Annual Award is Presented a Local Innovative, Workforce Development Leader
Hershey, PA – Today, during the 39th annual Pennsylvania Workforce Development Conference, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association named Jennifer Butler, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board (MontcoWorks), as the recipient of the prestigious Workforce Phoenix Award for her exemplary leadership and contributions to Pennsylvania’s local workforce development system. MontcoWorks, and a colleague, Jane Stein, nominated Jennifer.
“Jennifer’s leadership and contributions to Montgomery County’s workforce development system are truly exemplary,” said Carrie Amann, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “Her tireless efforts to provide equitable access to all career seekers and employers have made a significant impact on the workforce development landscape in Montgomery County. The PWDA congratulates Jenni on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to her continued leadership and service.”
Jennifer embodies all the characteristics of a great workforce development leader. She is a servant leader and coalition builder. She began her workforce development career in 1993 as a GED instructor, holding various positions since then.
Jennifer’s passion for helping design a system that encourages and empowers career seekers, employers, and her staff to be the best versions of themselves is why she should be the Phoenix! Her innovative ideas and relentless drive have made her an invaluable leader in the workforce development space.
Jennifer became Executive Director of MontcoWorks during one of the most significant transitions in workforce policy – when WIOA replaced WIA as the overarching workforce policy in the country. Jennifer made it her mission to implement programming promoting a thriving economic and workforce development system in Montgomery County. Her innovative work to draw ARPA funding recently provided solutions and success for low-wage workers and employers.
“Jennifer is known for being open to new ideas and exploring every opportunity available to support the needs of the workforce development system,” said Jane Stein, who nominated Jennifer. “She is passionate about providing opportunities for individuals to gain employment with family-sustaining wages in a career pathway that meets their interests, skills, and aptitudes. Jennifer is empathetic to the struggles faced by career seekers, employers, staff, partners, and stakeholders and can provide sound advice no matter the circumstance.”
The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known for Pennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity-building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org
# # #