Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board Elects New Officers

By Christin Forney

NORMAN, Okla. – The Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board elected its 2005-2006 officers at their

regularly scheduled board meeting held Tuesday, August 16^th.

The Board is pleased to announce its incoming Chairman, Dee Ann Gay. Gay recently completed her fourth year as a member of the Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board, for which she served as Treasurer over the past two years. Gay is beginning her fourth year with First American Bank, and is the current Banking Center Manager for the Moore Branch.

“Since becoming a Workforce Board member I’ve gained a better appreciation of how our One Stop agency works to ensure there are opportunities to offer help and training in an ever changing working environment.” Gay said. “I am excited about the upcoming year and eager to begin work with other Board members who bring knowledge of current and future workforce needs.”

The newly elected Board Vice-Chair, Hailey Clark, served as the 2002-2003 Workforce Investment Board Vice-Chair, and has been a member of the Board for three years. She has also served on the Workforce Development Board for three years. Clark is currently the Vice President of Training and Quality Service at First Fidelity Bank.

Clark said, “We look forward to a partnership with the business community to provide the resources to train and prepare individuals for employment opportunities in the future.”

John Sparks, outgoing Board chairman said he is grateful for the dedication and support of the entire board throughout his time as board chair.

“Dee Ann and Hailey will provide exceptional leadership as they further the mission of the Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board.” Sparks said. “I would also like to thank Joan Barker, Director of Cleveland County Workforce Development Board, and Maureen Hammond of the Norman Economic Development Coalition, for their invaluable assistance and dedication to the board.”

About The Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board

Appointed by the local elected officials of Cleveland County, and certified by the Governor, the members of the Cleveland County Workforce Investment Board are authorized to implement the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 – the purpose of which is to “…improve the quality of the workforce, reduce welfare dependency, and enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the Nation.

The Workforce Investment Board is part of the “Workforce Oklahoma” system, a public/private partnership of employers, community-based organizations, labor unions, and agencies involved in delivering workforce development service. The guiding principles of Workforce Oklahoma are having a local focus, being employer driven, using existing resources and being accountable for results.

For more information please contact Christin Forney, Director of Public Relations & Communications, at (405) 573-1900.