Albert Ciuksza Jr.
Author, Entrepreneur, and Speaker
Albert Ciuksza, a leader at Solutions 21, specializes in future-focused strategies that fuel growth, elevate brand impact, and unite multi-generational teams. With nearly two decades of experience advising organizations ranging from agile startups to global enterprises, Ciuksza delivers actionable insights on workforce engagement and leadership development. A recognized authority on next-generation trends, he frequently speaks at industry events, challenging audiences to adopt bold, transformative approaches. Through his work at Solutions 21, Ciuksza empowers clients to stay ahead of disruption and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Albert's Biography
Albert Ciuksza Jr. is a trusted advisor to leaders navigating complex transitions, growth challenges, and succession. As Senior Vice President of Growth and Development at Solutions 21, he leads the design and delivery of leadership development programs for high-performing organizations across various industries and worldwide. He works directly with executives and their rising successors, helping them build practical strategies for long-term success. Solutions 21’s flagship program, Next Leader Now, prepares high-potential talent to step confidently into future leadership roles.
Albert brings a rare mix of entrepreneurial experience, economic development insight, and leadership strategy to his consulting. Before joining Solutions 21, he co-founded a startup where he led product development from concept to commercialization, secured patents, raised capital, and scaled operations internationally. That innovation experience shapes his hands-on, solutions-oriented approach with clients today.
Earlier in his career, Albert served in key economic development roles, including as Director of the Pittsburgh Impact Initiative at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and as Manager of Water Innovations at Idea Foundry, a technology accelerator. In both positions, he coached business leaders, facilitated growth strategies, and connected entrepreneurs with vital resources. Whether working with a startup founder, a family business, or a corporate successor, Albert helps leaders make smart, sustainable moves forward.
Albert is the author of Succeeding: Stepping Up Without Stepping in It, a practical guide for next-generation leaders navigating the emotional, strategic, and operational challenges of succession. He also teaches leadership and strategy as an adjunct faculty member at St. Vincent College’s McKenna School of Business.
A dedicated community leader, Albert is the co-founder and vice chair of Food Assistance Match (FAM), a nonprofit initiative that expands access to healthy food by doubling food assistance benefits at farmers markets across Southwestern Pennsylvania. He also serves on the board of Eyenavision Inc., a company he helped found, and on the board of Bona Fide Bellevue, a community development corporation. He is a founding committee member of Club 66, a Mario Lemieux Foundation program encouraging philanthropy among Millennial professionals.
In 2020, Pittsburgh Magazine recognized Albert as one of the region’s 40 Under 40 for his professional and civic leadership. He holds a degree from St. Vincent College and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business. He lives in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Dr. Mallory Ciuksza, and their two dogs.