via: The Altavista Journal [link]
A well-known name in the Central Virginia business community has been selected to lead the region’s workforce development efforts.
The Central Virginia Workforce Development Board voted Tuesday to name Traci Blido as its next Workforce Development Director, following a nationwide search that attracted more than 50 highly-qualified applicants. Blido will officially begin her new role on July 1, 2021.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our region’s industries and job seekers in this new capacity,” said Blido in a recent statement. “I believe my economic development background will help as we identify what is needed to further grow a qualified and skilled workforce, and help people gain more earning power overall.”
Blido joins the board with an extensive background of work related to economic expansion and talent recruitment. For the past 10 years she has served as the Economic Development Director for Bedford County, where she spearheaded efforts to attract more than $100 million in business investments for the locality. Prior to her role in Bedford County, Blido served in communications and project management roles for Ericsson, Inc., Georgia Pacific, and the organization now known as the Central Virginia Planning District Commission.
“Traci has a successful track record in the business community of our region, has strong managerial experience and an excellent communications and public relations background,” said Nat Marshall, chair of the Central Virginia Workforce Development Board via a recent statement.
Blido plans to work closely with educators, economic developers, and workforce development entities to meet the fast-growing labor force needs of the region and address post-pandemic worker shortages.
She also looks forward to promoting the region’s unique workforce assets.
“We have a great story to tell about what we are already doing in this region to address workforce needs and we must collaborate further to address areas that are still in need,” Blido said. “I appreciate this opportunity to be an active part of how our region will prosper and remain competitive through a qualified workforce.”