Former Clark State Community College program manager for Workforce and Business Solutions – Lesli Beavers – has accepted the role of director of Workforce and Business Solutions. Beavers replaces Toni Overholser, who now serves as director of the Clark State Foundation.
Overholser said Beavers is an excellent choice to lead Workforce and Business Solutions efforts at Clark State. “As program manager for the department, she worked tirelessly to support the needs of students and businesses in the region; quickly adapting and creating customized training solutions,” she said. “This is an important time for workforce programs in our area; with low unemployment, many open positions are currently unfilled. It is extremely important that job training aligns with the jobs in our area. Lesli will be able to lead this charge for our local communities.”
The director of Workforce and Business Solutions position is responsible for creating partnerships with employers and community organizations with priority on workforce development and specialized contract training. Beavers is responsible for developing and delivering training programs jointly between the College and the customer, primarily the business or agency that is contracting the training, assuring that the program will match the employment needs of the client.
“My goal is to continue to support Clark State’s mission of providing programs and services that emphasize student and community success,” said Beavers. “This includes expanding our noncredit, open enrollment trainings which prepare individuals for both local, entry-level employment and for pathways into further educational and degree opportunities, as well as continuing to partner and collaborate with regional businesses, organizations and associations to nourish local economic growth.”
Beavers is responsible for maintaining the College’s strong community outreach and liaison relationships with area chambers of commerce, related civic and government organizations and individuals to help ensure community leaders and the community at-large are aware of Clark State’s presence and value to the community.
“I hope to continue to work closely with local employers and community partners to make sure that we are able to best meet the workforce needs of our region,” said Beavers. “This includes all levels of professional growth, from preparing individuals for entry-level employment to upskilling and certifying current employees for continued learning and success.”
“I look forward to continuing the work of our department, including continuing the many initiatives we have started, as well as strategically growing our outreach and capabilities,” she said.
Beavers is a 2006 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia with a B.A. in political science. Her office is located at the Brinkman Educational Center at 100 South Limestone Street, but she will have a presence at all Clark State locations.