LaTara Harris Steps into Leadership at Employ PG
Not every day you see new leadership promising to shake things up, but here we go with LaTara Harris taking the reins at Employ Prince George's, Inc. This isn't just a cushy title swap; Harris is stepping into some serious shoes. She's moving in right after Walter L. Simmons headed out, finding his new gig with Maryland's Governor Wes Moore.
A Heavyweight Background
Harris isn't new to the scene. She's been rolling up her sleeves as Chief of Staff to Prince George's County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy. Before that, she was tied up with the District of Columbia Workforce Investment Council, so she's no rookie when it comes to workforce development. Harris' career span is a mix of nonprofit and corporate ventures, with solid footprints at places like AT&T and Crittenton Services of Greater Washington.
Harris brings a wealth of experience. Over 30 years in various sectors and leadership roles have prepped her for this moment. She's coming in with a resume that boasts of driving initiatives, securing big bucks for state projects, and a keen ability to connect communities with opportunities. Her knowledge and knack for strategy are expected to be game-changers for Employ PG.
A Vision for Change
So what does she plan to do with all this leeway? As the new boss, Harris aims to amplify the organization's mission. Her goal is clear: making sure Prince George's County not only competes but thrives. She's ready to drive career pathways and economic mobility to the forefront while supporting businesses in their hunt for skilled talent. "This is an exciting moment for us," declares County Executive Braveboy, underscoring her confidence in Harris' leadership ability. The stakes are high, and the expectations are even higher.
"The future of Prince George's County will be defined by how effectively we connect people to opportunity," says Michael Burke, Board of Directors Chair.
Harris has words of encouragement for the county too. She's vocal about aligning with County Executive Braveboy's agenda, which centers on youth, education, and economic development—pillars crucial to the county's prosperity.
Achievements and Ambitions
Let's not overlook her past feats. Under her belt is more than $90 million in state legislative funding, and she's been instrumental in the Sphere project for Prince George's County. The Board seems optimistic that her leadership will bring government, education, and community partners together to boost workforce competitiveness. Harris' history showcases a leader who prioritizes building robust community ties and fostering career growth, underpinning these efforts with a firm belief in economic mobility.
Looking Ahead
As Harris prepares to take charge in July, the spotlight's on her to continue the momentum. The county has seen more than 100,000 job seekers and 15,000 businesses benefit from Employ PG's workings. It's her task to enhance and expand this reach. The focus is on seamless collaboration across sectors to keep the talent pipeline full and keep Prince George's County on a trajectory of economic vitality.
LaTara Harris is stepping into a pivotal role just as workforce dynamics and economic needs rub shoulders with rapid changes and opportunities. If she's half as effective as her past suggests, we're all in for watching some serious progress unfold. Good luck, Harris, and take Prince George's County to new heights!
