic financial oversight and guidance in a CFO & Founder role while also supporting Working Fields’ nonprofit partner, Just Work, as it launches new programs and services.

Chelsea Bardot Lewis, who has served as COO for the past four years and has been a dedicated member of the advisory board since inception, steps into the role of CEO. During her time as COO, Working Fields successfully raised over $2 million in equity capital, doubled revenue within three years, and expanded from one office in Vermont to five offices in four states.

“I am honored to take on the role of CEO and am excited about the future of Working Fields,” said Lewis. “This company’s success is due to Mickey’s vision and leadership, and I am grateful for his ongoing support. Together with our dedicated team, we will continue to deliver exceptional recruitment and retention services to engaged employers, and work in solidarity with resilient jobseekers as they overcome barriers.”

As part of this transition, Lorcan Ackley has been promoted from Senior Account Manager to Director of Operations. Ackley joined the Working Fields team in 2022 and brings considerable leadership and life experience to his new role. 

“Each one of us has gone through some kind of hardship, myself included, and I am excited to use my own experiences to help people get a fair chance with an extraordinary team who is dedicated to our mission,” said Ackley.

Wiles concludes, “As I transition out of daily operations, I am looking forward to expanding peer coaching, transportation, and employment resources at Just Work. Chelsea and Lorcan have been an invaluable part of our team, and I am confident in their ability to lead the company forward.”

For more information about Working Fields and its leadership team, please visit: workingfields.com. 

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Working Fields is a South Burlington, VT-based staffing agency with a unique peer support model born from our founder’s lived experience in recovery, incarceration, and socially responsible business. We remove barriers to employment for job seekers and employers alike across VT, NH, ME, and MA. Our mission-driven approach promotes inclusive hiring practices and long-term retention. Working Fields has partnered with over 3,000 jobseekers, 400 community organizations, and more than 100 employers.