Pierpont to head national group of workforce agencies

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) has elected Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Utah Department of Workforce Services, to serve on its leadership team as president-elect. As part of this commitment, Pierpont will represent Utah on the committee for the next three years as president-elect, president and past-president.

“Workforce issues are one of the hottest topics nationwide. We are at a point where innovation is key in developing workforce programs at the state level,” said Pierpont. “Collaborating with other states and then representing the challenges and successes at a national level will be critical these new few years. It’s an honor to be working with NASWA and my fellow state administrators.”

{mprestriction ids="1,3"} NASWA’s mission is to enhance the state workforce agencies’ ability to accomplish their goals, statutory roles and responsibilities, the organization said on its website. The organization works to drive the national agenda for workforce policy and provide value to state workforce administrators. The executive committee meets regularly throughout the year to discuss policy matters and their impacts on states. In addition, the executive committee coordinates activities with the various subcommittees and programs.

In addition to his role with DWS, Pierpont serves as a cabinet member for Gov. Gary R. Herbert. He has worked in several leadership positions within the department for more than 25 years. In addition, Pierpont recently finished serving as the NASWA executive committee secretary and as the Equal Opportunity Subcommittee chair.

“Utah has been a state leader in workforce programs, labor market information and the unemployment insurance program for several years,” said Scott Sanders, executive director of NASWA. “Having Jon on the leadership team is of great value because of his experience and the work taking place in Utah.”

Pierpont begins serving as the NASWA president-elect immediately.{/mprestriction}