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Humboldt County Workforce Development Board
Regular Meetings
All meetings of the Humboldt County workforce Development Board (HCWDB) are open to the public. Any person is allowed to make public comment regarding the business of the committee. HCWDB meetings are subject to reasonable restrictions by the committee Chair as to order of presentation, length of time and subject matter.
Meetings are held quarterly at the Humboldt County Office of Education Annex.
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval. Current and previous agenda and meeting minutes can be found here:
| Member | Appointed | Term Expires | Board Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dennis Leonardi | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Chair |
| Shelley Nilsen | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Vice Chair |
| Steve Madrone | N/A | N/A | Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO) |
| Michelle Bushnell | N/A | N/A | CLEO Alternate |
| Amber Cavanaugh | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Lee Cunningham | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Daniel Dixon | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Madison Flynn | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Cody Freitas | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Kerry Venegas | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Executive Committee Representative |
| Chris Albright | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Swan Asbury | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Jada Brotman | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2028 | Member |
| Kenny Carswell | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Leslie Castellano | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Rosemary Den Ouden | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| James Forbes | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Michelle Glancy | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Gary Huddle | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Kevin Lennox | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| John McEntagart | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Jared Mumm | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2028 | Member |
| Claudia Obera De Luna | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
| Cedar Rueben | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Treston Shull | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Aaron Sweat | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Justin Takata | June 30, 2026 | June 30, 2028 | Member |
| Scott Thompson | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Tanya Trump | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Ashley Vellis | June 30, 2024 | June 30, 2026 | Member |
| Matthew Ziesak | June 30, 2025 | June 30, 2027 | Member |
Committee Appointments
The Humboldt County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) is a regional board appointed by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors to provide leadership and oversight for the county’s workforce development system. The board brings together representatives from business, education, labor, government, and community organizations to help guide workforce strategy and strengthen employment opportunities across the region. Through planning, collaboration, and program oversight, the board works to align workforce programs with the needs of local employers while expanding career pathways for Humboldt County residents.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
The board operates under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the federal legislation that governs the nation’s public workforce system. WIOA establishes requirements for workforce planning, program oversight, and the delivery of employment and training services to job seekers and employers. In addition to federal law, the board follows policy guidance from the California Employment Development Department and complies with federal administrative regulations known as Uniform Guidance. These policies and regulations establish standards for financial management and administration of workforce funds.
Working closely with the County’s Economic Development Division and regional partners, the Workforce Development Board helps guide the development of local and regional workforce plans. These plans focus on aligning workforce training with industry demand, strengthening partnerships between education providers and employers, expanding career pathways and skills training opportunities, improving access to workforce services, and supporting individuals who face barriers to employment. Together, these efforts help ensure that Humboldt County residents can access meaningful careers while employers can find the skilled workers they need.
History
A key component of Humboldt County’s workforce system is the Humboldt Workforce Coalition, the region’s America’s Job Center of California. This network of partner agencies and programs connects job seekers and employers with career services, job training, employment assistance, and workforce resources. The center has served as a central hub for workforce services in Humboldt County since 1999.
The HCWDB works with workforce partners, educators, employers, and community organizations to strengthen the regional workforce system and support long-term economic prosperity. Board meetings are open to the public, with agendas posted in advance and approved minutes made available afterward. Community members interested in learning more are encouraged to connect with the Economic Development Division.
Connect With Us
The Economic Development Division is here to help community members, businesses, entrepreneurs and investors in Humboldt County. Whether you are looking for a job, launching a business, expanding operations, or exploring ways to invest on the North Coast, we’re here to help. Call us at 707-445-7745 or Email us.