Workforce Development Services Director for VCCS Named

Joan Powers was named the Director of Workforce Development Services for the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), effective September 11, 2000. Ms. Powers will assist in the development and recommendation of policies and procedures regarding occupational-technical initiatives, Workforce Investment Act related issues, and the development of a Workforce Development Academy. She will also assist the coordinators of Tech Prep and apprenticeship-related instruction besides a host of other activities aimed at providing expanded and enhanced services.

Ms. Powers formerly held a position as senior planner at the Virginia Employment Commission. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant Professor and Director of Piedmont Works at Piedmont Virginia Community College in Charlottesville. She has over eleven years of service in the delivery of post secondary training to college students, special populations, employers and job seekers.

Dr. John Sygielski, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development Services, commented that her proven experience in running employment programs and facilitating workforce development initiatives would enhance the workforce development efforts of the VCCS. “We want to build the best workforce development system in the country and I’m excited to work with Dr. Sygielski and his team in doing that,” said Ms. Powers.

The VCCS Workforce Development Services unit provides system wide community college contact for developing partnerships between private and public entities and the community college system. For additional information on Virginia Community College System Workforce Services visit their web page at www.so.cc.va.us.