Event Details

“Strategies and Resources: Addressing Workforce Shortage”

Presented by: Kathy Leggett, Policy Advisor for Future Ready Iowa / Carolyn Farley, IowaWORKS Operations Manager / Debra Fox, IowaWORKS Business Marketing Specialist

All attendees will be provided information regarding existing workforce strategies they can adopt to help meet their needs. Specifically, we will provide information about available resources that help with hiring and retraining, collaborating with community and education partners, upskilling employees, and removing barriers such as childcare concerns that sometimes can block Iowans from entering the workforce. Employers, local business members, and educators are encouraged to attend

Participants will learn about available:

• Workforce programs with Iowa Workforce Development and other state agencies
• Employer services at IowaWORKS
• Resources to hire, train and retain workers  

Speaker’s Background & Experience:

Kathy's responsibilities at IWD include guidance and coordination of the Future Ready Iowa initiative. The goal of the initiative is for 70% of Iowans in the workforce to have education and training beyond high school by 2025.  Kathy works across multiple state agencies and key stakeholder groups throughout the state with a primary focus on 5 strategies identified to advance the FRI goal.  Kathy has been in this position for almost 4 years.  Prior to this work Kathy was the Director for the Center for Advocacy and Outreach at Blank Children's Hospital for 20 years. 

Carolyn Farley has over 16 years’ experience in the human services field.  She is currently the Regional Operations Manager for Iowa Workforce Development.  Prior to attaining her present position with Iowa Workforce Development, Ms. Farley worked as Territory Manager for the PROMISE JOBS program and as a case manager at the Department of Human Services.  In addition to her human services background, Ms. Farley has more than 10 years leadership experience from a private manufacturer.  She graduated with honors from Iowa Wesleyan with Bachelor’s Degrees in both psychology and criminal justice in 2004.

Debra Fox has been with Iowa Workforce Development for 12 years. As a Business Marketing Specialist with the agency, she partners with employers, community agencies and economic development professionals to promote employability programs and large-scale workforce initiatives to eligible stakeholders. Before taking this role Debra worked as an Sr. HR professional in the private sector. Her passion to serve others has been a driving force throughout her career. Debra is a local coordinator for the Employers’ Council of Iowa. She holds a dual degree from Iowa Wesleyan University in Psychology and Sociology. 

HRCI for 1.0 (General) PHR/SPHR Recertification Credit Hour & SHRM Approved for 1.0 SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Professional Development Credit. “The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.”