Welcome and Introductions
William "Bill" Robertson, Chair, Governor's Workforce Investment Board (GWIB), called the meeting to order at
3:40 p.m. by welcoming Board members and guests. Mr. Robertson asked that Board members introduce themselves.
Transitions
Mr. Robertson then announced several transitions:
- Resignation of Manny Hidalgo of Latino Economic Development Corporation, serving the Board since October
of 2009.
- Pending resignation of Dr. Robert L. Caret, President of Towson University, serving the Board since 2007.
Dr. Caret will leave Towson to become the next President of the University of Massachusetts System.
- Recognition of Sam Abed, new Secretary of the Department of Juvenile Services, joining GWIB for his first
Board meeting.
Mr. Robertson thanked all of the members for their service to GWIB.
GWIB Administration Updates
Mr. Robertson asked members to review the minutes, from the December 15, 2010, Board meeting, and made a motion
to approve the minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Littrell, a vote was taken, and the minutes were adopted.
Mr. Robertson then recognized those Board members who signed a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to maintain
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding.
Next, Mr. Robertson provided an overview of the GWIB administrative
changes being proposed to the agency's governing documents - the Executive Order and By-Laws. He asked GWIB
Executive Director, Lynn M. Reed to outline the proposed changes to both governing documents previously
discussed by the Executive Committee at their meetings in January and February, 2011. After providing a brief
overview of the proposed changes, Ms. Reed introduced Willis Gunther, Assistant Attorney General for the
Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR,) who provided the rationale behind the changes,
specifically to align all governing documents with the provisions of WIA regarding state workforce investment
boards. It was noted the changes were considered administrative, not substantive. The Board was also updated
on the parameters for a voting quorum, as well as Board membership composition and Board vacancies. Mr.
Robertson recognized Secretary Elisabeth Sachs' contributions to this process, as she initiated this work
during her term as Interim Executive Director at GWIB in January. Discussion followed and the proposed changes
will be voted on at the June 22, 2011 meeting and are detailed below.
GWIB EXECUTIVE ORDER:
Preamble (WHERAS'):
- Adding language that reflects WIA's intent regarding the role of state workforce boards and member
composition;
- Adding language that addresses the O'Malley-Brown Administration's workforce priorities;
- Changing the word "businesses" to "employers" in the Preamble to capture both private and public sector
employment opportunities;
Membership (Section B.1):
- Enumerating board member appointed positions to align with WIA;
- Adding the Secretary of Disabilities;
- Changing language that reads "Other members appointed to represent business and industry …" to "Other
members appointed to represent public and private sector employers;" (Section B.1.d.xiv)
Membership (Section B.2)
- Changing "At least 50% of the member appointed by the Governor shall be representatives of private
sector business," to "At least 51% of the members of the Board shall be business members appointed under B
(1)(d)(xv)."
Quorum:
- Adding language not previously included which addresses voting. Specifically, "A quorum for voting
purposes shall be the presence of a majority of the members of the Board."
GWIB By-Laws:
Mission and Goals (Section B.)
- Adding the Department of Disabilities
A discussion on the changes continued, and Board Member George Littrell proposed a change to the wording
in the first paragraph of the Executive Order, which reads:
"WHEREAS, The Governor's Workforce Investment Board (GWIB) was established by
Executive Order in 1983 as an agency to promote comprehensive planning and coordination of employment
and training programs in the State;"
After a brief discussion, all agreed and a motion was brought by Mr. Littrell and seconded by Mr.
DeMarinis, to change the wording to:
"WHEREAS, The Governor's Workforce Investment Board (GWIB) was established by
Executive Order in 1983 as a policy Board to promote comprehensive planning and coordination of
employment and training programs in the State;"
Finally, Mr. Robertson and Ms. Reed provided clarification on the Board's processes for filling Board
member vacancies. The specific procedure, as outlined in the Executive Order, was discussed. The requirements
for this process will be sent out to all members. The objective for new member nominations, as discussed by the
Executive Committee, will be to secure new Board members representing high growth industries. There was also a
discussion on ensuring regional representation on the Board.
