By: Amy Lasack, Judy Stoffel, and Gary Vogt

With the challenging workforce situation in Iowa, involvement in Industry Sector Boards has been one way employers are addressing the pipeline of workers as well as creating more awareness for the careers within their specific industries.  Learn about the ICR IOWA Sector Boards and some of the innovative initiatives and programs these sector boards have implemented.

Presentation Objectives:

• Define Industry Sector Boards and benefits to the industry
• Provide examples of Industry Sector Board work to increase pipeline of workers and awareness of careers within specific industries

About the Speaker:
Amy Lasack has been with Kirkwood Community College for 16 years and is currently the Senior Director of Corporate Training where she oversees employer partnerships and outreach. As part of her role at Kirkwood, Amy oversees corporate training and workforce initiatives such as Industry Sector Boards. Prior to her current role, Amy lead the regional efforts to launch the National Career Readiness Certificate in the Kirkwood region and also worked as a Workforce Career Consultant with the WIA Dislocated Worker program. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Cornell College and her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Ambrose University.

Judy Stoffel is the Student Access Program Developer at Kirkwood Community College. She has dedicated the past fifteen years of her career to advancing opportunities for the available workforce to access training, earn credentials to increase their marketability in the workforce, and obtain employment that provides financial stability. Judy leads the Pathways for Academic Education and Training (PACE) program in the region with a focus on Manufacturing, Health Care, and Business/Information Technology. She facilitates the Health Care and Financial Services Industry Sector Boards in the region.

Gary Vogt is currently employed at Kirkwood Community College (KCC) as the Project Director for the IHUM grant, which specializes in building capacity the career fields of Computer Software Development and Computer Support Specialist. In his position Gary helps to facilitate the IT Sector Board in the KCC region. Prior to his current role Gary has spent multiple years with KCC in the Career Consultant field in such positions as Career Development Specialist, National Emergency Grant Coordinator and Workforce Consultant. In addition Gary has held a variety of positions in private industry in Management, Human Resources, Banking and Hospitality. Gary is a Wartburg College graduate and has a passion for creating partnerships and finding solutions.