YC Launches Division of Workforce and Innovation

Yavapai College (YC) is forming a Division of Workforce and Excellence to respond to the shifting needs of industries and to demonstrate its commitment to becoming a national leader in workforce and innovation.

It will encompass areas of the college that already have a strong presence across Yavapai County, such as the Regional Economic Development Center and the Small Business Development Center, with a goal to expand operations and add areas that support the development of a nimble workforce system.

YC aims to work strategically with existing local industries to provide a skilled and qualified workforce that ultimately leads to a sustainable and vibrant economy. This will include playing a major role in supporting the attraction of new businesses to the area.

“The authors of the book The Great Upheaval said it best, ‘Education is a growth industry in a knowledge-based economy that demands a more educated and re-educated labor force’,” YC President Lisa Rhine said.

“This new division will help Yavapai College remain a leader in preparing our students for today’s workforce needs as well as tomorrow’s innovation. Through short-term credentials, reskilling of the current workforce, experiential learning and on-demand training, the Division of Workforce and Innovation will serve as the bridge connecting industry and education in Yavapai County.”

Dr. Kimberly A. Moore is the chief workforce innovation officer over the division after serving as vice president for workforce innovation at Tallahassee Community College in Florida. Before being appointed to that role she was chief executive officer and chief operating officer of Workforce Plus, a local economic and workforce development board for more than a decade.

During her career she gained a reputation locally, statewide and nationally as a leader in workforce, innovation and strategic partnership development.

Moore invites government, business and industry partners who want to connect to email her at kimberly.moore@yc.edu.