Welcome back for part 2 of KRA's The Hub special series recorded live at the 2024 NAWB Forum in Washington, D.C. In this episode, host Jonathan Overall continues the engaging discussions started in part 1, sitting down with influential workforce development leaders. Guests include Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director at WorkSource Montgomery, Jaime Cruz, Executive Director for Workforce Connections in Southern Nevada, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, and Melissa ...
Apr 12, 2024•28 min
In this special two-part series from KRA's The Hub podcast, host Jonathan Overall sits down with influential leaders in the workforce development space at the 2024 NAWB Forum conference in Washington, D.C. Hear insightful conversations with George Wright, CEO of the Chicago Cook County Workforce Development Board, Drew Hubbard, Executive Director of the D.C. Workforce Investment Council, and Deb Giordano, NAWB Board Member. They discuss the conference theme of "Forging Tomorrow's Workforce Today...
Apr 10, 2024•20 min
Our special guest for this episode of KRA's The Hub is Kyla Guyette, Director of Strategic Partnerships at KRA. Kyla shares her journey in the workforce development field, from her early experiences helping Hurricane Katrina victims, to her current role at KRA and on the board of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). She discusses the challenges facing the workforce development sector, the importance of aligning ecosystems, and the need for organizations to adapt to the changing l...
Mar 21, 2024•17 min
This episode features a conversation with John Helton, President and CEO of CareerRise, as John discusses the critical role of workforce intermediaries in driving economic mobility and equity. He also shares insights on how CareerRise serves as both a funder collaborative and convener to support workforce development in the Metro Atlanta region. Discover CareerRise's initiatives, including industry partnerships, capacity building, and racial equity priorities. John also offers advice for leaders...
Mar 12, 2024•24 min
This episode features an interview with Terrance Bowens, Program Manager for KRA, as he discusses workforce development and customer-centered design. Terrence provides background on his experience in workforce development and what drew him to the field, as well as details on the Northern Nevada region where he currently works. He outlines KRA's role as a one-stop operator facilitating connections between job seekers and employment programs and services and reveals principles of customer-centered...
Feb 21, 2024•20 min
Tune in for a conversation with Dawn Karber, Director of SkillsFWD and Owner of Talent Growth Group, about driving innovation in workforce development. Dawn shares tips for embracing innovation, building strong partnerships, and overcoming common barriers like fear of failure, and skills-based hiring. She also offers insights from her extensive experience in equipping leaders to be proactive change agents to prepare their organizations for the future of work.
Jan 23, 2024•20 min
This episode of The Hub features a discussion with Knowlton Atterbeary, the Founder and President & CEO of KRA Corporation. Mr. Atterbeary traces the origin of the company, and reveals KRA's commitment to leadership development, both within the firm and more broadly in the workforce industry, highlighting prominent professionals who began their careers at KRA. He also shares insights on employment policies gained through serving on economic advisory boards, as well as his perspective on key ...
Jan 09, 2024•27 min
In this episode, Jonathan Overall, Senior Director, Workforce Operations, provides an inside look at his own career journey and the experiences that led him to his current role overseeing workforce-services programs across the country. Discover KRA's 40+ years’ culture of developing leaders from within the organization, and the value that KRA places on innovation and people. Jonathan also shares about his favorite parts of hosting the podcast and reveals what you can expect from KRA's The Hub in...
Dec 19, 2023•22 min
This episode features a conversation with Merry Campbell, Chair of Employment and Labor at Shulman Rogers law firm, as she discusses current and upcoming legal considerations in recruiting and hiring. Touching on issues around AI, demographic data, diversity, equity and inclusion goals, and more, Merry provides perspective on ensuring hiring practices align with emerging regulations while still moving towards creating an ethical and effective recruitment process. Tune in for practical insights a...
Nov 28, 2023•17 min
This episode features a conversation with Kevin Williams from the Spokane Workforce Council about the opportunities and challenges facing workforce development today. Topics covered include adopting a customer-centered approach, the need to diversify funding sources, childcare as a workforce issue, and advice for navigating turbulent times. Tune in for an insightful discussion about workforce trends and innovative solutions being implemented in the Spokane region and beyond.
Nov 15, 2023•20 min
This episode features a conversation with Ed Hidalgo, founder of Ed Hidalgo Consulting, as he discusses integrating career development and advising into K-12 education. Ed provides an inside look at how schools can foster career readiness and exploration starting at an early age by helping students understand their strengths, interests, and values. He also offers tangible tips for how workforce boards can engage with superintendents, CTE program directors, and other K-12 stakeholders to reinforc...
Oct 24, 2023•16 min
This episode features a conversation with Stephanie Deese, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards (NCAWDB), as Stephanie provides an overview of her career journey and reveals the most pressing workforce issues facing her region today. Discover how the pandemic accelerated innovation like virtual services in local career centers, and key strategies for building partnerships between workforce boards, economic developers, and education providers. Steph...
Oct 10, 2023•23 min
This episode features a conversation with Jade Gingerich, Director of Employment Policy at the Maryland Department of Disabilities, for an insightful discussion on disability employment. Jade provides background on her agency's mission to improve coordination of services and promote equal opportunity for people with disabilities. She outlines key state initiatives including eliminating subminimum wages. Jade stresses the importance of changing expectations around disability and work, customized ...
Sep 26, 2023•22 min
This episode of The Hub features a conversation with Jim McShane, executive director of CareerSource Capital Region, discussing the Workforce Alliance, a collaboration of workforce boards across Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Jim explains how the alliance allows for coordination across state lines to share best practices, partner with businesses regionally, and leverage training providers approved in neighboring states. Discover the importance of partnerships between workforce boards and economi...
