State Agencies Recognize Seven Pennsylvanians for Workforce Success

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Award was presented recently to seven Pennsylvanians who have benefited from workforce development initiatives in the state. The presentations took place during the 30th Annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training and Education Conference, at the Hershey Lodge.

"These individuals are role models for all Pennsylvanians," said Governor Tom Corbett. "Their determination and commitment to succeed are incredibly admirable and I applaud each of them for their accomplishments and wish them continued success."

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

"Pennsylvania's workforce is stronger with employees such as those we are honoring today," said Labor & Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway. "Their determination and work ethic stands as an inspiration to the commonwealth and they are an asset to their communities."

Hearthway was represented at the awards ceremony by Michelle Staton, deputy secretary for workforce development.

"The courageous journeys that these individuals took toward self-sufficiency are models for all Pennsylvanians," said Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth. "I applaud their resiliency and determination, and congratulate them on their hard work and the positive example they have set for others in their communities."

Mackereth was represented at the awards ceremony by Matt McLees, director of the Office of Income Maintenance's Bureau of Policy.

"We extend our most sincere gratitude to older employees for providing their experience and expertise to make each day a success for their employers, and congratulate older Pennsylvanians re-entering the workforce," Secretary of Aging Brian Duke said. "We congratulate older Pennsylvanians who find employment as a result of the training they receive through the Department's Senior Community Service Employment Program."   

Duke was represented at the awards ceremony by David Gingerich, Deputy Secretary for Aging.

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 contacts:
Sara Goulet, L&I; 717-787-7530
Christina Reese, Aging; 717-787-1549
Kait Gillis, Public Welfare; 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

• Kathryn Foore, Mercer County, nominated by West Central Job Partnership

Adult Program

• Leon Johnston, Allegheny County, nominated by Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Program Participant

• Katherine Lashley, Allegheny County, nominated by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

PWDA WIB Excellence Award

• Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, Allegheny County

Department of Aging
Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Carolyn Mull, Northumberland County, nominated by The Northumberland County Area Agency on Aging

Department of Public Welfare
EARN Program Participant Awards

• Mark Mullin, Northampton County, nominated by Northampton Count EARN program and Lehigh Valley Workforce Board, Inc.
• Kayce Gregory, Crawford County, nominated by St. Benedict Education Center – Crawford County EARN program and Northwest Workforce Investment Board
• Dortha Bartko-McGowan, Greene County, nominated by Washington Greene County Job Training Agency, Inc. – EARN program and Southwest Corner Workforce Investment Board

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED