Eric Sherman plays a crucial role in developing and educating Oregon’s workforce, particularly in Lincoln County. As a primary consultant for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) and an instructor for the Pre-Apprenticeship in Construction Trades (PACT) program, he directly contributes to preparing a skilled workforce for the region. Sherman’s accomplishments include establishing the PACT program in Lincoln County, providing essential training for future tradespeople, and helping to meet the growing demands of Oregon’s coastal workforce. The NOW nomination recognizes his significant contributions to workforce development, particularly in addressing critical trade gaps, which not only enhance individual careers but also strengthen the local economy.

Tracy Rumpca, Plant Manager at Quanex Components, plays a vital role in Oregon’s workforce development as a board member of the Clackamas Workforce Partnership (CWP), where he currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer. His accomplishments include participating in the EnGen pilot program, advocating for the workforce system with legislators, committing corporate funds to workforce initiatives and charities, and collaborating across county lines to support rural communities. Tracy’s nomination highlights his dedication as an engaged business partner, advocating for youth, skill-building, and community service, making a significant impact on rural communities, Clackamas County, and the state of Oregon.

Dr. Laurie Chesley, President of Central Oregon Community College (COCC), has made significant contributions to Oregon’s workforce through her dynamic leadership. Her focus on workforce development has strengthened COCC’s relevance to regional industries and ensured clear career pathways for students. As an officer on the East Cascades Works board and a member of the state Workforce and Talent Development Board, Laurie has been instrumental in expanding workforce initiatives such as the Center for Business Industry and Professional Development, BOLI-registered apprenticeship programs, and campus expansions in Madras and Redmond. Her commitment to partnership, innovative thinking, and approachable leadership make her a valued community leader and a key force in advancing Oregon’s workforce.

John Stapleton, Board Member of Team Oregon Build, has been a driving force behind the program’s mission to empower Oregon’s youth through hands-on training in construction and manufacturing. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding the initiative statewide, fostering partnerships with schools, industry professionals, and community organizations to address critical needs like disaster recovery and homelessness through service-based construction projects. With John’s input, the program has provided over 11,000 student experiences and 400 kit orders, with tiny homes now supporting fire recovery and the unhoused. His dedication to creating scalable blueprints, offering mentorship, and ensuring the program’s success has made a lasting impact on Oregon’s workforce development, inspiring hope for the future.

Ron Gutierrez, Woodburn Warehouse Manager at Winco Foods, plays a significant role in Oregon’s workforce development through his active involvement with the Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP). Since the launch of the Transportation, Warehouse & Distribution sector in 2018, Ron has become a dedicated board member and executive committee member for WWP, contributing to workforce initiatives across the region. His accomplishments include hosting training events and meetings at his facility, joining the WWP High-Performance Consortium, and collaborating with the Executive Director of Salem for Refugees to hire 11 new residents in the area. Ron’s commitment to workforce development is evident in his efforts to provide job opportunities, promote technology in warehouse distribution, and open his facility as a resource for the community.

Rep. Suzanne Bonamici has consistently proven herself to be a champion of workforce development, most recently through her bipartisan leadership in introducing House Resolution 1453. This critical resolution, which she introduced alongside Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Glenn (GT) Thompson (R-PA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA), highlights the essential role workforce development plays in supporting jobseekers, businesses, and local economies. By advocating for solutions to address the growing number of unfilled jobs, Bonamici demonstrates her commitment to ensuring that local workforce development boards, state, and local governments are at the forefront of these efforts. Her dedication to workforce issues ensures that job training and career advancement programs remain a priority in Congress, benefiting workers and industries alike.

Andrew Owens, CEO of A&M Transport, has been a dedicated advocate for strengthening Oregon’s workforce, especially in the transportation industry. Since joining the Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board in 2015, he has played a crucial role in expanding transportation industry representation on workforce boards, growing from just two regions in 2009 to eight out of nine today. Owens has been instrumental in forming workforce committees within the Oregon Trucking Association and establishing key partnerships, such as the Umpqua Valley Transportation Sector Partnership and the Rogue Transportation and Logistics Partnership. He also supported the successful $3.4 million Good Jobs Challenge Driving Prosperity Grant. Beyond policy work, Owens actively supports local truck driving schools by providing free maintenance for their fleets and hiring inexperienced drivers, further contributing to the development of Oregon’s workforce and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled workers in the transportation sector.