2005 Illinois Workforce Development Conference
Illinois Solutions: Creating A Better Workforce!
October 24th – 26th
This year’s conference will offer 46 workshops presented by nationally recognized speakers. Exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions about their products and services. Outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations will be recognized at the annual awards banquet. You’ll leave this conference revitalized and better equipped to continue your role as part of the “solution”.
Watch this page for workshop updates and trainer information. Check back often!
Conference Schedule
Monday – October 24, 2005
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Conference Check-In
Illinois Initiatives and Programs
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Pre-Conference Workshops
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
8:00 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. Exhibits
8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Conference Check-In Continues
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Concurrent Workshops
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Luncheon (Welcome & Keynote Speaker)
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Workshops
5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Awards Banquet
9:15 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Dance
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
8:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Exhibits
8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Concurrent Workshops
9:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Concurrent Workshops
11:00 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. Closing Brunch (Motivational Speaker)
Conference Annoucement (click to download PDF file)
Conference Registration Form (click to download PDF file)
Don’t miss it - registration deadline is October 14, 2005!
2005 Conference Workshops and Speakers (Conference Grid)
Workshop Titles:
“Push/Pull: Getting Your Team to Work Together”
“Leadership Secrets from a Seasick Sailor”
“Workforce Development + Economic Development = Community Success”
presented by Sal J. Adamski, CWDP, President
Sal Adamski & Associates
Forth Worth, TX
Sal Adamski has been a professional trainer, public speaker, and workforce development professional for over 17 years. He has conducted workshops and key note speeches for numerous organizations throughout the country, including three Hawiian Workforce Boards.
Sal is the Director of Business and Economic Development for the Workforce Investment Board in Fort Worth, Texas, which has won five state and national awards for outstanding services to the business community. He is also the Chairman of the Board for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, and a Certified Workforce Development Professional.
Workshop Titles:
“Communication… “I Was Listening, But I Wasn’t Paying Attention” “Customer Service… It’s Everyone’s Responsibility"
presented by Osceola Edmondson, President
Common Sense Consulting
Columbia, MD
Osceola Edmondson is President of the human resource management firm, Common Sense Consulting. Mr. Edmondson received his B.S. degree in Management from Chicago State University and his Master of Public Administration from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Mr. Edmondson, a U.S. Army Veteran, has held a number of positions of responsibility in the public and private sectors in Illinois, Washington D.C. and Maryland. As Regional Manager of the National Alliance of Business and as Vice President of Field Operations in Washington D.C., Mr. Edmondson labored to involve business and government in economic development, job training and education programs to fully utilize the “under” utilized workforce in this country. He later continued these efforts as Senior Management Consultant with the CPA firm of Laventhol and Horwath.
Mr. Edmondson has an extensive level of experience in motivation. He lectures extensively across the country speaking to business people, diverse workforces and young people. He teaches coping skills in prisons, creates and maintains inner city youth mentoring programs and encourages college students to excel at all levels.
Mr. Edmondson has been on the Business Faculty of Chicago State University, Howard Community College and Johns Hopkins University-Continuing Education. He is a recognized expert in the topical fields of cultural diversity, race relations in the workplace and domestic violence training. He has
been interviewed and quoted in several media sources such as the Washington Post, Minority Engineer Magazine, Heart and Soul Magazine and IABC Communication World.
Workshop Titles:
“The Nuts and Bolts of a Demand-Driven System”
“Targeting Business Customers”
“Networking with Employers”
presented by Sharon Parry, Executive Director
Employment Source
Canton, OH
Sharon Parry is the Executive Director of the Employment Source. Her regional workforce system includes locations in Canton and New Philadelphia, OH.
Under her leadership, The Employment Source has developed a One Stop system that has been cited by US Labor Secretary Chao as “one of the best in the nation.” In 2003, the organization was honored by the National Association of Counties with its Award for Workforce Excellence. And, in 2004, Ohio Governor Bob Taft lauded The Employment Source in his State of the State Address calling it “a powerful economic development tool.”
Prior to her public sector work, Sharon worked for a number of years in the oil and gas industry in Texas. She held several management positions in financial analysis at Tenneco Gas, a Fortune 500 company located in Houston. She was also the Chief Accountant for Magnum Marine Corporation, an offshore drilling company with operations in the US and Egypt.
