Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 3. A. State Agency Organization
Describe the organization and delivery systems at the State and local levels for the programs covered in the plan, including the organizational structure. Include an organizational chart.
Current Narrative:
The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (GWC) reports to the Governor’s Office. The GWC helps inform policy and advises the Governor on workforce initiatives. It serves as a cross-agency convener and works collaboratively with key agency partners towards a statewide vision to connect education, workforce, social services, corrections, and economic development initiatives. The GWC also sets policy for workforce activities managed regionally by the local workforce development boards (LWDBs). The GWC and its cabinet members have a mission to address current and future education and employment needs of both individuals and employers, strengthen Indiana’s economy by integrating and aligning State and Federal resources, ensure a talent-driven education and workforce system, and complete other duties as directed by the Governor or legislature. The GWC works with all agencies in the workforce ecosystem to drive policy recommendations through regular cabinet meetings or through the Unified Plan.
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is the state agency responsible for administering and overseeing all WIOA programs under Titles I, II, and III. DWD oversees operations managed regionally by the LWDBs. The Family and Social Services Administration, through its Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, is the state agency responsible for the administration and oversight of WIOA programs under Title IV.
The GWC operates as the state advisory body for the programs contained in this Unified State Plan (see IC 4-3-27). On behalf of the Governor and in collaboration with the GWC, DWD operates as the designated administrative entity for WIOA Titles I, II, and III, the Unemployment Insurance system, and other federal and state programs. As such, DWD is named the sole agency to plan, coordinate, implement, monitor, and make recommendations regarding initiatives designed to prepare Indiana's workforce for effective participation in the competitive and global economy (see IC 22-4.1).
Indiana has a total of twelve (12) designated local workforce developments areas with a LWDB in each. LWDBs are responsible for the oversight of funds and activities, delivering career assessments, job search, and education and training related services through WorkOne offices (Indiana’s term for American Job Centers) established by the local board. Indiana has identified regions 5 and 12 as a planning region in the state.
Indiana, along with Kentucky, created the first Bi-State Planning Region by resolution of the Cabinet and Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. Indiana’s Region 10 Workforce Board created the Bi-State Plan with Kentuckiana Works to advance the regional workforce. This Plan is the first of its kind to merge interstate regions into one designated workforce hub. This significant collaboration exists between local areas Indiana Region 10 and Kentuckiana Works in order to develop the regional plan around the Louisville metropolitan area, which includes urban and rural sprawl in southern Indiana. The Bi-State Regional Plan creates an innovative picture of the region’s economy and workforce environment through joint Indiana-Kentucky strategies to attain regional goals and objections.
Workforce, education opportunities, and other needed individual services and resources are delivered on a local level through a WorkOne established by the LWDBs and managed by Executive Directors and One-Stop Operators. The WorkOne operations are engaged and reviewed by the GWC, DWD, and the coordinating LWDB. Local boards and Wagner-Peyser staff assist DWD with the administration of the workforce system. Other crucial partners in the workforce system include employers, our public and private institutions for higher education, school districts, CTE districts, community action centers, and local organizations providing adult education and other services. Indiana is driving a focused effort on technical assistance, training, and coordination for services leading to a comprehensive system that is better equipped to serve Hoosiers effectively.
The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet Executive team can be found at: https://www.in.gov/gwc/2332.htm.
Executive Director, Whitney Ertel
Chief Business Intelligence Officer, Fran Valentine
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development Executive Team can be found at: https://www.in.gov/dwd/about-dwd/leadership. DWD’s Executive Team consists of:
Commissioner, Richard Paulk
Chief of Staff, Josh Richardson
General Counsel, Beth Green
Chief Information Officer, Chris Henderson
Chief Financial Officer, Mike Smith
Chief Unemployment Insurance Officer, Noah Shelton
Chief Workforce Officer, Katie Rounds
DWD’s Organizational Chart showing additional leadership staff structure is below:
The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), through its Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, is the state agency responsible for the administration and oversight of WIOA programs under Title IV. An organizational chart of FSSA leadership can be viewed at: http://www.in.gov/fssa/4829.htm.