July 14, 2026 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Minutes

Workforce Center - 315 N. 11th Ave, Bldg. B, Greeley, CO 80631
Meeting Location: First Floor Conference Room
Meeting: July 14, 2026 -12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Attendance

  • Michael Wailes
  • Sherry Seader
  • Landon Loyd
  • Joe Peneton
  • Melissa Jensen
  • Sean Croissant
  • Cassidy Stubblefield
  • Andrew Chadwick
  • Michael Maynes
  • Jennifer Detling
  • Carol Salter
  • Jodi Terwilliger-Stacey
  • Kelly Folks
  • Tami Grant
  • Commissioner Perry Buck
  • Greg Cordova
  • Keri Funkhouser
  • Lisa Taylor
  • Karla Torczon
  • Meghan Greene
  • Thomas Hartman                                                                                                                                           
  • Alex Kloehn- Jelden
  • Phillip MacHendrie
  • Erin Fink-Smith
  • Deborah Tikka
  • Matthew Hortt

Absent or Excused

  • David Zumbrun
  • Victoria Cordovia
  • Lisa Vaughn
  • Robert Rigg
  • Bill Johnson
  • Gen Spering
  • Deana Lemos Garcia

  1. Call To Order

    • The meeting was called to order by Chair Elect Michael Wailes on July 14, 2026.
    • He welcomed members and introduced Sherry Seader as the new Workforce Coordinator and Board Liaison.

  2. Introductions

    • All members present introduced themselves for the benefit of new staff.

  3. Approval Of Minutes

    • Motion: Sean Croissant moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
    • Second: Matthew Hortt.
    • Discussion: None.
    • Vote: Motion carried unanimously.

  4. Unfinished Business

    • Sherry Seader reported that the Board renewal documentation was completed and submitted to the state by the June 22 deadline.
    • The Board has been re-certified as of July 9 for two years.

  5. Workforce Wins

    • A success story was read highlighting significant advocacy efforts by staff leading to a veteran receiving a 100% service-connected disability rating and substantial financial stabilization.

  6. Board Member Spotlight

    • Presenter: Keri Funkhouser, Phillips 66
    • Keri provided an overview of Phillips 66 operations, safety culture, community investments, workforce partnerships, STEM programming, environmental stewardship efforts, and hiring needs.
    • She also discussed workforce shortages, training opportunities, and grant partnerships.

  7. Board Coordinator Introduction

    • Presenter: Sherry Seader
    • Sherry introduced herself, reviewed her background in education, described her prior work in assessments and case management, and provided an overview of her responsibilities as Workforce Coordinator, including:
      • Board liaison duties
      • Policy development
      • Finance and NFA coordination
      • Purchasing and staff support
      • One-stop operator responsibilities
      • EO officer duties
      • Committee membership and state collaboration

  8. Perkins Grant Presentation

    • Presenter: Landon Loyd, Aims Community College
    • Landon provided an in-depth overview of the Perkins Grant, including funding structure, performance metrics, non-traditional student targets, allowable expenses, tutoring supports, accessibility supports, program equipment needs, translation projects, compressed course development, and alignment with workforce needs.
    • Motion: Dr. Hortt moved to approve the grant as presented.
    • Second: Lisa Taylor.
    • Vote: Motion carried unanimously.

  9. Bylaws Update

    • Presenter: Sherry Seader
    • Proposed updates included branding changes from “Employment Services of Weld County” to “Weld County Workforce Center” and minor structural adjustments for readability.
    • Motion: Matthew Hortt.
    • Second: Sean Croissant
    • Vote: Motion carried unanimously.

  10. Financial Update

    • Presenter: Carol Salter
    • Carol reviewed funding allocations for Program Year 2026, noting:
      • Significant increases in Adult and Youth funding
      • A decrease in Dislocated Worker funding (aligned with fewer layoffs)
      • Minor increases in Wagner-Peyser and Workforce Enterprise Fund State methodology and allocation factors were discussed with additional clarification provided by Kelly Folks.

  11. County Commissioner Update

    • Presenter: Commissioner Buck
    • Announcements included:
      • Weld County Friday Fest (Back to the 80s theme)
      • Weld County Fair (July 18–27)
      • Justice Building project update

  12. Transition Advisory Committee Summit Report

    • Presenter: Matthew Hortt
    • Summary of Pueblo summit activities tied to House Bill 26-1317 regarding the merger of workforce development with postsecondary education.
    • Board members were encouraged to provide input as the transition plan is developed by November 30.

  13. Upcoming Deadlines

    • Carol reported that WIOA Plan updates and One-Stop Certification work will be due in August and September.

  14. Committee Updates

    • Brief updates were provided with additional information to be added to the meeting minutes as needed.
    • Andrew announced the Workforce Symposium scheduled for September 9.

  15. Announcements

    • Upcoming meetings:
      • Workforce Development Board: September 8
      • Regional Meeting: August 12
      • Youth Committee: September 22
      • Veterans Committee: date forthcoming

  16. Adjournment

    • Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 1:31 p.m.
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