The Next Evolution: Contingent Workforce Institute launches the Strategic Insights Advisory Board
Milwaukee, WI – January 19, 2026  – The Contingent Workforce Institute (CWI) today announced the launch of Strategic Insights Advisory Board, an evolved and elevated offering designed to meet the changing needs of HR technology companies, workforce solution providers, and enterprise leaders.
Since its founding, CWI has provided research, insights, and advisory support to leaders navigating the complexities of the external workforce, and its role within the broader workforce ecosystem. With the creation of Strategic Insights Advisory Board, that expertise has been transformed into an outsourced advisory board, providing companies with ongoing access to a curated team of proven workforce executives.
“CWI has always been about helping leaders make better workforce decisions,” said Jeff Nugent, founder of the institute “Strategic Insights Advisory Board takes that mission further. Instead of one-time consulting or research, we’re now embedding ourselves as an outsourced board of advisors - offering accountability, continuity, and the collective wisdom of the greatest minds and executives who have built, scaled, and transformed the workforce industry.”
The new offering represents a strategic elevation of CWI’s services:
- From Insight to Partnership – moving from reports and research to an ongoing board relationship.
- From Single Advisor to Collective Wisdom – giving clients a multi-lens perspective from leaders across staffing, HR tech, procurement, and investment.
- From Projects to Outcomes – focusing not just on recommendations, but on driving measurable growth, enterprise readiness, and market credibility.
Strategic Insights Advisory Board offerings include:
- Core Advisory Board: A curated board of advisors providing quarterly strategy, monthly check-ins, and on-demand counsel.
- On-Demand Expert Consults: Flexible access to senior advisors for fast, targeted guidance.
- Curated pool of SMEs available to be certified and deployed to address specific operational needs.
- AI & Innovation Workshops: Facilitated in conjunction with Harvard University’s Digital Data and Design Laboratory, designed to help companies prepare for the future of staffing and workforce technology.
- Fractional C-Suite Support: Interim executive leadership (CRO, COO, CHRO, etc.) from CWI’s network.
- Investor Readiness & M&A Support: Operational due diligence, GTM reviews, and org design audits.
- Executive and Team Coaching: Leadership and performance coaching designed to align executives and teams around strategy, execution, and sustained growth.
“Strategic Insights Advisory Board is the natural evolution of CWI’s mission,” said John Healy. “It reflects how the market has shifted and how leaders today need trusted, ongoing partners who can guide them through rapid change and growth, not just point-in-time consulting.”
Meet the Advisory Board
Cara Kresge
With over two decades of dedicated experience in workforce management and consulting, Cara Kresge had the honor of collaborating with clients across a multitude of industries and geographical locations.
Bryan Peña
Bryan is a globally recognized thought leader in extended work and open talent, known for his perspective on workforce solutions, emerging talent platforms, and the future of work. He is a sought-after speaker and advisor on workforce strategy and HR technology.
John Healy
 Having spent more than thirty years developing and deploying workforce solutions in labour markets throughout the world, John is a recognized thought leader and practitioner in the evolving world of work. Â
Michelle Cox
Michelle Cox has been coaching for a decade, holds a Professional Coaching Certification (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, and provides coaching to corporate executives and entrepreneurs in the United States and abroad.
Ray Culver
Ray Culver is a staffing industry veteran and CCWP with 30 years of experience in sales, sales strategy and sales leadership.
Kanita Brown
Kanita Brown is Managing Partner at KH Brown Solutions LLC, providing contingent workforce advisory services.
Jeff Nugent
With years of expertise, Jeff Nugent is a distinguished figure in the contingent workforce sector. He serves as a National Board Member and Chair of the Education & Accreditation Committee for the Canadian Staffing Association (ACSESS).Â