The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) has announced that Jon Pierpont, executive director of Utah’s Department of Workforce Services, has taken over as president of the its board of directors. As part of his election as president-elect last year, Pierpont will represent Utah on the executive committee for the next two years as president and past president.
“There is no hotter topic across the nation than building the workforce for today and the future. Every state is experiencing successes and challenges in the labor force,” Pierpont said. “It is an honor to work closely with my counterparts in other states in a common goal of strengthening our workforce to meet industry needs.”
NASWA said that its mission is to enhance the state workforce agencies’ ability to accomplish their goals, statutory roles and responsibilities. The organization works to drive the national agenda for workforce policy and provide value to state workforce administrators. The executive committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss policy matters and their impacts on states. In addition, the executive committee coordinates activities with the various subcommittees and programs.
As director of the Department of Workforce Services, Pierpont also serves as a cabinet member for Gov. Gary R. Herbert. He has worked in several leadership positions within the department for more than 25 years. In addition, Pierpont has served as the NASWA executive committee president-elect, secretary and as the Equal Opportunity committee chair.
“Utah has been a standout state for several years with workforce programs, labor market information and unemployment insurance. With all these programs integrated into one department, Utah sets the example for many other states to follow,” said Scott B. Sanders, executive director of NASWA. “Jon’s leadership will be key this year as we work through many national issues involving the workforce system.”