Governor John Kasich created the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation (OWT) and the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board. OWT will streamline the present workforce system to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Richard Frederick, the governor’s assistant policy director for workforce development, will serve as OWT director.

The governor’s order assigns the OWT the responsibility of coordinating and streamlining the state’s workforce development functions. Specifically, the OWT will serve as a single point of entry for those seeking either training (individuals) or skilled employees (businesses). Key directives for the OWT include:

•Coordinating and aligning workforce policies, programs, and resources across state government;

•Determining the best deployment of state and federal workforce resources and directing how those resources are utilized.

•Establishing an effective state and local workforce data collection system along with performance measures;

•Reviewing federal laws and rules that limit state discretion over the use of federal workforce funds and recommending changes to pursue with federal officials; and

•Convening and leading an interagency team of representatives comprised of staff from cabinet agencies, boards, and commissions that will provide information and input to support the OWT.

Additionally, the newly established Governor’s Executive Workforce Board, which replaces the Governor’s Workforce Policy Advisory Board, will oversee the implementation of the state’s new workforce development system and advise the governor and the OWT with recommendations for improvement. Particularly, the board’s powers and duties include reviewing data, recommending procedures for improving programs, providing guidance on funding levels for programs, and any additional duties requested by the governor and the OWT.

Executive Order 2012-02K became effective on February 9, 2012, immediately upon signature of the governor. Rich Frederick, the governor’s assistant policy director for workforce development, was appointed to serve as executive director of the OWT.

Ohio ACTE Legislative Counsel, Terrence O'Donnell of Bricker & Eckler, will work with the newly established Board to and Director Fredericks to represent career-techncial and adult education.  The list of 29 members of the Board has not yet been released.