WEST PLAINS, MO, December 4, 2024 – The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) today announced Craig Schmidt and Latonya English were elected to serve on the NAWDP Board of Directors. Schmidt, elected for Illinois, and English, elected for Virginia, will serve on the board through June 30, 2026.
“NAWDP’s Board of Directors offers a diverse set of skills as we collaborate to support a broad range of workforce development professionals,” said Melissa Robbins, Chief Executive Officer for NAWDP. “We are excited to welcome Craig and Latonya to the Board and are eager to work with them to support NAWDP’s members in Illinois and Virginia.”
Craig Schmidt is the Executive Director of the School of Extended Learning at Governors State University, leading workforce development and continuing education initiatives. He has successfully secured and managed millions in state and federal grants to build skilled worker pipelines. A strong advocate for non-traditional apprenticeship programs, he has launched Registered Apprenticeships in high demand careers. “I am honored and excited to serve on the NAWDP board, where I can collaborate with passionate professionals to empower individuals, drive innovation in workforce development, and create meaningful pathways to success for communities nationwide,” said Schmidt.
Latonya English serves as the Executive Director for Virginia Career Works, where she leads strategic initiatives, operations, and policy implementation for the region’s workforce centers. Her journey in workforce began as a recipient in youth services in South Carolina, and she now has nearly 20 years of experience in the workforce profession. She is passionate about supporting and empowering workforce professionals on the front lines, who guide and inspire others to find their career paths. “I am excited to serve NAWDP for the state of Virginia,” said English, “I am eager to contribute and be an asset to NAWDP.”
NAWDP’s Board of Directors represents an extensive community of more than 4,500 workforce development professionals from across the nation. For more information about NAWDP’s programs, Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP), and membership, visit www.nawdp.org.
