NAWB Releases New Report: Forging What’s Next: Workforce Leaders on Innovation and Impact

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Earlier this year, NAWB hosted a series of listening sessions with hundreds of workforce leaders to understand how the system is adapting to rapid technological, economic, and labor market changes.

The insights gathered highlight emerging strategies and innovations aimed at increasing impact, efficiency, and personalization across the workforce ecosystem.

We’re proud to share Forging What’s Next: Workforce Leaders on Innovation and Impact with our members. This report captures the collective wisdom, bold ideas, and shared commitment that surfaced throughout these conversations.

Key themes include the use of AI to streamline operations, human-centered service design, deeper industry partnerships, and reimagining funding models.

NAWB remains committed to partnering across the workforce system to identify, scale, and sustain the most effective innovations—empowering individuals, supporting businesses, and driving economic vitality in communities nationwide.

Download the report: Forging What’s Next Workforce Leaders on Innovation and Impact

NAWB Joins NLC, USCM, NACO, USWA in Laying Out WIOA Reauthorization Recommendations

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May 7, 2025— This week, NAWB was proud to co-author a letter laying out formal recommendations for congress as they consider reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

The letter – signed by NAWB President & CEO Brad Turner–Little; National League of Cities CEO and Executive Director Clarence Anthony; US Conference of Mayors CEO and Executive Director, Tom Cochran; National Association of Counties CEO and Executive Director, Matthew Chase; and US Workforce Associations Director, Ryan Hundt – lays out a set of specific recommendations for how Congress can streamline, improve, and strengthen the public workforce system.

“Locally WIOA has been successful in leveraging funds for activities like apprenticeships, summer youth programs, adult and youth career exploration and piloting innovative opportunities for new businesses,” the letter states. “As the network that serves job seekers and small businesses and supports strong local economies, the one stop career system is a stable and critical partner to economic development and is recognized as one of the most impactful and remunerative investments Congress has made, and can continue to make, in the years ahead.”

Read the letter now.

NAWB, ACCE, and IEDC Sign Commitment to Showcase the Power of Local Partnership

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At NAWB’s annual conference, The Forum, President and CEO, Brad Turner–Little, was joined on the main stage by  Sheree Anne Kelly , President and CEO,  Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) and Nathan Ohle, President and CEO, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) where they discussed the powerful results that stem from collaboration between chambers of commerce, economic development organizations and workforce boards. The three industry leaders committed to work together over the next year to lift impactful examples of collaboration so that all three networks can have ready approaches to learn from and experiment with in their respective communities.

Ohle commented that “thriving economies are built on collaboration, especially at the local level. Together, ACCE, IEDC, and NAWB, along with our respective memberships, are committed to showcasing the power of local partnerships and driving economic success through shared vision and intentional collaboration.”

“Aligning key stakeholders around a shared vision of regional prosperity is a powerful tool for creating vibrant and growing economies,” Kelly said. “This agreement is a commitment from our associations to encourage increased local partnerships, share best practices and showcase how collaboration leads to stronger workforces and thriving communities.”

“At NAWB, we believe the future of workforce and economic development lies in breaking down silos and building strong, local partnerships,” said Turner–Little. “This collaboration with ACCE and IEDC is about more than just alignment—it’s about action. Together, we’re creating a united front that empowers communities to innovate, share what works, and drive real, lasting impact for workers and businesses alike.”

Read the signed commitment.

 

About  ACCE:

Established in 1914, ACCE—the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives—serves more than 9,000 leaders from 1,300 chambers of commerce, including 93 of the top 100 metro areas in the U.S. Hundreds of other businesses and organizations, like convention and visitors bureaus and economic development organizations, are also ACCE members. Members look to ACCE for best practices, industry trends, corporate partners, networking, and new ideas to advance the interests of their communities.

About IEDC:

The IEDC is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,500 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers typically work for cities, counties, states, public-private partnerships, and chambers of commerce and promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities, by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members are engaged in the full range of economic development experiences.

