The Sconi

The Office of Workforce Strategy and Development has announced the members of Vermont’s newly formed State Workforce Development Board (SWDB). This board, comprising business leaders, workforce experts, local government officials, and representatives from state agencies, aims to enhance the coordination of the state's workforce system to address the current workforce challenges Vermont faces.

The creation of the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development was mandated by the Act 146 of 2024, which also prompted the restructuring of the SWDB. This initiative underscores the need to align education, training, and employment efforts across various levels of government and community stakeholders, particularly in the face of Vermont’s tight labor market.

Governor Phil Scott commented on the pressing issue of workforce shortages, stating, “One of the greatest challenges we face as a state is a shortage of workers. To solve this, we need to attract more working-aged families to Vermont. The State Workforce Development Board plays an important role in developing employer-driven solutions across the workforce system to solve this crisis.”

The 27-member board will advise the governor on workforce-related policies and oversee the One-Stop American Job Center system in compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The governor or an appointed designee is also a member of the board.

Chair of the SWDB and CEO of KORE Power, Jay Bellows, expressed his commitment to the board's mission, saying, "I am honored to serve as Chair of Vermont’s State Workforce Development Board and to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders. Strengthening our workforce is critical to the state’s economic future, and this Board will play a key role in aligning training, education, and employment opportunities to meet the needs of Vermont’s businesses and workers."

Sabina Haskell was named Executive Director for the Office of Workforce Strategy and Development earlier this year by Governor Scott. The office is responsible for advising the governor on workforce growth and development, coordinating with stakeholders across public and private sectors, and crafting comprehensive strategies to meet current and future labor needs.

The board members hail from a variety of backgrounds, representing Vermont's diverse workforce and employer landscape. Their first meeting is scheduled to take place virtually on April 14, 2025.

More information about the State Workforce Development Board is available at vwdb.vermont.gov.