Narrative: III. b. 3. B.

The State Board membership composition contributes to successful efforts in carrying out required functions of the Board. Due to each member’s individual perspective and interests in workforce development, comments and dialogue from board members and stakeholders are highly encouraged.

Board members are sincere about their role to assist the governor in the development, implementation, and modification of the state’s workforce plan, policies, and performance. As a result, members ensure that discussions during formal meetings include core-related activities that are found in WIOA section 101(d) and include opportunities to get involved with new and innovative workforce initiatives. To support this approach, finalized meeting agendas are developed in cooperation with WIOA combined program leadership, input from the chair, vice chair, requests from any State Board members, requests from state board subcommittees, and other stakeholders as appropriate. Careful review of Board functions is given great consideration during the development of the agenda to ensure that the Board is successfully achieving the critical role of leading and guiding the state’s implementation of WIOA.

Agenda items discussed at Board meetings are initially framed by a subject matter expert. The subject matter experts present and discuss elements of the agenda so that all Board members are sufficiently informed and able to confidently develop recommendations and actions for the appropriate state agency.

Board members are updated on operational results of their recommendations and action items during meetings and subcommittee meetings as appropriate. This ensures Board members are able to provide additional recommendations as needed to fulfill their obligations under section WIOA section 101(d).

In July 2023, the State Board conducted a survey of its members as well as local WDB chairs and local Chief Local Elected Officials in order to assist in strategic planning. This survey focused on identifying which industry sectors should be a focus for the next few years, what kinds of activities should be focused on services for both jobseekers and employers, and how much emphasis should be placed on technology to support the efforts. The survey results were used to develop strategic priorities for the Board. These priorities were shared with the WIOA Steering team and partners to ensure alignment with the State plan vision, goals, and strategies. 

The Board developed the following focus areas: 

1. Job center operations: Training staff to listen and guide customers to decisions, providing customer experience training to be a resource and understand partner services, build partnerships, and review the customer experience business process. This aligns with the strategy to improve service design and delivery, and the goal of maximizing efficiency and access to services.
2. Technology: Focus on the growth and development of small businesses in utilizing the MoJobs LMI system, formation of an ongoing technology assessment committee, continuing to meet customers and jobseekers where they are at through the use of technology. This supports the strategy in delivering services to employers, employer engagement as a goal, and maximizing efficiency and access to services.
3. Training: Support the workforce system in development of training partnerships and becoming a training resource, and work with employers to identify employer training needs at different career points (entry, mid, and advanced levels). This aligns with the strategy to implement policies and practices for service design and delivery for all citizens, including youth, and engaging employers.
4. Public awareness: Provide and deliver a consistent message about workforce services, and focus on the customer experience. This aligns specifically to address one of the MPWS’ weaknesses of messaging and ensuring that citizens are aware of the services provided and have access to them.

Board Leadership

Chair:  Len Toenjes, Associated General Contractors of Missouri

Vice Chair:  Cara Canon, ProEnergy Services

Executive Director:  Julie Carter, Missouri Office of Workforce Development

Board Member

The Honorable Mike Parson, Governor, State of Missouri

Business Representatives

Leonard Toenjes, President, Associated General Contractors of Missouri, St. Louis (Construction)

Garland Barton, President, Show Me Workforce Solutions, West Plains (Consulting)

Cara S. Canon, Principal, ProEnergy Services – Sedalia (Energy)

Dr. Don W. Cook, Jr., CEO, Capital International Communications, St. Louis (Information Technology)

Herb Dankert, Jarden Plastic Solutions, Springfield (Advanced Manufacturing)

Leroy Stromberg, Jr., Senior Advisor, Alberici Constructors, Inc., St. Louis (Construction)

Josh Tennison, Owner, Tennison HR Consulting, LCC, Lebanon (Consulting)

Gregg Roberts, Vice President of HR and Employee Development, Hillyard Industries, St. Joseph (Manufacturing)

Virgil White, Senior Customer Solutions Manager, Evergy, Kansas City (Utilities)

Labor Representatives

Megan Price, AFL-CIO, St. Louis (Registered Apprenticeships)

Chief Local Elected Officials

Gary Jungermann, Presiding Commissioner of Callaway County, Fulton

State Elected Officials

Senator Denny Hoskins, Jefferson City

Representative Jeff Coleman, Jefferson City

Community Organizations

Jill Williams, Vice President of Workforce Initiatives, Missouri Hospital Association, Jefferson City

Tony Bryan, Executive Director, Cyber Up, St. Louis

State Agency Representatives

Michelle Hataway, Acting Director, Department of Economic Development

Anna Hui, Director, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations

Margie Vandeven, Commissioner, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Adult Education and Literacy

Dr. Bennett Boggs, Commissioner, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development 

Dr. Chris Clause, Assistant Commissioner, Vocational Rehabilitation

Tracy Johnson, Chief, Office of Human Resources, Department of Health and Senior Services