Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state government are looking to ensure Florida’s workforce will be well-positioned in the years to come.
DeSantis announced on Monday that the Florida Talent Development Council will hold its first meeting next Monday as it starts its “work to develop a coordinated, data-driven, statewide approach to meeting Florida’s needs for a 21st-century workforce that employers and educators use as part of Florida’s talent supply system.”
The governor weighed in on the new group and its efforts to make Florida more competitive.
“Preparing Florida’s talent supply system to meet evolving workforce needs is critical to maintaining a strong and sustainable economy that continues to attract businesses to move and expand in Florida,” said DeSantis. “The Talent Development Council will bring stakeholders to the table to find an industry-led solution and strategic plan on cultivating the talent needed for Florida’s workforce in the 21st century.”
“Under Governor DeSantis leadership, the council is committed to developing a coordinated, data-driven, statewide industry-focused approach to addressing talent development in Florida, ensuring that Florida will continue to be the premier destination for business expansion,” said Florida Talent Development Council Chairman Joel Schleicher. “We are bringing together members that understand the needs of Florida, and I am eager for us to start the conversation.”
“The Florida Talent Development Council, administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, is tasked with creating a strategic plan to ensure 60 percent of working-age Floridians hold a high-value postsecondary credential by 2030,” the governor’s office noted.
“Governor DeSantis is committed to strengthening the alignment between industry and learning,” said Ken Lawson, the executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The Florida Talent Development Council is a conduit to bring together educators, education institutions, business leaders and economic development professionals to discuss the needs and identify the solutions for developing and maintaining a diverse and highly skilled workforce for Florida.”
According to the governor’s office, members of the Florida Talent Development Council include:
Joel Schleicher, appointed by the Governor;
Senator Travis Hutson, appointed by the President of the Senate;
Representative Rene Plasencia, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
Michelle Dennard, President of CareerSource Florida, Inc.;
Jamal Sowell, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc.;
Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity;
Richard Corcoran, Commissioner of Education.
Bob Ward, President and CEO of the Florida Council of 100;
Mark Wilson, President of the Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Timothy M. Cerio, appointed by the chair of the Board of Governors.
Marva Johnson, appointed by the chair of the State Board of Education.
The council will also have ex officio nonvoting members from the State University System, the Florida College System, Chancellor of Career and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education, the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida and the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
