3 Named to Workforce Development Board

Three people from Hamilton County were appointed by Indiana Governor Mike Braun to Indiana’s State Workforce Development Board.

Penny Callaway – Executive Director, Government and Strategic Relations, Indiana Wesleyan University – was appointed to a term that expires March 31, 2029. And Tony Vespa – Founder, Vespa Group and Chuck Goodrich – Chief Executive Officer, Gaylor Electric, Inc. – were appointed to terms expiring a year later.

“Indiana’s workforce is our greatest asset,” Braun said. “By bringing together employers, educators, and community leaders, these boards help ensure Hoosiers have the skills needed to succeed and that our economy continues to grow.”

The SWDB is a business-led entity that guides workforce strategy at the state level. It aligns workforce programs with economic demand, employer needs, career pathway expansion, and service delivery coordination across education, training, and employment systems.

“This State Workforce Development Board sets strategic direction for our public workforce system, turning workforce strategy into action,” said Mike Smith, Interim Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “These appointments are vital to coordination among partners, prioritization of resources, and connections for Hoosier to opportunities in their communities.”