May 12, 2026 Minutes

Workforce Development Board Minutes

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

Attendance

Present Virtually:

  • Kelsey Baun, Larimer County / RAC
  • Meghan Greene, DVR
  • Michael Maynes
  • Lauren Price
  • Erin Fink Smith
  • Matthew Hortt
  • Jennifer Detling, CDLE
  • Victoria Cordova
  • Deana Lemos-Garcia
  • Phil MacHendrie

Present In-Person:

  • Michael Wells
  • Lisa Taylor
  • Joe Peneton
  • Bill Johnson
  • Shawn Croissant
  • Debbie Tikka
  • Robert Gregg
  • Cassidy Stubblefield
  • Carrie Bunkhauser
  • Thomas Hartman, CWDC
  • Alex Kloehn
  • Tami Grant, Weld
  • Lisa Vaughn
  • Carol Salter, Weld
  • Commissioner Perry Buck, Weld
  • Andrew Chadwick, Weld
  • Timeka Romero, Weld
  • Greg Cordova, Weld
  • Tim Marquart, Weld
  • Gwen Jenkins, Weld
  • Tom Gonzales, Weld

Absent

  • None noted

Guests

  • None noted

  1. Call to Order

    The meeting was called to order by Lisa Vaughn at 12:16 PM.

  2. Approval of Previous Minutes

    The previous meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.

  3. Agenda Items

    • Board Involvement ~ Report Out
      • Carol Salter provided updates regarding board involvement activities. Discussion included tracking board activities over a three-month period, upcoming board certification in June, and board membership updates.
    • Workforce Wins
      • Discussion:
      • Rueben’s story was shared as a workforce success story, highlighting positive outcomes and impact through workforce services and support.
    • Board Focus
      • Discussion:
      • County Update ~ Tami Grant
      • Tami Grant shared county workforce updates regarding House Bill 26-1317, including information related to the Transition Committee, the addition of two Workforce Directors, and an additional position focused on workforce advocacy. Discussion also included workforce restructuring efforts.
    • Apprenticeships ~ Joe Peneton
      • Joe Peneton provided updates regarding apprenticeship utilization and opportunities. Apprenticeship applications have increased approximately 70%, resulting in expanded program capacity. Additional updates included:
        • Sheet metal apprenticeship participation increased by approximately 50% 
        • Pipe-fitters apprenticeship participation increased by approximately 30%, with a goal of reaching 120 participants in the coming year 
        • Plumbing apprenticeship participation increased approximately 50% 
        • Wyoming pipe-fitting opportunities are projected to increase significantly 
        • Electrical programs are expected to add approximately 3,000–5,000 positions over the next two years 
        • Continued high demand exists for journeymen across multiple trades 
      • Discussion also included observations regarding an increase in older participants and individuals holding bachelor’s degrees pursuing apprenticeship pathways.
    • Business Spotlight ~ Golden Aluminum ~ Lisa Vaughn
      • A business spotlight presentation was provided on Golden Aluminum, located in Fort Lupton. The company shared information regarding its sustainable aluminum recycling and manufacturing processes, including the use of both prime and recycled aluminum materials. Discussion also highlighted a newly patented caster system installed over the summer and workforce opportunities available through the company.
      • Business Spotlight presentation for the next meeting will feature Phillips 66, Carrie Bunkhauser will present.
    • Workforce Spotlight ~ Veterans
      • Weld County Veteran Services staff included Tom Gonzales, Veteran Service Officer; Tim Marquart, Veteran Service Officer; and Gwen Jenkins, Veteran Service Navigator.
      • Additional workforce spotlight information was presented regarding Weld County Veteran Services. The presentation highlighted the role of Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) and Veteran Service Navigators in assisting veterans with navigating benefits, claims assistance, appeals, advocacy, outreach, education, and referrals. Information was also shared regarding eligibility requirements for veteran disability benefits, pensions, survivor benefits, and dependent indemnity compensation. 
    • Committee Report Out
      • Awareness 
        • Andrew Chadwick provided updates regarding meetings with Bill Yoder and Family.
      • Youth Committee
        • Michael Wells and Greg Cordova reported on the April 28 Youth Committee meeting. Liam shared updates regarding work-based learning opportunities within schools and efforts to expand workforce center involvement in school settings. Discussion included improving representation and connection opportunities for foster youth. A youth survey is planned for release in the fall. Additional discussion included Pathways planning for December. Abby shared information regarding the District 6 internship program, which includes 120-hour internship opportunities. Jessica Mathis also provided information regarding Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).
      • Veterans 
        • Updates were shared regarding upcoming veterans’ events scheduled starting June 7, including presentations at local nursing homes. Discussion also included the Stand Down meeting featuring Gabe Evans and Doug Collins. 
      • Mobile Workforce Unit Committee
        • No updates were provided.

  4. Announcements / Celebrations

    • Recognition was given to Rocio for outstanding work supporting the MSFW program. 
    • The GED Graduation Ceremony will take place Thursday, May 22 at 6:30 PM. Misty Trefrye will serve as the guest speaker. Greg Cordova will distribute the event invitation. 
    • The board recognized Andrew Chadwick for participating on a panel for Innovation Talks at the Monfort College of Business at University of Northern Colorado. The panel discussion focused on “AI in the Workforce in Weld County.” Appreciation was expressed to Andrew for representing the Weld County Workforce Center. 
    • An announcement was made recognizing Sherry Seader’s promotion to Workforce Coordinator effective May 16. 

  5. Next Meeting

    • Next meeting date and time to be determined.

  6. Adjournment

    • A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Shawn Croissant and seconded by Thomas Hartman. The meeting adjourned at 1:37 PM
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