Sep 12, 2023•18 min
Walter Simmons, founding President & CEO of Employ Prince George’s and Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Workforce Development Board, joins the program to share his insights about how the workforce system can innovate to meet current and future challenges. Walter reveals the most significant changes needed in the public workforce system that will increase its relevancy over the next decade, particularly to the benefit of the nation's employers and marginalized communities. He ...
Aug 29, 2023•21 min
This episode features a conversation with Cami Eakins, CEO of Career Path Services, as she provides an overview of her organization and discusses how Career Path Services is committed to serving underserved communities, including refugees, immigrants, underemployed individuals, and unhoused populations. Cami emphasizes the importance of recognizing who's already serving these communities and partnering with them to provide resources and support, as well as hiring from the communities they serve....
Aug 15, 2023•16 min
Jane Oates, President of WorkingNation, and former U.S. Department of Labor official, joins the program to share her reflections on the recent U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration Vision 2030 Workforce Convening. Jane covers topics including the need to focus on equity, career pathways to quality jobs, and building a strong care economy. She also reveals a shift in how workforce boards are approaching their work and the importance of sector partnerships.
Jul 10, 2023•26 min
This episode features a conversation with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) expert Jeri Perkins as she talks about the importance of DEI efforts for organizations. Jeri talks about how workforce organizations can keep a focus on DEI year-round and how to move beyond "check the box" inclusion. Discover how to create a work environment where all employees feel valued.
Jun 28, 2023•16 min
Josh Davies, CEO of The Center for Work Ethic Development, joins the program to discuss and define work ethic and why it matters both for employees and employers. Discover whether there are generational differences in work ethic and the impact of the pandemic and remote work. Josh also shares advice for employers who want to ensure that their employees have a strong work ethic.
Jun 06, 2023•19 min
Dr. Chris Laney, Director of Government Affairs & Workforce Strategy at Lightcast, joins the program to provide an update on the labor market and why we need to "expect the unexpected." Chris provides his reflections on current trends in the labor market and the implication of those trends on the workforce system. He also shares his thoughts on the possibility of a cooling of the job market and what workforce professionals need to keep in mind given the current labor market and economic tren...
May 22, 2023•20 min
Sandy Mead, VP of Workforce Development at Metrix Learning, joins the program to discuss the changing nature and delivery of training programs for job seekers and to provide an overview of the Metrix Learning online platform. Sandy shares advice for workforce organizations who are trying to provide training and upskilling opportunities in an impactful way. Discover what workforce leaders and organization need to think about when it comes to the future of training.
May 09, 2023•22 min
Joseph Seymour, Managing Director, Operational Excellence for KRA, joins the program to discuss his career journey and talk about current workforce trends. Discover what workforce organizations need to keep in mind in order to be prepared for current and future workforce challenges. Joseph also discusses his vision and goals for his new role as the incoming president of SETA (The Southeastern Employment & Training Association).
Apr 25, 2023•26 min
Tune in for a conversation between Jonathan Overall, Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance for KRA, and Andy Hall, President & CEO of Trailhead Strategies Inc. Andy reveals why workforce organizations should seek to diversify their funding sources beyond traditional WIOA funds, and how diversification of funds can allow organizations to be more flexible and creative. Andy shares tips for workforce leaders about how they can start diversifying their funding and how to create s...
Apr 11, 2023•20 min
Tune in for a conversation with Zaskia Ruiz, Executive Vice President, Administration & Finance at KRA, and Jonathan Overall, Director of Workforce Operations, Program Performance at KRA. Zaskia discusses her career journey and the experiences that led her to become the leader that she is today. She also reveals how KRA empowers its employees and shares thoughts about how to uplift women in the workplace.
Mar 30, 2023•25 min
Ron Painter, President & CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) joins the program to share his reflections on a recent executive order in Pennsylvania that allows most state jobs to be skills-based and not require a 4-year degree. Discover what this order means for other states, and how workforce boards can advocate for similar orders. Ron also shares details about the upcoming NAWB Forum and provides an overview of the speakers joining this year's Forum and some of the t...
Mar 06, 2023•25 min
This episode features a conversation with Maxine Suka, and Bob Lanter, Executive Director of the California Workforce Association. Discover how workforce boards can access funding from new federal legislation and what workforce professionals can do to prepare for this funding. Bob discusses the importance of collaboration and engaging local political leaders, as well as the potential impact of this new funding on the workforce system.
Feb 03, 2023•24 min
Maxine Suka, Director of Workforce Operations, Strategic Initiatives at KRA, returns to the program to discuss why it is important to diversify funding. Discover how to create impactful collaboration and hear examples of how organizations across the U.S. are diversifying funding and creating innovative opportunities. Maxine also shares tips about how to get started with diversifying funds.
Jan 09, 2023•25 min
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and in recognition of this, Patrick Boxall, Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer for KRA, and Maxine Suka, Director of Workforce Operations, Strategic Initiatives at KRA, join the program for a discussion about advancing disability employment. Discover what businesses and workforce professionals should know about disability employment. You'll also hear about some of the misconceptions about employing persons with disabil...
Oct 19, 2022•32 min
Maxine Suka (Director of Workforce Operations, Strategic Initiatives) discusses the history of Workforce Development Month and creative ways that organizations can celebrate. Maxine gives examples of celebrations of Workforce Development Month from around the country and reveals how partnering with community organizations can help maximize visibility and success. Discover how to make Workforce Development Month a time of self-care for workforce professionals.
Oct 11, 2022•28 min
In this episode, you'll hear from Maxine Suka (Director of Workforce Operations, Strategic Initiatives) as she reveals what you can expect from the podcast as it transitions over to KRA's The Hub. Discover the topics that will be covered and the benefits of tuning in!
Sep 27, 2022•20 min
