NEWARK — In partnership with the Greater Ohio Workforce Board (GOWB), the Ohio Workforce Coalition has introduced the second cohort of the local Workforce Leadership Academy (WLA) across Delaware, Knox, and Licking counties.
The academy is designed to build capacity in the local workforce ecosystem to develop
innovative solutions to the challenges faced by workers and businesses.
The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) developed the academy. In 2022, EOP selected the coalition to offer the academy in Ohio, and the first cohort launched in Cuyahoga County in 2023.
“The coalition is thrilled to work with GOWB to bring this second cohort to a rural Ohio. GOWB’s regional footprint, workforce expertise, and commitment to systems made them the perfect partner for cohort two,” said Rebecca Kusner, director of OWC.
The academy engages nonprofit, government, academic, and business leaders in a series of retreats and workshops as they work together to advance an innovative and equitable workforce ecosystem. The academy’s opening retreat is Nov. 7 and 8 and will culminate with a collaborative capstone project presentation in June.
“This is a great opportunity for a select group of leaders to step back with colleagues, reflect on their own organizational challenges, learn from experts from around the country, and develop the network and trust that is so essential for success,” Kusner said.
The 18 Fellows of the Delaware, Knox, Licking County Workforce Leadership Academy are:
•Andrew Volenik, Delaware County Transit
•Michell Ward, Columbus State Community College
•Angela Carnahan, Ohio Means Jobs Licking County
•Shelly Laslo, Knox County Career Center
•Brandy Booth, Ohio Means Jobs Knox County
•Michelle Snow, Career & Technology Centers of Licking County
•Carlos Mendez, City of Delaware Opal M. Brant, One Columbus
•Carolyn Stout, Ohio Means Jobs Delaware County Rachel Reedy, County Commissioners Association of Ohio
•Cassandra Palsgrove, Ohio Excels Sheila Cottrell, Licking County Government
•Daryl Jones, Newark Electrical JATC Tavaris Taylor, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
•Julia Suggs, Knox County Area Development Foundation
•Kaylor Sines, Columbus State Community College
•Mike McLane, Delaware County Job & Family Services
•Tara Houdeshell, A Call to College
“GOWB shares the Coalition’s commitment to system thinking and capacity building. We are excited to bring this Academy to three counties that continue to work together to build stronger workforce systems,” said John Trott, Director of GOWB.
The Academy is led by Rebecca Kusner (coalition) with co-facilitation from Dr. LaShon Sawyer (Sage Insight) and John Trott (GOWB), with advice and guidance from an Advisory Council of leaders from each county.
For more information about the Advisory Council and the Academy, visit https://www.ohioworkforcecoalition.org/wla2024, call 614-404-3882, or email
info@ohioworkforcecoalition.org.