REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Appoint Julie Lind and Michelle Nemits to the NOVA Workforce Board
Report
BACKGROUND
The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) stipulates the composition, roles and responsibilities of the local workforce board. The local chief elected official appoints the local workforce board. The Sunnyvale City Council serves as the Local Chief Elected Official for the NOVA consortium. The local workforce board (NOVA Board) determines how many seats are on the board. The NOVA Board is required to have a majority of representatives from business and representation from at least the following stakeholders:
• Business Executives (majority and chair);
• Education providers from adult education and higher education;
• Labor and community-based organizations representing the workforce;
• Economic and community development agencies; and
• State agencies representing employment development and vocational rehabilitation programs.
The roles and responsibilities of NOVA Board members include (but are not limited to):
• Taking a leadership role in forging a strong and vital partnership between business and the workforce development community, resulting in an entrepreneurial, market-driven, accountable and exceptional workforce development system;
• Contributing specific expertise from key industries and articulating evolving industries’ needs, critical to aligning the workforce with the jobs of the 21st Century;
• Developing and approving policy for workforce initiatives in NOVA service-delivery area;
• Helping create and providing oversight of a local strategic plan and participating in the development of a regional plan;
• Evaluating and monitoring program performance according to specified outcomes and measures; and
• Promoting the NOVA Board and workforce through collaboration and relationship building with other businesses, local workforce boards, organizations and groups.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 5.1.1: Socio-Economic - Goals and Policies: Education and Training Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services, within constraints of operative Federal regulations and available Federal funding, to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental, organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The NOVA Board Nominating Committee is comprised of Councilmember Gustav Larsson, NOVA Board Co-Chair Jennifer Morrill and NOVA Vice-Chair Rosanne Foust. The Committee is charged with recommending NOVA Board candidates to the City Council. The Nominating Committee is recommending the appointment of Julie Lind and Michelle Nemits because of the individual strengths and assets they can bring to the NOVA Board. In addition, their appointments will fill WIOA-mandated seats representing Labor and business, respectively.
About the Candidates:
Ms. Julie Lind
Executive Secretary/Treasurer, San Mateo County Central Labor Council
The San Mateo County Central Labor Council represents more than 100 affiliate unions and nearly 85,000 members in San Mateo County. The Labor Council serves the interests of working people and their families. This is accomplished at the collective bargaining table, in the community, and in the exercise of worker rights and responsibilities. As Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Ms. Lind functions as chief executive officer of the organization, directing legislative and political activism and advocacy, coordinating membership training and events, facilitating affiliate support, acting as liaison between elected officials and the Labor community, and representing Labor on community committees and task forces. Ms. Lind brings to the Board 20 years of legislative, political, and Labor experience and extensive relationships with diverse organizations throughout the Bay Area region. In addition, she has a passion for workforce development and ensuring equitable access for all workers to quality jobs. This may entail skill development to facilitate transfer to other industries and supportive services to eliminate barriers to employment. Ms. Lind’s contributions will be invaluable to the Board in rebuilding an economy where workers experience career stability, advancement, and dignity.
Ms. Michelle Nemits
Executive Director, Bay Area, Biocom California
Founded in 1995, Biocom California is a trade association, supporting 1,500 member companies representing the state’s life science industry. This is achieved through advocacy and public policy, capital development and partnerships, special events, workforce development, and savings programs. Headquartered in San Diego, Biocom has offices in Los Angeles, South San Francisco, Sacramento, Washington, D.C., and Tokyo, Japan. As Executive Director of Bay Area Biocom, Ms. Nemits leads the local team in supporting 600 member companies. This involves ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives, facilitating committees targeting industry-specific demands, working with community partners and key stakeholders on shared interests, and assisting members with professional and business development, recruitment, permitting requirements, and public relations. Ms. Nemits brings to the Board over 25 years of experience in the local life science industry, extensive networks across diverse job functions, and a deep knowledge of this growing sector’s needs. She also has a passion for raising awareness of career opportunities this industry can offer, especially among underrepresented populations. Ms. Nemits contributions to the Board will be invaluable in addressing industry-specific workforce shortages by ensuring a skilled talent pipeline.
These appointments comply with the requirements of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, Sunnyvale Public Library and Department of Public Safety. In addition, the agenda and report are available at the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Appoint Julie Lind and Michelle Nemits to the NOVA Workforce Board.
Staff
Prepared by: Eileen Stanly, Analyst, NOVA Workforce Services
Reviewed by: Kris Stadelman, Director, NOVA Workforce Services
Reviewed by: Jaqui Guzmán, Deputy City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager