Valerie Richardson Appointed Director of Columbus Workforce Development Office

After an extensive national search, Valerie Richardson has been named the new Director of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act office in Columbus.

The City of Columbus and the Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Development Board conducted a national search to fill the position. The recruitment process was highly competitive, and the leading applicants went through an extensive selection process resulting in Richardson being the recommended candidate.

According to a press release from the Columbus Consolidated Government (CCG), Richardson is described as an accomplished leader with over a decade of workforce development experience.

Richardson believes that her experience has prepared her for the role.

Valerie received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College in economics and organizational behavior, a master’s degree from Troy University in management and leadership and she received her Doctor of Education degree in education and curriculum and leadership from Columbus State University.

Her career also includes work as an adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix, public relations director for the Chattahoochee Valley Regional Library System, and marketing director for the South Commons Sports & Entertainment Complex with the City of Columbus.

Among her many accomplishments, Richardson also was an entrepreneur for more than 10 years as owner and manager of a full-service day spa.

She began this new role on Aug. 1.

“Valerie’s leadership as the head of WIOA is crucial to our community. WIOA’s primary mission is workforce development and creating career pathways for residents in Muscogee County and the seven surrounding counties of Area 14: Chattahoochee, Clay, Harris, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, and Talbot,” said City Manager Isaiah Hugley.

Richardson plans to use her previous experience in the workforce to further the efforts to improve the job market in the Tri-City area. Her initiatives seek to expand the number and the quality of businesses that are offering employment opportunities to participants.

“I envision that we will continue the participation in the services that we're currently offering including job search support, employment opportunities, coaching when needed, case management, labor market information, education and training,” Richardson said. “The goal is to develop a highly-skilled workforce that's ready to accommodate the needs of in-demand industries that call Columbus and our surrounding areas home, as well as companies that are interested in coming to the area.”

Richardson plans to look at what employers need and use that to better train or provide opportunities for training for participants who come through the program. That way, she and her team can connect them positively and long-term with the companies that are here.

“I am honored to serve as the next director of WIOA. With the support of the Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Development Board, Mayor (Skip) Henderson, the City Council, the City Manager’s Office and the community. My aim is to empower individuals across the eight counties served by the Board. As we work to create avenues to success, we’ll build a stronger, more resilient workforce,” Richardson said.

Individuals interested in WIOA services can visit their One Stop Career Center located at 700 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, Ga. 31901.