Region 2 Update by Lenita Jacobs-Simmons, Regional Administrator
U.S. DOL Employment and Training Administration
Mr. Robertson introduced Lenita Jacobs-Simmons, the Regional Administrator for Region 2, U.S. DOL, Employment
and Training Administration. Ms. Jacobs-Simmons thanked GWIB for the opportunity to speak to the Board. She
discussed the importance of the GWIB Board and the ongoing workforce development programs operating in the
state of Maryland. Ms. Jacobs-Simmons described national trends, and Maryland's performance in reaching the
WIA goals. The reports for Maryland show that the state continues to meet or exceed the WIA performance
goals, demonstrates coordination with workforce training and adult education, and proves Maryland is a
great innovator! In light of the current congressional budget hearings, she advised the Board that current
monies allocated for programs, if left unspent, could be rescinded or cut from future allocations. She
encouraged the Board to connect with the local Workforce Investment Boards to discuss funding allocations
and spending. She also outlined the ETA priorities to increase connectivity between UI and WIA, to increase
credentialing options, engaging employers, and increasing customized training programs.
Board member Marion Pines, as well as member Marge Thomas were concerned about the unspent
allocations/funds. Ms. Jacobs-Simmons also commented that the local WIBs were weak in the area of
youth training. She shared a personal story about her experience with Neighborhood Youth Corps, and
urged the Board to help reach more youth through state programs. Mr. Larson encouraged participation in
apprenticeship programs. Mr. Jeff Gabriel, Federal Project Manager clarified for the group that the state
has control over how the program funds are allocated and spent. Mr. Robertson thanked both Lenita and Jeff
for their time and support.
Deconstruction Training Project
Gary Maynard, Secretary, Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)
Secretary Maynard addressed the Board on current and future innovative DPSCS programs for inmates. He envisions
that these programs will help save the state money, and will benefit the inmates through job training that
can be used once released. He discussed the construction programs in the areas of Masonry, Plumbing,
Electrical, HVAC, Carpentry, Welding/Metalwork, Roofing, and Equipment Operation. Additional inmate
projects include:
- Second Chances Barn
Example of training to work opportunity. Students in Occupational Skills Training Center roofing
class rehabbed an old 9,000 sq. ft. barn roof.
- Bear Cages for State Parks
Partnerships with other state agencies help achieve more than each could alone.
- MCE Warehouse Construction
Crew worked under assigned contractor to gain real-life construction experience.
- Antietam Battlefield Stone
110 tons of locally-quarried stone (left-over from 1930's construction of Hagerstown Prison) donated to
restore historic barn at Antietam.
Secretary Maynard envisions futures projects in the following areas:
- "Green" aspect of deconstruction provides added training opportunities for offenders to apply to
current job market
- Apprenticeship type program - certified contractor would work directly with inmates to give them
hands-on experience
- Skills gained could include:
- Asbestos abatement
- Lead paint abatement
- Soft skills (working with supervisor, etc.)
- Equipment operation
- Saves taxpayer dollars through recycling of materials and use of inmate labor
Board Member Fred Mason asked about a tie-in to Apprenticeship programs, Daniel DeMarinis asked about the
possibility of additional credits for early release, and Marge Thomas stated that hopefully these transitional
programs will help to reduce recidivism with inmates in the future. Mr. Robertson thanked Secretary Maynard
for his presentation.
Career Changers presentation by Dr. Sheila Allen, President
Mr. Robertson introduced Dr. Allen of Career Changers. She addressed the Board with news of a new non-profit
organization she founded, whose goal is to grow an education workforce in Maryland. She described the vision
of Career Changers as follows, 'Connect wisdom to youth . . .take our
senior workforce - people with deep content knowledge, experience and maturity - and put them
together with young people - tomorrow's leaders.'
Dr. Allen spoke to the group about her initial steps in
developing this concept, with a goal to reach out to employers, as their workers retire and look for a
possible 'encore' career. The focus of the program is to supplement teachers in our schools with experience,
and knowledgeable new teachers, coming from business orientated careers. Mr. Robertson thanked Dr. Allen
for the update on the potential partnerships that exist between the business community and the education
system, through Career Changers.
GWIB Updates
Aerospace Industry Initiative
Harold Stinger, Chairman & CEO, SGT, Inc. and Chair of the GWIB Aerospace Industry Initiative provided an
update on the development of the Aviation Maintenance Technology School at Hagerstown Regional Airport in
Hagerstown, Maryland. The school, to be administered by the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), will
train a pool of local, skilled workers capable of serving the aircraft maintenance needs at the regional
airport. This influx of skilled workers will fill high-paying aviation maintenance positions, boosting the
local economy and allowing the airport to expand.