About NAWB:

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) represents and advocates for the more than 570 workforce development boards across the nation. By collaborating with business leaders, educational institutions, and economic developers, workforce boards create tailored programs that address the evolving needs of local businesses, jobseekers, and communities. As the only association dedicated to supporting workforce development boards, NAWB actively engages with policymakers on Capitol Hill to shape workforce strategy and strengthen partnerships with education, economic development, labor, and business.

National Association of Workforce Boards Announces 2025 NAWB Award Recipients

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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.

National Apprenticeship Week 2024

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NAWB looks forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) this year! This nationwide celebration brings together employers, labor organizations, community groups, workforce partners, educational institutions, government agencies and more to highlight the successes and importance of Registered Apprenticeship programs.

During the week of Nov. 17-23, we will join in the NAW festivities by showcasing the work of our partners, sharing events and messaging that demonstrate how apprenticeships create valuable career pathways to help individuals gain meaningful employment.

Here’s how we are honoring the theme of each day of NAW. Follow along on LinkedIn, X and Instagram using #NAW2024 and #NAWB. Feel free to use the sample social media posts we’ve provided.

 

Monday, Nov. 18: Youth and Young Adult Apprenticeship Day

We’ll share some apprenticeship stories from NAWB member Lake County Workforce Development Board. Learn how Lake County has created a thriving apprenticeship program and dive into stories from those on the ground.

Sample post:

We’re excited to kick off #NAW2024 by celebrating the success of [Insert name and tag of board, business, etc. ] and their Registered Apprenticeship work. Learn all about it [insert link]! #NAWB

Tuesday, Nov. 19: Registered Apprenticeship in New and Emerging Industries and Around the Globe

We’re dropping the latest episode of Workforce Central, the official podcast of NAWB, with guest David Polk, director at the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards in the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. He and our President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, discuss Wisconsin’s successful Registered Apprenticeship initiatives.

Sample post:

Check out a deep dive into new and emerging industries with expert insights from David Polk, director at @WIWorkforce. Don’t miss this engaging conversation! https://www.nawb.org/news-and-media/workforce-central-podcast

 

Wednesday. Nov. 20: Expanding Registered Apprenticeship to Underserved Populations

We encourage you to revisit From WIOA’s Perspective: A Registered Apprenticeship Potpourri, an energetic and interactive webinar led by Maria Remboulis Brady, the US. Department of Labor’s Region IV Multi-State Navigator in the Office of Apprenticeship, on how WIOA and Registered Apprenticeship (RA) are connected, how to utilize braided funding for RA, contracting to support RA, navigating the eligible training provider system, and performance on the Credential Attainment Rate.

Sample post

We’re revisiting a recent #NAWB webinar with @USDOL staff to learn more about expanding registered apprenticeship to underserved populations for #NAW2024.

Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JONZl5Tinpg&t=4s

Thursday. Nov. 21: Women in Apprenticeship

We’re sharing a conversation Jan Bray, senior advisor to NAWB, had with Marie Mackintosh, President and CEO of EmployIndy, about underserved populations and women in Registered Apprenticeships. They discussed the challenges these groups face in accessing apprenticeship opportunities and the importance of creating more inclusive pathways.

Sample post:

Learn about women in apprenticeship! @WorkforceInvest is sharing an interview with @EmployIndy about underserved populations and women in registered apprenticeship. Find it on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@WorkforceBoards

 

Friday, Nov. 22: Federal Apprenticeship and Veterans in Apprenticeship

We’ll be posting our new blog which examines why veterans are a unique fit for apprenticeship, some challenges they may face, success stories, and a variety of resources related to veteran apprenticeship. Find it on our blog page.

Sample Post:

The final day of #NAW2024 is focused on #VeteranApprenticeship. Check out @WorkforceInvest blog illustrating why veterans are a unique fit for apprenticeship + related opportunities, successes, +resources https://www.nawb.org/news-and-media/nawblog

The National Association of Workforce Boards Announces Incoming Board of Directors

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Consisting of 24 workforce industry leaders who will guide NAWB through the coming year, this announcement was made today during NAWB’s Annual Member Meeting.

NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little said,

“Having leaders from local, state, and national perspectives guiding our work here at NAWB is essential for our success in supporting local and state workforce development boards… I’m excited for this new cohort of directors to join the existing Board as they bring important local perspectives and experience to inform our strategic direction.”

