About the Eastern Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board

The Eastern Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (WIB) is a private-sector led body composed of 24 volunteer members that works to prepare, advance, and expand the workforce of Eastern Kentucky. 

The WIB brings together private-sector leaders from across our region with policy makers from the education, economic development, and public arenas. The board's strategic and policy guidance will improve the opportunities for all citizens to engage in and become productive members of the workforce. As a result, businesses will be more likely to have the human resources necessary to compete in our global economy. 

Among the board's responsibilities are:

  • Developing the Local Plan for workforce innovation

  • Overseeing the local one-stop career center system

  • Conducting strategic program oversight

  • Negotiating local performance measures

  • Assisting in the development of the employment statistic system

  • Creating and sustaining employer linkages

  • Connecting, brokering, and coaching on behalf of the Local Workforce Innovation System

  • Appointing a youth council

  • Identifying eligible providers of training services

The WIB’s structure consists of private-sector members who are leaders in their own organizations, along with representatives from the economic development community, education, organized labor, community-based organizations, and the one-stop partner agencies administering the bulk of workforce innovation funds flowing into Eastern Kentucky.

Eastern Kentucky WIB meetings are held quarterly at the LKLP Kentucky Career Center JobSight, 412 Roy Campbell Drive. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, December 11 beginning at 2 p.m.

2025 Regular Meeting Schedule

  • March 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

  • June 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

  • September 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

  • December 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

DOCUMENTATION

Eastern Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board Membership

Raymond Banks
Business

Bruce Carpenter
Business

Kevin Chesnut (Vice Chair)
Business

Benjamin Collier
Workforce

Kim Combs
Business

Travis Cox
Education & Training

Paul Dole
Workforce

Mikeal Fannin
Business

Keith Gabbard (Chair)
Business

Amy Greene
Business

Jeff Johnson
Business

William Tal Jones
Government & Economic Development

Dr. Jennifer Lindon
Workforce

Dennis Messer
Education & Training

Vince Minix
Workforce: Organized Labor

Paul Patton
Education & Training

Tonia Prewitt
Government & Economic Development

Tracey Smith
Business

Brent Sturgill
Vocational Rehabilitation