Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP) is thrilled to announce that its Deputy Director, Bridget Back, has been named the 2025 Workforce Professional of the Year by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP). This prestigious award recognizes Bridget’s exceptional leadership and significant contributions to advancing workforce development.
Bridget, a Letcher County native, will be honored at an awards ceremony during NAWDP’s 41st Annual Workforce Conference, held May 5-7, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition from NAWDP,” she said. “This award reflects the transformative power of workforce development and its ability to strengthen individuals and communities. I am inspired by the dedication of my colleagues at EKCEP and fellow workforce professionals nationwide. I am excited to continue this vital work and contribute to building a stronger workforce for Eastern Kentucky.”
With over 15 years of experience, Bridget has played a crucial role in securing and managing grants, and developing and implementing impactful workforce development programs at EKCEP. She oversees and coordinates all workforce services at EKCEP, creating innovative programs for both employers and job seekers in the region. Her commitment to workforce development in Eastern Kentucky has furthered EKCEP’s mission to enhance employment opportunities and drive economic growth.
Bridget’s innovative approach to workforce development has resulted in impactful programs addressing diverse needs in Eastern Kentucky. She has led or significantly contributed to initiatives ranging from disaster relief and support for displaced coal miners to specialized programs like Recovery & Reentry Services and Healthcare Career Pathways.
Bridget’s dedication was particularly evident during the 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky. Despite losing her own home, she helped lead the effort to establish the EKY FLOOD program, providing employment assistance to hundreds of Kentuckians in the disaster’s aftermath.
“Bridget is incredibly deserving of this recognition,” said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “Her dedication to workforce development in Eastern Kentucky is truly exceptional, and we are immensely proud of her. This recognition is a tremendous honor for both Bridget and EKCEP, highlighting the importance of the work we do to empower individuals and strengthen our communities.”
Melissa Robbins, NAWDP’s Executive Director, commended Bridget’s innovative leadership and extensive experience. She highlighted the significant contribution Bridget’s programs have made within Eastern Kentucky.
“The Workforce Professional of the Year award recognizes an individual for their leadership and impact in advancing workforce development,” said Melissa Robbins, NAWDP’s Chief Executive Officer. “Bridget’s extensive experience and innovative leadership have been instrumental in developing impactful programs that drive economic growth for the Eastern Kentucky region.”
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at ekcep.org.