Bucks County has a new department.
The Bucks County Workforce Development Board has merged with the existing county economic development unit to form the Bucks County Office of Workforce and Economic Development.
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The Bucks County Commissioners voted in early June to merge the two groups into the umbrella of county government. The nonprofit Bucks County Workforce Development Board, which previously was based in Bristol Township, and the merged county staff will work from county-owned offices on Almshouse Road in Doylestown Township.
Billie Barnes will serve as the executive director of the department. She began leading the Bucks County Workforce Development Board last summer and brings more than 25 years of experience.
“This transition / merger will provide a streamlined and consolidated organizational structure with a focus on eliminating duplication of effort, and efficient and effective delivery of services to maximize our support of Bucks County businesses and workers,” Barnes said.
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The staff for the department will be:
- Dianna Kralle, Assistant Director
- Alice Colyar, Youth and Employment, Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) Programs Manager
- Deanna Giorno, Economic Development Program Manager
- Frank McGovern, Finance Manager
Barnes said joining the county will allow the department to have tighter fiscal oversight and enhance management and operations.
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Combined workforce and economic development efforts will work with Bristol Township-based PA CareerLink Bucks County. The new department will offer “market-driven information and services that align with regional and statewide workforce development planning” and “help designate available funding to stimulate economic development by strengthening Bucks County’s workforce,” according to the county.
The Bucks County Transition Team report called for looking to programs and agencies that aid job and business development and potential combining some.
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