Currently, Sharon serves on the Board of Directors for the National Workforce Association and is co-chair for its Legislative Committee. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the US Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, as well as the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes Employment and Training Association.
In 2004, she was named Director of the Year by the National Workforce Association. In 2005, the National Association of Workforce Boards honored Sharon with its Margaret Mead Award of Workforce Excellence.
In Ohio, Sharon has been named to the Executive Leadership Council for Workforce Development and the Workforce Policy Innovations Network in addition to her local work on the President’s Advisory Council for Stark State College of Technology, the P-16 Educational Compact, the Canton Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee, and the Stark County Manufacturing Advocacy Council.
Workshop Titles:
“Mistake-Free Job Finding... Jump Starting a Failed Job Search”
“Overcoming the Emotional Side of Job Loss”
“Myths of Maturity – If They Can Retread Tires, Why Can’t We Retread a Career?”
presented by Dick Gaither, President
Job Search Training Systems
Nineveh, IN
Dick Gaither is the straight talking, hard hitting president of Job Search Training Systems, Inc., an original founder of JIST Works, Inc., one of the creators of Job Clubs and Self-Directed Job Search models...and proud to say a Vietnam Veteran.
Over the past 20 years, Dick's peers have dubbed him the "Wizard of Work." Dick is one of most dynamic, entertaining, informative and sought after job search instructors in the country. Dick Bolles (author of What Color Is Your Parachute) says Dick Gaither is one of the "most riveting" trainers he's ever seen.
Dick’s a nationally recognized employment professional, best selling author (over 2,000,000 units in print) and an award-winning trainer. Dick’s helped develop some of the country’s most successful job search programs and training materials. Over 70,000 job seekers, career changers, teachers, career development & employment professionals have attended his training sessions.
Dick works with every type of job seeking population...and the staff that help them find work: welfare clientele, offenders, rehabilitation (mental/physical) clients, dislocated workers (blue & white collar), students (high school, community college, university), native American’s & First Nation Aboriginals, veterans, inner-city disadvantaged youth & drop outs, drug & alcohol dependent clients...and many more. If employment is your program goal, Dick Gaither can help.
A few Of Dick Gaither’s Career Highlights
- Indianapolis Network E & T: Employment Professional Of The Year
- CASPER Award Winner: Employment Program Development (JIST)
- Award Winner: National Vote of School Directors (NATTS)
- Veterans’ Service Award Winner (Ohio Dept. of Labor)
- Former Board Member, National Association Of Job Search Trainers
- President’s Award Nominee For Innovative Program Design
- National Assn. Of Job Search Trainers Award For Outstanding Service
- AJST Wegman Award (Highest Honor For Job Search Trainers)
- Former Workforce Investment Board Member
Workshop Title:
“Transferable Skills: Keys to Work Options”
presented by Linda Kobylarz
Career Development Consultant
Linda Kobylarz & Associates
Burlington, CT
Linda Kobylarz is a career development consultant providing program design and implementation, staff development, program evaluation, and research services to federal, state, and community agencies; schools; and business. She has extensive experience with: workforce development programs; National Career Development Guidelines implementation; career portfolios; career assessment; computer-based systems for career information; comprehensive developmental guidance programs; and standards-based, career development curriculum design. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator, a certified instructor for the Global Career Development Facilitator Curriculum, and a certified trainer for The Real Game Series. She was a contributing author for the National Career Development Guidelines Handbook K-Adult and several other career counseling publications. Ms. Kobylarz was the 2004 President of the Connecticut Counseling Association (CCA) and has served on the Board of Directors for the National Career Development Association (NCDA) and the National Employment Counselors Association (NECA). She was recipient of CCA’s Professional Development Award in 2003 and NCDA’s Outstanding Career Practitioner Award in 2001.
Workshop Titles:
“Compassion Fatigue”
“Mental Illinois and Workforce Development”
“Counseling Skills for Non-Counselors”
presented by Jeffrey Weir, Partner
Organizational Resilience International
Concord, NH
Jeffrey Weir is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has worked in the field of mental health for nearly twenty years in a variety of settings including inpatient settings, community mental health and currently in private practice with Human Dynamics Associates, Inc. He specializes in traumatic stress and has worked for the past six years as a supervisor, clinician and research associate for The Trauma Center in Boston. He is founding partner with Organizational Resilience International, a consulting and training firm specializing in corporate crisis management.
Workshop Titles:
“Followership”
“Managing Gossip in the Workplace”
presented by Lewis G. Bender, Ph.D., Professor
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL
Lewis Bender is a Professor of Public Administration at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). He teaches a variety of classes in supervision and leadership for the Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis. Throughout his career, Professor Bender has been deeply involved in community-based applied research, organizational goal setting and planning, and approaches to organizational development. His educational background includes BS in History from Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan; Masters Degree in Political Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan and Ph.D. in Political Science, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. A specialist in training and organizational development for business and government, he conducts seminars and workshops for management, supervisory, support staff and customer service employees – anyone who needs to be effective in communicating, Dr. Bender is well know for his candid, casual style and has worked with organizations across the U.S. and Canada.
Workshop Title:
“Preparing for Youth Common Measures”
presented by Tim Harmon, President
Workforce Enterprise Services, Inc.
Riverton, IL
Tim Harmon is the President of Workforce Enterprise Services, Inc., a management consulting firm that provides systems management, program evaluation and continuous improvement services to workforce development organizations. Until founding Workforce Enterprise Services, Tim managed WIA Title I performance for the State of Illinois. Tim has provided performance management training to hundreds of front-line and management staff at the regional, state and local levels. He recently managed a baseline evaluation of the WIA program in Illinois, and authored “Improving Workforce Development in Illinois: A Strategic Vision for WIA Title I Implementation.”
Workshop Titles:
“How to Use and Understand OMB Circulars”
“Keeping Your Agency Risk Free”
presented by Judy Koonter, President
Judy Koonter and Associates, Inc.
Lansing, MI
and
Shirley Eichenberg, Controller
Region VII B Employment & Training Consortium
Harriso, MI
Judy Koonter: Ms. Koonter had 25 years of experience with the State of Michigan, fifteen of those years as a monitor/audit resolution analyst with the Michigan Department of Career Development, prior to becoming an independent consultant. She has eight years of experience as a consultant in Michigan and other states providing training, technical assistance and monitoring. She was on the U.S. Department of Labor’s task force for eighteen months working on alternative methodologies for cost allocation. She has an in-depth awareness of monitoring responsibilities, including programmatic, compliance, fiscal, and managerial reviews. She has conducted numerous training workshops on OMB circulars, procurement, contract management, and many others.
Shirley Eichenberg: Ms. Eichenberg is currently the Controller for a local workforce investment board in Michigan and also provides independent training. She has a thorough understanding of fiscal requirements and can relate to being a monitor as well as being monitored. Ms. Eichenberg was also a member of the U.S. Department of Labor’s task force on cost allocation. She has an in-depth awareness of oversight responsibilities related to governmental fund accounting control and procedures, including cash flow management, reporting, OMB circulars, and compliance with grants and regulations.
Workshop Title:
“Overview of WIA Eligibility Policy”
presented by Michael Jordan
Manpower Planner III
Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Springfield, IL
Michael Jordan has been in State of Illinois service for more than 31 years. Except for a brief stint with the Illinois Department of Finance at the beginning of his professional career and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, the near majority of his time has been with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and its predecessor agencies. Having served in many capacities ranging from an accountant to a fiscal monitor to a grants manager supervisor, Michael is now in the reporting unit of the Bureau of Workforce Development. His responsibilities include preparation of certain Federal reports, technical assistance/training on eligibility matters.
Workshop Title:
"Disability-Related Information: Asking and Telling"
presented by Denise M. Sudell, Senior Policy Advisor
Civil Rights Center
U. S. Department of Labor
Washington, D.C.
Denise M. Sudell is a Senior Policy Advisor with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Rights Center (CRC), specializing in disability issues and issues related to religion and faith-based organizations. Ms. Sudell came to CRC in January 2003, after nearly fifteen years as an attorney in DOL’s Office of the Solicitor (SOL). While a senior level attorney/advisor with SOL’s Division of Civil Rights, she acted as the primary drafter of the regulations implementing Section 188 (the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA); she also worked on a wide range of other civil-rights related legal and policy issues. Ms. Sudell’s additional experience in SOL includes seven years in the Litigation section of the Civil Rights Division, prosecuting individual and class-action employment discrimination cases against Federal contractors on the basis of race, sex and disability.
A 1984 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, Ms. Sudell has held a number of other legal and civil rights-related positions, including a stint as Interim Executive Director for the Colorado Legal Initiatives Project (CLIP), an organization that litigates impact cases affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons in that state. She has also served on CLIP’s Board of Director’s as Chair of its Case Review Panel. Ms. Sudell is currently completing the final year of a three year term as DOL’s Government Fellow to the Equal Employment Opportunity Subcommittee of the American Bar Association.
Workshop Titles:
Making Work Lean & Meaningful Herding Cats: Leading the New Generations – Without Losing Your Mind
presented by Joyce L. Gioia, CSP, CMC (pronounced joy-yah), President
The Herman Group
Greensboro, NC
Strategic Business Futurist and Certified Management Consultant Joyce Gioia (joy-yah) has helped hundreds of clients create a more stable workforce, including companies like American Honda, MetLife, World Sign Associates, Procter & Gamble, and AT&T. Using her guidance, one of her clients reduced their turnover from over 300% to under 25% in less than 5 months! Gioia has spoken in 43 states and on six continents. Featured regularly in national media like National Public Radio, Industry Week, Inc., The Christian Science Monitor, Business Week, Entrepreneur and numerous trade journals, Gioia is also co-author of five books, including the popular business books Impending Crisis: Too Many Jobs, Too Few People and How to Become an Employer of Choice, both of which often appear on the CEO-READ Business Bestseller List.
Workshop Title:
Equal Opportunity Laws & Regulations Applicable to DOL Financial Assistance Recipients
presented by Pir Ahmad, EO Specialist
USDOL Civil Rights Center, Office of Compliance Assistance and Planning
Washington, D.C.
The primary external activity of the Civil Rights Center is providing advisory services and compliance assistance to DOL grant recipients. Pir Ahmad facilitates the advancement of this activity by providing guidance on various Federal statutes and regulations that prohibit discrimination in DOL financially assisted and conducted programs and activities. As a member of CRC staff, Mr. Ahmad’s role varies – at times acting as a mediator exploring and resolving conflicts, a technical advisor disseminating information on governmental regulations or as an analyst evaluating implemented organizational programs or practices. He provides compliance assistance and advice to DOL grant recipients on their responsibilities under applicable equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.
Prior to joining the staff at the Civil Rights Center, Mr. Ahmad worked as a Labor Economist with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where he provided economic analyses, which identified and monitored the effects of mass layoff events. With the U.S. Department of Army, as the Lead Economist, Mr. Ahmad conducted market intelligence and economic analyses of the maritime transportation industry to assist in the military’s contract negotiations with private-sector ocean carriers. Mr. Ahmad led the research and development of the Military Traffic Management Command’s initiative to adhere to the Government Performance and Result Act (GPRA) of 1993, by utilizing a Balanced Scorecard Approach in using performance information to devise strategies for operational improvement.
Mr. Ahmad holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Program and the recipient of the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Award.
Workshop Titles:
Blast Away at Procrastination: Get It Done Now Got Clutter??
presented by Rita Emmett, Author & Speaker
Emmett Enterprises, Inc.
Des Plaines, IL
Rita Emmett, who was born the world's greatest procrastinator, has converted and is now a Recovering Procrastinator. For example, she took 18 years to complete her four-year bachelor's degree, but three years later Rita earned her Master's degree in Adult Learning while raising children, working at a counseling agency, and building her speaking business. Rita has been presenting keynotes and seminars to businesses and organizations since 1978. She was adjunct faculty at both Triton and Chicago City Colleges for over 15 years. She has authored three books. The Procrastinator’s Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now sold over 100,000 copies in the first 14 months, and landed Rita on The Today Show where she was interviewed by Katie Couric. Her other books The Procrastinating Child: A Handbook For Adults To Help Children Stop Putting Things Off and The Clutter-Busting Handbook: Clean It Up, Clear It Out, and Keep Your Life Clutter-Free are hits as well.
Workshop Title:
“Managing Critical Incidents”
presented Joseph P. Paterno, Executive Director
Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc., Region 24
Bonita Springs, FL
Tracy Lansberry
Programs Division, Director
Joseph P. Paterno is the Executive Director for the Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc., Region 24. Prior to that appointment he served as the Executive Director for the Southwest Florida Private Industry Council for thirteen years. He came to Southwest Florida from Kentucky, where he oversaw an employment and training program in a ninety-two county area. Joseph earned a B.S. from West Virginia Institute of Technology with an emphasis in Accounting and Economics. He has been a member of the Florida Employment and Training Association since 1985 and an Executive Committee member since 1986. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida since 1986 and a twice Past President. He is a graduate of Leadership Florida Class XII and was President of the Florida Workforce Development Association from 1998 – 2001.
