Basil Salem serves as Senior Director of External Affairs for Per Scholas Chicago, where he leads government relations, public-sector partnerships, and regional efforts to expand access to tuition-free technology training. He works with elected officials, workforce agencies, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen pathways into technology careers across Chicago and the surrounding region.

Before joining Per Scholas, Basil served as Policy Director for the Chicago City Council Committee on Workforce Development and as Senior Policy Advisor at Jobs to Move America. Throughout his career, he has helped lead policy campaigns aimed at improving wages, working conditions, and economic opportunities for workers. His work has included advancing protections for workers in emerging industries and collaborating with labor and community partners to support equitable implementation of Illinois’ clean-energy investments.
Basil holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Chicago, where he also taught for several years. He brings to his work a deep commitment to public service, worker empowerment, and building systems that expand access to meaningful, family-sustaining careers.