Through periodic MAX Member Spotlights, our MAX team is honored to help our broader workforce development network get to know our members better in order to strengthen connections, collaborations, and practices among workforce developers and organizations engaged in workforce development. Here, our members share insights on how MAX is helpful in their work, accomplishments they’re most proud of, emerging trends they see as affecting workforce development, and more.
Why did you become a MAX member?
MAX provides an opportunity to build partnerships with a foundation in trust and in pursuit of a shared vision for Metro Atlanta’s future.
How long have you been engaged with the MAX network?
More than 5 years
Are there specific collaborations, connections, or practices that have come about through your engagement with MAX?
MAX has provided an extensive network of peers and mentors that I have leveraged in supporting my organization. It puts leaders from the public, private, and non-profit space a quick phone call away when we have a need or an opportunity and are looking for the right partner to achieve our goals.
How have you engaged through MAX in the past 12 months?
MAX Academy, MAX Board of Directors, MAX Leadership Network
Which MAX event do you most look forward to attending? Why?
MAX Annual Meeting where members from all levels join together in person to celebrate what has been achieved and look forward to what the next year brings.
How many years have you served in the workforce development profession?
13
Why do you serve in this profession? What motivates you or inspires you to do what you do?
Investing in the future of talent and the critical role in plays in ensuring economic opportunity and growth of our region.
What is something you and/or your organization have accomplished in the past 12 months that you are most proud of?
The Fulton Workforce Board has fully embraced the need for collaboration and partnership. Watching our board members ask about new partnership opportunities and bring ideas to the table of how best to serve our workforce moving forward demonstrates how they have bought into the regional approach to improving the workforce system.
What are some emerging trends you see as affecting the job seekers and employers served through our profession?
The pace of change in the workplace will produce stress for job seekers and employers, but also create opportunity. This includes the introduction of new technologies, new occupations, even new industries. The opportunity for job seekers is that the demand for quality workers is moving away from strict credentialing and into transferable skills. The ability of employers and job seekers alike to recognize how to re-shape existing talent will be critical to success. Workforce Development professionals should be ready to rethink how we are serving customers as the traditional credentialing, job search, employment timeline may look much different.
Is there anything you believe that we, as a profession, should do differently in the future to best serve those we serve?
Workforce development professionals shouldn’t be afraid to reach out to other adjacent industries. The more transportation and housing affect the availability of workers, the more we will have to work across professions to solve a common problem.
What is a little-known fun fact about you?
Not only am I a Kentucky Colonel, but I helped award the same honor to Delta Burke.
ABOUT WORKSOURCE FULTON
Finding a fulfilling job can seem like a job in itself. But you’re in a great place to start. WorkSource Fulton is designed to provide money and support to guide you through the process. We’ll assess your skills, provide training, and help you find the job—or career—that’s right for you.
WorkSource Fulton is a free, federally funded program that helps put people to work. Our program is designed to help you find the right job or career training at no cost to you. At WorkSource Fulton, we make it our job to care about your success.
WorkSource Fulton provides the help you need to find the job you really want. We offer training and services in:
• Personal Career Counselors
• Job Readiness Workshops
• Access to our Career Resource Centers
• Assistance for the Application Process
• Explore In-Demand Occupations
• Explore Training Options
• Supportive Services