Joseph has been married for twenty-six years to the former Karen Orlandi, his high school sweetheart. He has two daughters, Suzanne and Bridget.
Like most Floridians, Tracy Lansberry is not a native of the state, however, he and his wife, Arlene, have resided in the Fort Myers area for the past 13 years.
His career began with 6 years in the Army as an Infantry Officer during the Viet Nam era. He left the Army in 1971 and immediately began his career with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. During the next 22 years his career progressed and his last assignment was as the Job Center Manager in State College, Pennsylvania. Go Penn State Nittany Lions!
In 1993, he began work with Florida Department of Labor. Due to downsizing in late 1998, he honed his job seeking skills and secured employment with his current employer…The Southwest Florida Workforce Development Board, Inc. In his current position he has direct oversight responsibilities for all Federal and State Programs operated by service providers contracted with the Board, as well as the Board’s five Career and Service Centers.
And lastly, because he knows how to turn on a laptop, Tracy will have oversight responsibility for the visual aids used during the conference.
Workshop Title:
An Untapped Labor Pool: Addressing the Construction Industry Workforce Shortage While Expanding Women's Employment Opportunities
presented by Pamyla Berryhill, Assistant Project Manager
Chicago Women in Trades
Chicago, IL
Workshop Title:
Public Policy and Its Impact on Training and Work for Immigrants
presented by Tse Ming Tam, Division Director
Jobs, Income and Assets
National Economic Development and Law Center
Oakland, CA
Under the supervision of Tse Ming Tam, the Jobs, Income and Assets Division seeks to strengthen the access of low-income communities to employment and asset building opportunities. Mr. Tam also manages the Sectoral Employment Intervention Program, which intervenes in targeted industries to capture living wage jobs for the unemployed and working poor. An expert in employment related issues, Mr. Tam advises federal, state and local agencies on policy formulation, administrative reforms, and regulatory practices. He also assists public and nonprofit employment training programs in systems design and reform. The former Acting Director for Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA), Mr. Tam is often invited to provide expert testimony on employment policies and their impact on Asian Americans and the broader population of economically disadvantaged people
Workshop Titles:
Resume Writing for Success Powerhouse Interviews
presented by John C. Becker, Director of Human Resources
Rock County
Janesville, WI
John C. Becker has been the Director of Human Resources for Rock County, Wisconsin, since 2002, where he is responsible for the human resources and labor relations programs for the County’s 1,200 member workforce. Mr. Becker serves as Rock County’s Chief Labor negotiator for negotiations with all ten (10) of the County’s unions. Mr. Becker has held similar human resource management positions with the cities of Rockford, Illinois; and Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mr. Becker has also served as Assistant City Attorney for Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and City Attorney for Algoma, Wisconsin.
Mr. Becker is active in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), where he has been awarded the distinction of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He is also active in the International Personnel Management Association (IPMA); the National Public Employer’s Labor Relations Association (NPELRA) as well as its state Chapters in Wisconsin (WPELRA), and Illinois (IPELRA).
Mr. Becker has his J.D. from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri, and his B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Mr. Becker has taught collage level classes in Debtor/Creditor Relations, Human Resource Management, Compensation and Benefits, and Labor and Employment. He has been a guest speaker to numerous public sector audiences in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan
Workshop Titles:
"Fundamentals of Project Management"; "Planning Your Success – Professional & Personal Goal Setting" and "A Survival Thrival Approach to Managing Stress"
presented by C. William “Bill” Crutcher, President and CEO
The Center for Performance Development, Inc. (C4PD)
Normal, IL
C. William "Bill" Crutcher has over 25 years of extensive corporate experience in varied leadership assignments with both line and staff functions. He is an adjunct Professor in Management and Organizational Behavior and is equally comfortable with roles ranging from being an Executive Coach to transforming dysfunctional groups into highly successful teams. Bill is acknowledged for his ability to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for real-life work challenges. He is a Life-Certified Cash Manager, Certified Facilitator - Managerial Mastery, and a Certified Teams Course Facilitator.
