Narrative: III. b. 3. B. ii.

The active collaboration between SWDB, WFD, and the State’s one-stop delivery system is the key component of workforce development in Georgia. This collaboration begins with the Governor, who is responsible for the appointment of the SWDB members. SWDB’s duties include the development of a statewide strategic plan, which establishes the four-year strategy for the Statewide Workforce Development System. SWDB is also responsible for assisting the Governor with additional functions designated by WIOA which are listed below:

• Strategic Functions

o Developing and implementing the state plan and performance measures

o Developing career pathways strategies

o Developing/expanding strategies for partnerships in in-demand sectors/occupations

o Developing and aligning policies

• System Capacity Building

o Developing strategies to support staff training and awareness

o Disseminating best practices

o Developing and continuously improving the one-stop delivery system

o Supporting effective local boards

• System Alignment and Effective Operations

o Developing strategies for aligning technology and data systems

o Developing LWDA allocation formulas

o Developing a statewide LMI system

o Developing policies and guidance on one-stop partner roles and resource contributions

SWDB is required to comply with federal and state conflict of interest policies and sunshine provisions. The federal conflict of interest policy states that a member of SWDB may not vote on a matter regarding the provision of services by such member or a measures that would provide financial benefit to such a member or his/her immediate family. A state board member may not engage in any other activities determined by the Governor to constitute a conflict of interest as specified in the SWDB bylaws, and must sign the SWDB bylaws to satisfy the State’s conflict of interest policy. SWDB must also comply with federal and state sunshine provisions. These federal and state regulations require SWDB to make available to the public, at regular intervals, all information regarding their activities.

To assist SWDB with coordination of services and policy alignment, the State created four working groups that are tasked with supporting the State’s transition to WIOA and system integration. Working group membership is made up of the following:

• GDEcD, WFD staff;
• GDOL staff;
• GVRA staff;
• TCSG, OAE staff;
• DHS staff;
• LWDA staff; and
• SWDB members.

The diverse and comprehensive membership of the working groups enabled the State to more effectively transition into WIOA, and assisted in the creation of the state plan (See Section III(a)(1).

SWDB meets at least quarterly and at such other times as the chairperson determines or as provided by the rules of the board. A member of the board can designate another person to attend meetings of the board on such person's behalf. Such designee may participate in the activities and discussions of the board, but cannot have a vote in matters before SWDB. The chairperson of the board may appoint subcommittees consisting of members of the board for any purpose consistent with the duties and responsibilities outlined in the SWDB Bylaws. There are currently four subject matter committees. SWDB members are assigned by the chairperson to serve on the following committees: Re-employment Services Committee, LWDA Guidance Committee, Youth Committee, and Performance Accountability Committee. Each of these committees also have two or more LWDA directors who serve as advisors and a WFD staff person who coordinates the meetings and performs tasks related to research.

• Re-employment Services Committee: The Re-employment Services Committee is charged with the development of policy and programs that benefit the State’s Adult and Dislocated Worker population. The committee is chaired by SWDB member Mel Stowers and this committee has taken a specific interest in Veterans and ex-offenders.
• LWDA Guidance Committee: The LWDA Guidance Committee is charged with the development of policy and provision of guidance as it pertains to LWDA administration and LWDB structure. The committee is chaired by SWDB member Ames Barnett.
• Youth Committee: The Youth Committee is charged with the development of policy and programs that benefit the Georgia’s youth population. The committee is chaired by SWDB member Ann Cramer and has taken a specific interest in at-risk, incarcerated, and returning youth.
• Performance Accountability Committee: The Performance Accountability Committee is charged with utilizing performance data to help drive the decisions before the SWDB, and to identify existing gaps and opportunities in board engagement. The committee is chaired by SWDB member Brian Anderson.

There is also a SWDB Executive Committee. This committee’s membership is made up of the chairperson, vice-chairperson, and the committee heads. The executive committee can act on behalf of SWDB when necessary.

SWDB works to coordinate policies and resources with other state agencies and LWDBs. The inclusion of key stakeholders in the membership of SWDB allows for the governing body to align such policies and resources across the state. The following state agencies have permanent memberships on SWDB: GDOL, GDEcD, DCA, TCSG, GVRA, and GDVS. The representatives from these organizations give valuable insight into state programs, initiatives, and the writing of the state plan. Two members of the Georgia Legislature also sit on SWDB. They give valuable insight into the direction of the legislature and keep the board up to date in key areas of interest. SWDB also offers an open invitation to all LWDAs who wish to attend and comment on proceedings. Furthermore, to remove barriers to attendance, WFD recently announced that trips to state board meetings would be reimbursed for LWDAs attending.

The chairperson and vice-chairperson of SWDB are appointed by the Governor based upon recommendations from individuals in the business community. Other officers are selected as determined by the Governor. The members of the board serve such terms as established by the Governor, and the members continue to serve at the discretion of the Governor, except for the member of the House of Representative and the member of the Senate, who continue to serve at the discretion of the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor, respectively. SWDB adopts bylaws to guide its proceedings. Each member of SWDB, who is not otherwise a state officer or employee, is authorized to receive reimbursement for reasonable, necessary travel expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties as a member of the board, provided that such funds are available and such reimbursements are allowable under federal law. Should funds not be available or allowable for this purpose, such members will serve without reimbursement.