Eight Pennsylvanians Recognized for Workforce Success

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Award was presented today to eight Pennsylvanians who have participated in various state workforce development initiatives and excelled in their workplaces. The awards were presented during the 31st Annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training & Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center through Friday.

The awards are jointly sponsored by state workforce development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry and Human Services – and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association.

Representatives of state workforce development agencies recognized the individuals for their accomplishments.

"The individuals honored today have overcome personal barriers and excelled in their developmental programs to become successful and valuable members of the Pennsylvania workforce," said Labor & Industry Acting Secretary Kathy Manderino. "I am proud of the work they have accomplished with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Investment Boards, and the roles those organizations have in developing the skills and confidence of  Pennsylvania's workers."

Manderino was represented at the awards ceremony by Denise Verchimak, director of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

"As a partner in the commonwealth's workforce development system, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Senior Community Service Employment Program provides employment training and skill-building opportunities to income-qualified persons fifty-five years and older," said Acting Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne.  "We are proud to help mature workers, like Delores Sacco, prepare to find work that adds meaning, value and hope for the future."

Osborne was represented at the awards ceremony by Deputy Secretary David Gingerich.

"The dedication and perseverance of these individuals is inspiring," said Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Ted Dallas. "These Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) Program participants are focused on improving themselves, their careers and their lives. Jon Magistri, Yolanda Harris, Thaisa Williams, and Georgetta Jacobs have realized greater financial independence, gained confidence, and worked hard for their employers. We applaud their successes and anticipate many more."

Dallas was represented at the awards by Division Director Tamila Lay, Division of Employment and Training, Bureau of Policy.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce investment system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide, sponsors this annual conference, which attracts more than 800 private and public job-training experts from across Pennsylvania.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Goulet, L&I; 717-787-7530
Drew Wilburne, Aging; 717-787-1550
Kait Gillis, Human Services; 717-425-7606

Editor's Note: Following is a list of award recipients.

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association
Youth Program Participant

• Jordan Clegg, nominated by the South Central Workforce Investment Board

Adult Program

• Prince Chancellor, nominated by the Lackawanna County Workforce Investment Board

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Program Participant

• Joshua Dean, Camp Hill, Pa.

Department of Aging
Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Delores Sacco, Sewickley, Pa.

Department of Human Services
EARN Program Participant Awards

• Jon Magistri, Allegheny County EARN Program
• Yolanda Harris, Delaware County EARN Program
• Thaisa Williams, Central PA EARN Program
• Georgetta Jacobs, North Central EARN Program

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Related Links

http://www.governor.state.pa.us