Executive Director Wins Lifetime Achievement Award

The Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board, Sandy Harmsen, has been honored with a lifetime achievement award from the California Workforce Association. The award is given in recognition of overall contributions made to the workforce development system on a national, state and local level, contributions to the California Workforce Association, and feedback from colleagues. “Sandy led advocacy efforts in Washington for the re-authorization of the Workforce Investment Act, along with her Board. She has been equally vocal in Sacramento, providing testimony on behalf of many bills, and she is a fierce advocate for the workforce system. We are proud to be giving this accolade to Sandy,” said Bob Lanter of the California Workforce Association. The San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board oversees the skill development of the local workforce to meet the needs of the region’s employers. James Ramos, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, says Sandy’s leadership skills have helped ensure the success of the Workforce Investment Board. “This award reflects Sandy’s hard work and commitment to improving the economy of San Bernardino County. In line with our Countywide Vision, she is ensuring businesses receive the support they need to grow, and that local residents can benefit from vocational training, job placements and the tools to achieve a higher quality of life.” Sandy Harmsen has been Executive Director of the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board since 2008. “I am honored to receive this award, and I see our work as a team effort. My colleagues have always been there to support my plans and achieve our goals,” she said. “I’m grateful to the Workforce Investment Board and the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to be in this position.” Bob Lanter concluded that the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board is one of the best in the nation. “Countless workforce boards and professionals from around the country look to San Bernardino County for best practices. Efforts the Workforce Investment Board has made in the areas of business services, integrated approaches to customer service delivery from multiple partner programs and youth services are just three examples of this excellent work.”