Employment That Will Sustain Our Local Workforce and Economy
As communities strive to lure tech giants, and companies complain about needing workers in this full employment environment, how do our local institutions remain nimble when new ideas and technology are happening so fast?
Can the Port and other governmental agencies lure new opportunities to our community and can our colleges provide the needed educational training for their students as they look for jobs in this new economy?
Our speakers will address the synergy between our hopes for developing more jobs and the educational challenges that the community colleges are facing as they strive to provide a work force prepared for the future.
Speakers:
Don Goldberg, Economic Development Director of the Port of Bellingham
[wpex more=”Don Goldberg Bio” less=”Condense”]Don Goldberg is the Director of Economic Development at the Port of Bellingham and a leader on Whatcom County’s regional economic development team. Don has over 25 years of experience working in the commercial real estate, non-profit and government sectors. Most recently, Don served as the Director of Business Development for the Port of Portland, where his responsibilities included creating and sustaining living-wage jobs. Don earned a B.S. in Business at the University of Wisconsin, completed training as a French chef (Valedictorian) at the Debrulle French Culinary School , and attended the Academy of Coach Training, where he achieved certification as an executive coach from the International Coaching Federation. He has traveled to over 75 countries, gaining familiarity with other cultures in our global economy.[/wpex]
Kathi Hiyane-Brown, President of Whatcom Community College
[wpex more=”Kathi Hiyane-Brown Bio” less=”Condense”]President of Whatcom Community College since 2007, Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown currently is chair of the presidents of our state’s Community & Technical colleges She has served on the board of the Northwest Economic Council, is a member of the Northwest Workforce Council and serves on the Governor’s Adult Education Advisory Board. She is education co-chair of the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, recognizing WCC’s national prominence in one of technology’s fastest evolving job fields.Dr. Hiyane-Brown holds a B.A. in Sociology from Grinnel College, an M.A. in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Iowa, and a Doctorate of Education in Community College Education from Oregon State University. Among her numerous awards Kathi was chosen for the. 2017 Female Empowerment Award from the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce. She values her time mentoring young leaders, primarily those who seek careers in higher education. Kathi enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren and visiting her friends and family.[/wpex]
Kim Perry, President of Bellingham Technical College
[wpex more=”Kim Perry Bio” less=”Condense”]Dr. Perry began her tenure as President of BTC in July 2015. Her prior executive experience was as the Superintendent/President of Butte-Glenn Community College District in Oroville, CA. Kim’s past positions include Vice President, Academic Affairs at Los Angeles City College, and Dean and Vice President of Instruction at Reedley College located in Reedley, CA.Kim began her career in education as a high school agriculture and natural resources instructor in Fremont, California. In addition, for eight years she was the Executive Director of the National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization, an organization affiliated with the National FFA Organization. Kim and her husband Ellis Evans enjoy musical theater, country music, fine dining and spending time with their canine and feline ‘family.’[/wpex]