Lisanne McNew, Chair of NAWB’s Board of Directors said,

“Amid challenging times, workforce development boards nationwide have continued their vital mission: helping job seekers gain new skills and find employment while connecting employers with qualified talent… We are inspired by the opportunity to support these boards via NAWB as they identify the skills needed for success in the evolving economy, leverage all available resources to expand access to education and training, and implement strategies that drive measurable outcomes and foster sustainable growth in the workforce system.”

Joining Chair McNew as Board officers are:

  • Vice Chair: Kathy Jewett
  • Past Chair: Jennifer Harris
  • Treasurer: Al Searles
  • Secretary: Melanie Flowers

Returning to the Board are:

  • Lewis Brown
  • Jaime Cruz
  • Karolyn Ellingson
  • Antwanye Ford
  • Jeffrey Frederick
  • Debra Giordano
  • Mark Guthrie
  • Kyla Guyette
  • Ryan Hundt
  • Lee Lambert
  • Randy Miller
  • Walter Simmons
  • Jennifer Wilson

New Board members include:

  • Carol Hylton, President & CEO, CareerSource Broward
  • Jesse McCree, CEO, SCPa Works

Additionally, McNew has appointed the following for one-year special purpose directorships:

  • Kevin Doyle, Wexford Strategies
  • Brian Holland, Sectigo
  • John Kutch, Trinity Health
  • Todd Nielsen, Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance

The new term will begin on Oct. 1, and the new members will be sworn in at the fall Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 17.

Bi-Partisan House Resolution Supporting September 2024 as “National Workforce Development Month” Introduced

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A bipartisan group of House members introduced House Resolution 1453

Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Glenn (GT) Thompson (R-PA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA), introduced the resolution which recognizes the vital role of workforce development in supporting jobseekers, businesses, and local economies. The resolution designates September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.

Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB stated,

“We are thrilled to see a bipartisan group of members of Congress taking action to recognize the vital economic role of workforce development… It is heartening to see the collaboration, often led by workforce development boards, receive this kind of recognition from Congress.”

The resolution specifically highlights that collaboration among multiple stakeholders—including state and local governments, workforce development boards, governors, state and local education and human services agencies, community colleges, local businesses, employment service providers, and community-based organizations—is essential for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across traditional sectors and emerging industries.

The resolution also stresses the critical need for increased investment in workforce development, noting the following statistics:

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2024 that there are approximately 8.2 million unfilled jobs in the U.S., which negatively impacts corporate productivity, reduces the local tax base, and hinders global competitiveness.
  • 76% of business leaders say that greater support for skills development would help their businesses.
  • As of August 2024, in the U.S., there are:
    • 7.1 million unemployed individuals.
    • Unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic adults are significantly higher than for White adults.
    • Workers without postsecondary education and skills development are more likely to be unemployed.
  • The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports employment, skills development, and support services for approximately 2.9 million individuals with barriers to employment, including:
    • Low-income individuals.
    • Long-term unemployed individuals.
    • Individuals displaced by outsourcing.
    • Individuals living in rural or persistently high unemployment areas.
    • Individuals looking to acquire new skills.
    • Individuals with disabilities.

The more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,400 American Job Centers are a driving force behind regional economic growth by providing resources and assistance to workers striving to compete in the 21st-century economy.

Read the full resolution here.

ACT NOW:

Contact your member of the House of Representatives (find them online or dial the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative). Ask them to cosponsor House Resolution 1453 to recognize September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.

Task Force on Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List

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Recommendations From the Workforce Transformation Policy Council

In 2023, Jobs for the Future (JFF) and NAWB launched the Task Force on Transforming Training and the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL), an initiative of the Workforce Transformation Policy Council (WTPC).

This task force, composed of executives from workforce development boards nationwide, engaged in a series of meetings and interviews to identify how federal policies can better support workforce systems in delivering people-first, equity-centered outcomes.

The principles and recommendations developed by the task force emphasize the strength of the national workforce development system while prioritizing local responsiveness and data-driven strategies.

Read the full report.