The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University has chosen five teams from across the state to participate in its inaugural Talent First community cohort. This opportunity focuses on a peer learning network that prioritizes strategies for diversifying, developing, and enhancing regional workforce talent, with a focus on underrepresented and/or marginalized groups of workers.

Economic and community development leaders in Western North Carolina chosen for this initiative include Samantha Cole, Workforce Partnership Manager for the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce; Emily Martin, Director of Business Development for the Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development; Dr. Scott Queen, Vice President for Economic & Workforce Development for Blue Ridge Community College; Hunter Jones, Business Development Manager for the Transylvania Economic Alliance; Rich Price, Executive Director of Economic Development & Regional Partnerships for Western Carolina University; and Emily Nicholson, Executive Director for the Land of Sky P20 Council.

Members of this cohort also will be enrolled in the NC Workforce Development Leadership Initiative which is an intensive, six-month professional training program. Graduates of the program receive the professional designation of Certified Workforce Developer by the National Association of Workforce Boards.

Source: Land of Sky P20 Council, Transylvania County Government