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November 24, 2015

The San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) has updated its governance structure. In response to the passage of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which calls for smaller, more strategic local Workforce Development Boards (WDB), a governance committee was charged with reviewing and making recommendations to create a new board structure. The result is the new WDB (replacing the former Workforce Investment Board (WIB). The WDB will provide direction on optimal ways to provide job training opportunities for job seekers that meet the needs of regional employers. The WDB will also serve as the 501(c)(3) board.

Complementing the WDB is the Consortium Policy Board (five members). The Policy Board is required as the SDWP operates under a “joint powers authority”, with representation from San Diego City Council, the County Board of Supervisors, and the United Way of San Diego County.

The prior governance structure included three boards: the Consortium Policy Board, the WIB, and a 501(c)(3) Board. Several members of the WIB will serve on the WDB and provide continuity during the transition.

“Streamlining our governance allows for more strategic alignment and responsiveness that will help us be most effective in our efforts to close the skills gap in our region” says Peter Callstrom, CEO, SDWP.

The board was approved by the Consortium Policy Board on Friday, November 20. The first meeting will be held February 18. All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available at https://workforce.org/governance.

Members of the new WDB are:

  • Richard Barrera, Secretary-Treasurer/CEO, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council
  • Andrew Berg, Executive Manager, National Electrical Contractors Association
  • Phil Blair, President, Manpower San Diego
  • Mark Cafferty, President & CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation
  • Erik Caldwell, Director of Economic Development, City of San Diego
  • Dr. Sunita Cooke, President, Mira Costa College
  • Carlos Turner Cortez, President, San Diego Community College District
  • Lee Goodman, President & CEO, Jerome’s Furniture
  • Ellen Greer, Division Chief, Employment Development Department
  • Katie Hansen, Director of Community Affairs, Associated Builders and Contractors San Diego (ABC)
  • Ed Hidalgo, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Qualcomm
  • Patrick Knighton, Director, San Diego Electrical Training Center
  • Matt Kriz, Political Director, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council
  • Tom Lemmon, Business Manager, San Diego County Building & Trades Council
  • Ky Lewis, Senior Vice President, Sharp Health Care
  • Patrick Lloyd, Vice President Human Resources, GKN Aerospace
  • Nick Macchione, Director – HHSA, County of San Diego
  • Mitch Mitchell, Vice President, SDG&E
  • John Ohanian, CEO, 2-1-1 San Diego
  • Marco Ortiz, Owner, Ortiz Insurance Agency
  • Omar Passons, Attorney, Stutz Artiano Shinoff & Holtz
  • Steve Redding, HR Operations Manager, UPS – Southern California
  • Eric Robles, Director of Political and Legislative Affairs, United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care
  • Althea Salas, Vice President of Human Resources, San Diego Tourism Authority
  • Marlene Taylor, President, Taylor Trim & Supply
  • Krista Torquato, Senior Vice President, Bank of America
  • Carmencita Trapse, Regional Administrator, Department of Rehabilitation

“Our governance members have always been committed to our mission to empower job seekers to meet the current and future workforce needs of employers in San Diego County. We are excited to continue this journey with a new structure and new members,” says Callstrom.

San Diego Workforce Partnership

The San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP) is the leader for innovative workforce solutions in San Diego County. It funds job training programs that enable adults and youth to develop the skills and knowledge needed for careers that are in demand. SDWP also provides current and projected labor market research on the region’s workforce trends and key industries. Its vision is to ensure that every business in our region has access to a skilled workforce and every job seeker has access to meaningful employment. For more information, visit workforce.org.

Contact:

Heather Milne Barger (SDWP)
(619) 228-2904
heathermb@workforce.org

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