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Firm offers employers recruitment, retention and training programs

by Kathy Hagood
Brevard Technical Journal

Lisa Rice has transitioned smoothly over the past few months into her new position as executive director of the Rock-ledge-based Brevard Workforce Development Board Inc.

She was appointed to her new post March 1 through a unanimous board vote following a national talent search that brought 100 executive director candidates to the table.

Although Linda South, the high-profile former director of the board, left extra large shoes to fill when she resigned last November, the board believes Rice has the experience and the expertise to easily take the lead of the public-private partnership.

Rice worked under South as director of planning and development for the board beginning in 2001. Through Rice’s efforts, the organization obtained more than $5 million in grants and garnered much recognition for its high performance levels.

Prior to working as the director of planning and development, Rice served as a board member and a committee chair-woman for the organization for five years.

“All the familiarity I have with the board and the staff has made a tremendous difference in my being able to quickly come up to speed on the position,” Rice said of her new post.

As executive director, she’s responsible for fulfilling the board’s vision for the organization and overseeing “all areas of management, budgeting, contracting, reporting outcomes of service delivery, system wide technology infrastructure, and fostering effective community relations,” according to the board’s summary.
Of her appointment, board Chairman Doug Mead said, “After narrowing down the roster of candidates, telephone and face-to-face interviews resulted in the selection of Lisa Rice. Throughout the process, Mrs. Rice demonstrated an acute knowledge of the workforce system, exceptional and proven leadership skills and demonstrated a high work ethic.”

The Brevard Workforce Development Board is best known for offering job training and placement through the Brevard Job Link. Among its offerings for job seekers are skills assessment, GED preparation and adult basic education, training assistance, career planning, labor market information, employment counseling, resume development and job search assistance.

The Job Link assists employers with recruitment, retention and training.

The board, which is made up from key representatives from the Space Coast’s top industries, works with industry, academia and the public to balance supply and demand in the area workforce.
“Board members help keep us alerted to what employers are looking for now and what they likely will need in the future,” Rice said.

Based on those needs, the partnership cultivates the area workforce by encouraging or providing training that will pay off in better employment opportunities now or down the line.

Rice said she plans to continue improving the high-quality programs offered by the Brevard Job Link.
“You can always make things a little better, but I see no need for any major changes,” Rice said.
The board is on the verge of reassessing its efforts and redefining its overall strategies. Rice said she was on the board the last time it created a five-year plan and she’s looking forward to the board’s new vision.
“It’s been wonderful to see planned programs come into fruition over the years I’ve been involved with the organization and I’m excited about what the future holds,” she said.

Because Brevard County is hovering at about full employment with its unemployment rate at about 3.7 percent, the board is turning its focus on bringing more residents into the work-force, Rice said.
Strategies include enlisting more seniors to work at least part-time and helping disabled adults find work.
These days, the Job Link is maintaining about 1,800 open job orders in the system.
“Employers are struggling to find qualified employees,” Rice said.

Rice and the board continue to advocate continuing education for the workforce. Because technology is evolving, workers must be committed to lifelong learning to maintain or improve their status in the workforce, she said. 

As more companies are out-sourcing employment and turning overseas for cheap labor, workers must keep improving themselves to qualify for the best jobs.

“Those who quit learning will be left behind,” Rice said.

Previously, Rice served as legislative assistant to State Senator Winston "Bud" Gardner, Jr., and then State Representative Harry Goode Jr.

Rice grew up in Colorado Springs. She earned her bachelor’s of science degree in business administration from the University of Colorado before moving to Brevard County in 1988. Later, she pursued and received a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida.

Her community efforts include a stint as chairwoman for Leadership Brevard. She’s served as special projects administrator for H.O.P.E./Health First and director of healthy community programs for Parrish Medical Center. 

Rice and her husband, Troy, who is director of the Indian River Lagoon Natural Estuary Program, live in Rockledge.

For more information on the Brevard Workforce Development Board, visit www.bwdb.org