Important Board Updates

March Updates

Your Input Needed –  Annual Awards Luncheon and Joint CEO/WD Board Meeting Survey

Through a short survey, we’re looking for your feedback on two important topics:

• The potential selection of Texas Motor Speedway as the 2026 venue.

• Adjusting the structure of our events to split the Luncheon and Meeting

As you may know, 2026 marks our 30th anniversary, a milestone we are eager to celebrate with the attention and gratitude it deserves. By dedicating separate time to the Annual Awards Luncheon, we can develop an event that honors this occasion while showcasing the remarkable work of our region. Similarly, separating these events will ensure our staff can provide the support needed to make the Joint Annual Board Meeting a productive and meaningful experience.

Please share your input by completing this brief survey.

Your feedback will guide how we shape these events moving forward. 

Teacher Externship Program Expansion

We’re proud to share that WSNCT has been awarded the Teacher Externship Grant for FY25 from the Texas Workforce Commission. This funding will enable us to expand our Externships for Teachers Program, connecting educators with industry leaders to better prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. We’re looking forward to seeing this program’s positive impact on our teachers, partners, and the 22,400 students it will ultimately benefit. The press release attached will be distributed to media this week. 

Leadership Announcement – Dr. Kirsten Jakowitsch

We are excited to announce that Dr. Kirsten Jakowitsch has been promoted to Assistant Director for WSNCT. With more than 20 years of experience in workforce development and community engagement, Dr. Jakowitsch is uniquely qualified to lead critical programs and initiatives. Her expertise and dedication will be instrumental as we continue advancing our mission. Please join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved role. 

New Data Dashboard to Drive Regional Growth

As discussed during our latest Board meeting, WSNCT has launched three new tools aimed at advancing workforce and economic development within our 14-county region. The LMI Dashboard, Economic Profiles, and Career Lattice provide real-time labor market data, demographic insights, and career pathway guidance. These tools are designed to empower businesses, economic leaders, and individuals in making informed decisions to support regional growth. These resources were showcased at the National Association of Workforce Boards Annual Forum in Washington, D.C. this weekend, where they were well-received for their innovation and potential impact. We’ll be publishing the attached press release later this week detailing these tools and their benefits.