WEST PLAINS, MO – The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) today announced the slate of candidates for the 2026 State Director elections, representing the association’s top 15 membership states. These elections play a critical role in shaping NAWDP’s leadership on the Board of Directors and advancing its mission to strengthen the workforce development profession nationwide.
“We are thankful for each candidate who has stepped forward with a desire to serve,” said Melissa Robbins, CEO of NAWDP. “Serving as a State Director is a meaningful commitment of time, expertise, and leadership. These individuals demonstrate a strong dedication to advancing workforce development, elevating the profession, and helping NAWDP remain a responsive and forward-looking association for our members.”
State Directors serve as vital representatives of NAWDP’s membership, helping guide national strategy while elevating workforce priorities. Member participation in the election process ensures that NAWDP leadership reflects the breadth, expertise, and diversity of the workforce development field.
States with Confirmed Candidates
The following states received nominations for the 2026 State Director election. Candidates are:
- Arizona
- Kathy Johnson, Workforce Development Manager, Mortenson Construction Training Program
- Vickie Simmons, Deputy Director, ARIZONA@WORK-Southeastern Arizona
- California
- Jonathan Overall, Director of Communications and Innovation, KRA Corporation
- Jose Pelayo, Director of Workforce Development, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation
- Maxine Tolenoa, Vice President, Workforce Services, Career Team
- Colorado
- Tami Grant, RMWDA President & Deputy Director-Weld County Department of Human Services, Workforce Colorado Weld County
- Connecticut
- Daniel Garewski, Career and Business Administrator, Capital Workforce Partners
- Florida
- Julia Dattolo, CEO, CareerSource Palm Beach County
- Tony Chan, Economic Development Specialist, City of St. Petersburg
- Illinois
- Claudia Cattouse-Regalado, Director, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
- Indiana
- Michelle Ginder, Regional Program Manager, JobWorks
- Maryland
- Audrey Nwaze, Anne Arundel County Government
- Walter Simmons, Acting Secretary, Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility
- Michigan
- Brenda Motley-Aikens, Vice President, Ross Innovative Employment Solutions
- Natasha Allen, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Michigan Works! Association
- Missouri
- Dana Keller, Executive Director, Gamm, Incorporated
- James Swift, Chief Operating Officer, Great Jobs KC
- Shanise Johnson, Executive Director, Career & Workforce Readiness, BGCSTL: St. Louis Internship Program
- Pennsylvania
- Carissa Pinkard, President & CEO, Excellence4Life Consulting
- Lauren Holubec, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association
- Paul Pappasergi, Director, Eckerd Connects/Montgomery County WDB
- Texas
- Jared Porritt, Sr. VP of Strategic Initiatives, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
- Manuel Ugues, Regional Director, SERCO of Texas, Inc.
- Michael “Shane” Shepard, Director of Economic Development, City of Lancaster
- Myriam Guerrero, Chief Financial Officer, Workforce Solutions Borderplex
States Without Nominated Director Candidates
The states of North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia did not receive nominations during the nomination period. Per the NAWDP bylaws, these seats will be filled by appointment by the NAWDP Board of Directors Chair.
About the Election
Candidates will campaign through the month of February with voting by eligible NAWDP members opening on March 2, 2026. Elected State Directors will serve a three-year term beginning July 1, 2026.
Additional details about voting procedures and candidate information can be found on NAWDP’s election page at www.nawdp.org/about-nawdp/elections/
