Tulane SoPA Dean Suri Duitch joins New Orleans Workforce Development Board
The New Orleans Workforce Development Board (NOWDB) has tapped Tulane University School of Professional Advancement dean Suri Duitch to serve as its newest member. Duitch was sworn in on Wednesday, May 11, during a ceremony that began the start of a two-year term.
“The knowledge and experience Dean Duitch brings as a member of the Tulane community will further assist us in developing and implementing strategies that prove effective to engaging those members of the community who need career and workforce training.”
— Sunae Villavaso, NOWDB director
NOWDB members provide oversight and guidance to city workforce development measures, and in partnership with the Mayor of New Orleans, assess program effectiveness.
“We are pleased to welcome Dean Suri Duitch to our Workforce Development Board and I look forward to working with Dean Duitch on creating certification programs in those priority industries as outlined in the City's Generational Economic Transformational Plan that leads to family-sustaining wages for our citizens,” said Sunae Villavaso, director of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development. “The knowledge and experience Dean Duitch brings as a member of the Tulane community will further assist us in developing and implementing strategies that prove effective to engaging those members of the community who need career and workforce training.”
The board requires that two representatives of education and training be appointed with at least one representing higher education.
Prior to working in higher education, Duitch held policy and program oversight positions and worked with nonprofits and private foundations to conduct research in arts and economic development, children’s health services and nonprofit advocacy.
The NOWDB was established under the guidance of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a bipartisan effort passed by Congress in 2014 which aims to support job seekers and employers through the education, training, and support services.
The workforce commission’s primary initiative, JOB1 Business and Career Solutions offers service through a network of public and private workforce development agencies and organizations. New Orleans jobseekers and employers can learn more about services available by visiting the JOB1 webpage.
