The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) today announced the recipients of the 2025 NAWB Awards: Excellence in Community College Partnership, the Laurie Moran Partnership Award, WIOA Trailblazer, W.O. Lawton, and the Workforce Advocacy and Policy Award. The winners for the NAWB Awards were chosen by a subcommittee of NAWB’s board of directors.
Maricopa County Workforce Development Board is the recipient of the in Community College Partnership Award for its ongoing work with Maricopa County Corporate College (MCOR). Together, they have provided jobseekers with personalized career pathways, skills assessments, and direct connections to local employers in high-demand industries across one of the nation’s most populous and geographically expansive counties.
CareerSource Broward is the recipient of the Laurie Moran Partnership Award for its impactful partnership with the Greater Fort Lauderdale and Greater Hollywood Chambers of Commerce, which provide businesses with work-based training grants, workforce solutions, and large-scale events that support upskilling, job placement, and business growth in Broward County. Together, they have created multiple large-scale events and employer forums that have connected thousands of job seekers with local businesses.
Workforce Development Council of Seattle King County is the recipient of the WIOA Trailblazer Award for its innovative, community-driven strategic planning process, which includes “Recover Better: A Regional Plan for Equitable Economic Recovery” and the creation of a subrecipient funding model that expanded partnerships with community organizations, provided digital access, and supported workforce solutions for underserved populations, including immigrants, refugees, and individuals facing systemic barriers.
Angel Sanchez, Jr., CEO of Phenix Technology, is the recipient of the W.O. Lawton Award for creating inclusive workforce opportunities for neurodiverse individuals through the Opportunity for All program, which provides job training, skill development, and personal growth opportunities, helping individuals with developmental disabilities build sustainable careers.
Tina Roper is the recipient of the Workforce Advocacy and Policy Award for her active advocacy, especially with members of the Louisiana Congressional delegation, during the most recent effort to reauthorize WIOA. Tina was tenacious in highlighting the need to preserve local workforce boards’ autonomy and flexibility to serve both jobseekers and businesses, and the need for increased funding for the public workforce system.
“The recipients of this year’s NAWB Awards and Congressional Workforce Champion Awards embody the dedication and innovation that drive workforce success. Their efforts are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of work. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to empowering jobseekers and businesses alike,” said Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB. “Thank you for your leadership and for championing a stronger, more inclusive workforce.”
Tomorrow, we will hold a ceremony at the Capitol Visitors Center for the Congressional Workforce Champion Awards which honor members of Congress who craft, champion, and support our nation’s workforce development system. These award winners were chosen by NAWB’s Policy Committee.
Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) for her commitment to crafting policies that directly benefit workers and businesses, like the Skilled Workforce for America Act.
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) for his support of the Floridian workforce development system and his steadfast belief that workforce development is economic development.
Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) for his constant creation and support of workforce development bills while simultaneously in communication with local workforce development boards and Michigan Works!
Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) for playing a key role in securing major workforce-related funding for Eastern Kentucky, including support of a $40 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) for Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) to implement the Eastern Kentucky Runway Project.
About the National Association of Workforce Boards and the NAWB Awards
The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) represents and advocates for the nation’s more than 580 workforce development boards, which coordinate with business and economic development stakeholders to administer regional workforce programs which meet the needs of jobseekers, businesses, and communities. For more information on NAWB’s latest work and new initiatives, visit www.nawb.org.
Presented annually at The Forum, NAWB Awards recognize the most innovative and impactful work being done by workforce development boards and their partners. The Awards honor efforts which provide models for the nation’s workforce system: programs and partnerships which have transcended the expected and achieved the extraordinary for workers, businesses, and communities.
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