WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) announced today that Scott B. Sanders has been selected as the association's Executive Director. Sanders will be replacing Richard A. Hobbie, Ph.D., who is retiring at the end of the month.
NASWA is an organization of state administrators of workforce training, unemployment insurance, employment services, employment statistics and labor market information programs. It provides advocacy at the national level for a more effective workforce system, as well as engaging with the U.S. Department of Labor, employers and the public.
Sanders will begin his new role on October 20th. "I am pleased that Scott will be leading the NASWA staff to further our policy work on Capitol Hill," said Ellen Golombek, President of NASWA and Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. "His experience with advocacy at the state and national level will be a tremendous asset for NASWA."
Sanders currently serves as the Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. During his tenure at the Department, Sanders has been instrumental in many accomplishments:
- Improved Unemployment Insurance (UI) operations and lowered improper payments
- Implemented Jobs for Hoosiers (helping unemployed individuals return to work faster)
- Investment of $20 million new state dollars in workforce development programs
- Implemented a new, more rigorous Indiana High School Equivalency diploma to replace the GED
- One of the first states to launch a modernized UI computer system that integrates benefits, tax and appeals
- Instrumental in passage of Indiana's UI Trust Fund Solvency Reform legislation
- Implementation of the nation's largest Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) drop-out prevention program.
"I am excited for the opportunity to continue serving in the workforce development arena," said Scott B. Sanders. "I look forward to working with NASWA members and finding innovative solutions to workforce challenges."
Dr. Hobbie has had a significant national impact on the UI and workforce development systems over the past five decades. He distinguished himself as a strong advocate for the UI and workforce systems, through his leadership at NASWA and his contributions in prior public policy positions in Washington, D.C. Dr. Hobbie serves on the Board of Directors of the UWC Foundation, and the Labor, Education and Health Advisory Council of the Atlanta Federal Reserve Board.
"Rich has been a valuable asset for NASWA," said Golombek. "He elevated NASWA as an organization, providing advocacy and research in creating more effective workforce systems. We thank him for his contributions and strong leadership."