CyberSecurity Industry Initiative
Larry Letow, President of Convergence Technology Consulting, and Co-Chair of the GWIB CyberSecurity Industry
Initiative, provided an update on the Committee's second meeting. Specifically, the Committee discussed
"demand" for CyberSecurity skills in the workplace, and continued to define the term "CyberSecurity," as
it is used by many as a catch-all phrase. The Committee will continue to identify what skills are being
demanded by employers. The Committee's next step is to convene education partners involved in CyberSecurity
education and training, with a representative from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) providing
an analysis that illustrates where gaps exists between CyberSecurity graduates and the desired skills
expressed by employers.
There was also recognition that there exist several task forces in the state considering these same
questions. The GWIB Committee is brainstorming ways to bring together these groups to adopt a state-wide
approach growing the CyberSecurity workforce in Maryland. Finally, the Committee felt there still needs to
be a stronger focus on STEM in the high schools in the state.
Mr. Robertson recognized the absence of Committee Co-Chair Bel Leong-Hong. Ms. Leong-Hong was recognized
today by the Minority Enterprises Association at their Award Luncheon as one of the "50 Women of Influence
and Power" in our region.
HRSA Health Care Workforce Planning Grant
Dr. Cynthia Boddie-Willis, Director of Health Services Policy and Research Hilltop Institute, summarized the
recent progress of the HRSA Steering Committee. Three regional listening tours have been completed, with two
more are scheduled for April. Those completed have been very successful, bringing together leaders from a
strong cross-section of the healthcare community including universities, local health departments, primary
care physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, representatives from behavioral health as
well as Federally Qualified Health Centers. Several consistent messages have been given, as well as regional
variations in health care delivery and problems. The Steering Committee will meet in late April to receive
the report containing the salient points from the listening tours.
Senator Ben Cardin Health Care Expo
Ms. Reed gave an overview of the upcoming Health Care Expo and job fair sponsored by Senator Cardin. The
fairs will be held in two locations, one on April 16th and one on May 21st, and will be supported by the
local WIBs and DLLR.
DLLR Updates
In the essence of time, Ms. Reed directed Board Members to their packets where information related to the
BRAC Grant was provided. In addition, she also directed members to the information on the OJT grant funding,
also in the Board packets.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Consortia (MARC) Disability Workforce Consortium (Proposed)
Andy Moser, President of the Maryland Workforce Corporation, provided background information on the 2007
funding from ETA for the BRAC grant, which includes MARC, a regional collaborative. Currently, the Maryland
Workforce Corporation and DLLR are working on a proposed project that addresses citizens with disabilities.
Andy introduced Sara Muempfer, from DLLR, who described this program. The Consortium, formed as a subgroup
under MARC, called Think Beyond the Label is a partnership of health and human service and employment
agencies with federal grants, coming together to build a uniform national infrastructure and approach that
connects businesses to qualified candidates with disabilities. The goal is to (1) raise awareness that hiring
people with disabilities makes good business sense, and (2) promote the fact that employees with disabilities
have unique, competitively relevant knowledge and perspectives about work processes, bring different
perspectives to meeting work requirements and goals successfully. Think Beyond the Label is committed to
making the business case for employing people with disabilities.
Apprenticeship Action Summit
Jeff Beeson, Director, Apprenticeship & Training, DLLR, then updated the group on the upcoming
Apprenticeship Action Summits. The first will take place at Towson University next month. Jeff commented that
the group mentioned Apprenticeship programs 7 different times. DLLR is very excited to be planning this event,
and sees the Apprenticeship programs evolving to meet the needs of new industries, along with the traditional
construction programs.
Mr. Robertson thanked all for their participation, for the presentations, for
feedback on current policy issues and stated that a vote on the By-Laws changes will take place at the
June 22, 2011 meeting.
Mr. Robertson then asked the group for a round of applause in recognition of Trudy Chara, for her
service to the GWIB. Ms. Chara moved to a new position at DLLR last month.
He then invited all to enjoy the reception in the atrium.
Mr. Robertson motioned to adjourn the meeting. The motion was passed.
Meeting adjourned at 5:45pm.
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