PA Association of Workforce Investment Boards

The Pennsylvania Association of Workforce Investment Boards is a statewide not-for-profit association incorporated in 2003 that represents Pennsylvania’s local workforce investment boards (WIBs).

The association serves Pennsylvania’s WIBs through the promotion of best practices; communication to the state Workforce Investment Board and state and federal authorities on workforce issues; enhancing cooperation of workforce investment boards in developing regional and statewide links and partnerships; and improving a unified, seamless system for the delivery of workforce services.

Current membership consists of the 22 local workforce investment boards created under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

What are local Workforce Investment Boards?

Workforce Investment Boards (or “WIBs”) are regional entities created to implement the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 in the United States. Every community in Pennsylvania is associated with a Local WIB (LWIB). For each LWIB, a chief elected official (for example, a county commissioner or the mayor of a major city) appoints members to sit on the WIB. These appointed positions are unpaid. At least 50% of a WIB’s membership must come from private businesses. There are also designated seats for representatives from labor unions and educational institutions like community colleges as well. Beyond these basic guidelines, many aspects of how an individual WIB operates can vary.

The WIB’s main role is to direct federal, state and local funding to workforce development programs. WIBs conduct and publish research on these programs and the needs of their regional economy. They also oversee the One-Stop Career Centers (called “CareerLinks®”), where job seekers can get employment information, find out about career development training opportunities and connect to various programs in their area.

2010-2011 Officers

Co-Chair - Shelly Mastrella, South Central Workforce Investment Board
Co-Chair - Steve Fries, Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board
Vice Chair - Ron Blisard, Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board
Vice Chair - Kerry Schwab, Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board
Secretary - Dale McBrier, Northwest PA Workforce Investment Board
Treasurer - Robert Gallagher, South Central Workforce Investment Board

Pennsylvania Association of Workforce Investment Board Members