Walton County Development Authority creates Workforce Advisory Council

Hires Dessa Morris to work with newly created WAC

In response to local industry needs of hiring and maintaining a quality workforce, the Development Authority of Walton County has created at Workforce Advisory Council. The council consists of the Walton County School District superintendent, Social Circle City Schools superintendent, Athens Technical College vice president of economic development, Athens Technical College local area director, Walton County Chamber of Commerce president, Communities in Schools executive director, and 4 – 6 industry leaders currently being appointed.

This group is committed to developing innovative workforce solutions for a more qualified local workforce.

The Development Authority of Walton County has hired Dessa Morris to serve as economic development coordinator to keep the group organized and moving forward. Morris comes to the position from the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. She brings a wealth of community knowledge and experience to the new position.

Morris will serve as an advocate to assist business in introducing and accessing the many resources and services of the workforce development system. She will work with businesses to identify needs and assist in developing appropriate programs, training services, and other resources for hiring and maintaining a quality workforce.

Shane Short, executive director of the Development Authority, is excited about the renewed focus on developing both short and long-term solutions for workforce development in Walton County.

“This effort is much deeper than filling immediate vacancies. We are looking to create a skilled, educated, qualified workforce pipeline,” he said. “The Workforce Advisory Council brings key partners to work together to address barriers to increasing the skills and quality of our local workforce. This increased focus on workforce challenges will bring a competitive advantage to the Walton County community.”

More Information about the Development Authority of Walton County

The Development Authority of Walton County promotes trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities for the public good and general welfare and to promote the economic welfare of Walton County and the State of Georgia.