He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Illinois State University and is a Viet Nam veteran. Bill and his wife Diane are the parents of a child with a developmental disability and are accomplished advocates in this field.
Workshop Title:
Improving the Employment Outcomes of the Formerly Incarcerated: Best Practices for Job Preparation in Illinois
Panel members:
Brian Cooper, Correctional Casework Supervisor
Illinois Department of Corrections
Chicago, IL
Jodina Hicks, Vice President
Public Policy & Community Partnerships
Safer Foundation
Chicago, IL
Patricia Rusoff, Manager
Re-entry Employment Service Program
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Chicago, IL
Workshop Title:
Illinois’ Future Workforce Is Already Here
presented by Harold L. Hodgkinson, Ph.D., Director
Center for Demographic Policy
Washington, D.C.
Since 1987, Harold Hodgkinson has served as Director of the Center for Demographic Policy in Alexandria, Virginia. Widely known for his analysis of demographic and educational issues, he holds a doctorate from Harvard University and has received 12 honorary degrees. Dr. Hodgkinson was one of three Americans awarded the title of Distinguished Lecturer by the National Science Foundation in 1989. His professional activities include writing, lecturing, and producing demographic reports for states, cities, businesses, and nonprofit groups. Dr. Hodgkinson has authored 12 books, three of which have won national awards, and more than 200 articles, for which he has been honored by the American Educational Press Association. He has been editor of several journals, including Harvard Educational Review and the Journal of High Education.
Dr. Hodgkinson is widely known as a lecturer and analyst of demographic and educational issues. His consulting assignments have included over 600 colleges and universities, numerous public and private schools and school systems, state and federal agencies, as well as many corporations, including Bank of America, South Trust, 3M, Federal Express, IBM, General Motors, Texas Instruments, Association of American Publishers, Ladies Home Journal, Burger King, General Mills, ARCO, Honeywell, Hyatt and Hilton hotels, Johnson and Johnson, and Hallmark. Current Board service includes the E.M. Kauffman Foundation, The Newspapers of America Foundation,Walden University, and numerous advisory boards.
Workshop Title:
Responding to the ‘Quiet Crisis’ in Workforce Education
presented by Laurance J. Warford, Ph. D
Senior Workforce Consultant & Project Director
College and Career Transitions Initiative
League for Innovation in the Community College
Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Warford is presently serving as Project Director for the College and Career Transitions Initiative (CCTI), a cooperative agreement between the United States Department of Education, Office of Adult and Vocational Education, and the League for Innovation in the Community College. Previously, Dr. Warford served as the Community College Liaison for America’s Career Kit in the United States Department of Labor. His responsibilities included the promotion of collaborative efforts between the USDOL and America’s Community Colleges.
Warford’s community college career consists of over thirty years of a wide range of teaching and administrative experience. He was an administrator at Lane Community College beginning in 1978 where he served as Vice President for Instruction and Vice President for Community and Economic Development, as well as other leadership positions there. Prior to joining Lane, Warford was a consultant for the American Association of Community Colleges. He began his community college career in Iowa where he helped establish Iowa Central Community College and served in numerous leadership positions for that college.
Nationally recognized for his research and leadership in workforce training and lifelong learning, Dr. Warford makes several presentations at national conferences and meetings across the country. His publications include thoughtful articles on comprehensive workforce training, the need for policy change to provide lifelong learning to have a competitive workforce, and other subjects of interest to local, state, and national leaders in community colleges. Warford conducted a national study on state funding for non-credit programs in the community college and has published the results of this study in journals by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), The League for Innovation in the Community College, and the National Council for Continuing Education and Training (NCCET). Dr. Warford’s seminal research in contract training led to the creation of the national customized training network for community colleges in the League for Innovation in the Community College, as well as the League’s national workforce initiative. The League honored him in 1996 for his outstanding leadership in workforce development in the community college.
Warford is a recent past president of NCCET and received that organization’s Exemplary Service Award for his leadership in that organization. He has also served on AACC’s Workforce and Economic Development Commission and on the Advisory Committee for the Career and Technical Education dissemination project operated by The Ohio State University and the University of Illinois.
Dr. Warford has a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Oregon and a Masters and Bachelors Degree in Business and Education from the University of Northern Iowa. He is married with four grown children and currently makes his home in Eugene, Oregon.