Our Purpose
The State Workforce Development Board provides leadership and guidance to Tennessee’s Workforce Development System.
Our Vision
The vision of the Workforce Board is to increase the competitive position of Tennessee businesses and attract new businesses through the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Our Members
The board consists of thirty-three members from various industries across Tennessee, local governments, and state agencies.
Our Dedication
Each member was chosen to serve on the board because their experience and unique perspective can help guide the future of Tennessee’s Workforce Development System.
State Workforce Development Board Meetings
Location
The Board meets quarterly at the TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 220 French Landing Drive, in Nashville.
Friday, March 22, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024
Board Membership
Members of the State Workforce Development Board are pictured below. You may click down to open a list of members.
Members of the State Workforce Development Board
Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee State Government, Nashville, TN
Chairman Tim Berry, Herschend Enterprises, East TN
Commissioner Deniece Thomas, Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, Tennessee Department of Human Services
Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds, Tennessee Department of Education
Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Natalie Alvarez, Solyco Capital, Nashville, TN
Martha Axford, ABC Design, LLC, Knoxville, TN
Senator Paul Bailey, Tennessee State Senate, Sparta, TN
Jay Baker, Assistant Commissioner, TN Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Nashville, TN
Joe Baker, Ole Smoky Distillery, LLC, Nashville, TN
Jason Bates, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, TN, Jackson, TN
Lynda Botsch, Rocket City HR Consulting, Shelbyville, TN
Representative Clark Boyd, Tennessee State House of Representatives, Lebanon, TN
Billy Dycus, President, TN AFL-CIO Labor Council
Michelle Falcon, Aegis Sciences Corporation, Nashville, TN
Ben Ferguson, Personnel Placements Holdings, Inc., Jackson, TN
Bill Godwin, BACAR Constructors, Inc., Nashville, TN
Marshall Graves, Stone Door Group, Tracy City, TN
Michael Hendrix, Governor’s Designee, Tennessee State Government, Nashville, TN
J. Paul Jackson, Thor Boats, Union City, TN
Tim Kelly, Mayor, Chattanooga, TN
Sandra Long, SLA Worldwide, LLC, Nashville, TN
Mike Pogreba, Mayor, Humphreys County, TN
Stuart Price, Lee Company, Franklin, TN
Jason Schmitt, Old Time Pottery, Murfreesboro, TN
Jeff Vance, Bridgestone/Firestone, Morrison, TN
Kevin Vaughn, FirePro, LLC, Hampshire, TN
Ron Wade, HopeWorks, Memphis, TN
Kevin R. Wright, Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Human Services, Nashville, TN
Governor Bill Lee
Tennessee State Government
Nashville, TN
Chairman Tim Berry
Herschend Enterprises
East TN
Deniece Thomas
Commissioner
of Labor and Workforce Development
Clarence H. Carter
Commissioner
of Human Services
Lizzette Reynolds
Commissioner
of Education
Stuart McWhorter
Commissioner
of Economic and Community Development
Natalie Alvarez
Martha Axford
Sen. Paul Bailey
Jay Baker
Jason Bates
Lynda Botsch
Rep. Clark Boyd
Michelle Falcon
Ben Ferguson
Bill Godwin
Marshall Graves
J. Paul Jackson
Stuart Price
Jason Schmitt
Kevin Vaughn
Ron Wade
Kevin R. Wright
Joe Baker
Billy Dycus
Michael Hendrix
Tim Kelly
Sandra Long
Mike Pogreba
Jeff Vance
Bylaws
The State Workforce Development Board has been established in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The Board was established through Executive Order #46 on June 30, 2015. Below, you can read the bylaws that govern the Board.
State Work Development Board Bylaws (approved January 8, 2021)
Meeting Recordings
March 22, 2024
Click on year to access list of video recordings on Department's YouTube channel.
Committees
The State Workforce Development Board has three committees and an Executive Committee composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, and committee chairs. The Executive Committee shall have supervision of the affairs of the Board between its business meetings, and conduct necessary business to ensure compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (P.L. 113—128) as may be amended from time to time, and applicable State and Federal regulations. The Executive Committee may make recommendations to the Board, and perform such other duties as are specified in the bylaws. The Executive Committee shall be subject to the order of the Board, and none of its acts shall conflict with these bylaws or policies of the Board.
There are three standing committees of the Board, for which the Board Chair appoints a Chair. These individuals are joined by a Vice Chair, Staff Liaison and other members. The committees shall convene at least four times per year in advance of the full Board meetings and as needed upon the advisement of the Board Chair.
Oversight Committe
Responsibilities are as follows:
- Advise the Governor on program and policy changes under WIOA
- Lead the development, maintenance and modification of State, regional and local plans
- Serve as an advisor to review statewide program alignment
- Review and make recommendations on program funding allocations
- Lead review of statewide Workforce System
Operations Committee
Responsibilities are as follows:
- Oversee the continuous improvement of WIOA programs and activities
- Be the lead monitor of State performance/accountability
- Be the lead coordinator of policies and provision of WIOA services
- Review and make recommendations for performance reporting, including Labor Market Information
Innovation Committee
Responsibilities are as follows:
- Identify and share Workforce System best practices
- Develop strategies for technology alignment and integration
- Be the lead reviewer of service-model strategies in WIOA programs
- Oversee all WIOA Youth program initiatives