April 20, 2026 Quarterly Public Meeting Minutes - Governor's Workforce Development Board
Virtual
Meeting Information
- Date & Time:
- Location:
- Anne Arundel Community College, CADE Building, Room 219, 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012
- Livestream:
- Public Livestream
(IP) In-Person OR (V) Virtual OR (V/Ph) Virtual by Phone
Members Present
- (IP) Delali Dzirasa (Chair)
- (V) Ferris Allen, III
- (V) Alexander Austin
- (V) Carol Beatty
- (V) Erikk Bonner
- (V) Brian Cavey
- (V) Annesa Cheek
- (V) Kevin D. Heffner
- (V) Roderick King
- (V) Kirkland Murray
- (V) Myra Norton
- (V) Elena Quiroz-Livanis
- (V) Marty Schwartz
- (V) Michelle B. Smith
- (V) Teaera Strum
- (V) Michael Thomas
- (V) Perketer Tucker
- (V) Carey Wright
- (V) Portia Wu
Members Absent
- Governor Wes Moore
- Marco V. Ávila
- Calvin Ball
- Joanne C. Benson
- Samantha Biddle
- Stacey Beichler
- Donald Boyd
- Charnetia V. Callaham
- Harry Coker
- Jabob “Jake” Day
- Jonny Dorsey
- Donna Edwards
- MacKenzie Garvin
- Matthew Holloway
- Travis Marion
- Jessica Mente
- Tamla Olivier
- Edward C. Rothstein
- Carmel Roques
- Carolyn Scruggs
- Meena Seshamani
- Brian Stamper
- Inez Stewart
- Katie Thomson
- Betsy Tolentino
- Caryn York
GWDB Staff
- Ashley Baldwin
- Shamara Bownes
- Shuana Davis
- Molly Mesnard
- Justin Nalley
- Edrees Nawabi
- Rachael Parker
- Katharine Swanson-Palmer
Guests*
- Peggy Dall'Acqua
- Danielle Cox
- Maisha Davis
- Emily Dow
- John Gilstrap
- Larry Handerhan
- Katie Moody
- Augustin Ntabaganyimana
- K Sheridan
*Please note, these are the guests for the meeting, guest attendance by phone could not be identifi ed.
I. Welcome + Purpose + Roll Call
- Chair Delali Dzirasa called the Special Meeting of the Governor's Workforce Development Board to order and welcomed members and guests. The Chair noted that the purpose of the meeting was to review and take action on several time-sensitive workforce system priorities, including Maryland's 2024-2028 State Workforce Plan Modifi cation, Local Plan Modifi cation Guidance, and the draft Workforce Pell Program Determination Policy.
- The Chair reaffirmed the Board's role under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as Maryland's statewide workforce strategy and policy oversight body and emphasized the importance of the meeting's actions in maintaining federal compliance and advancing the State's workforce priorities.
- A roll call was conducted, and a quorum was established. II.
II. Maryland state workforce plan modification
Executive Director Rachael Stephens Parker provided an overview of Maryland's 2024-2028 State Workforce Plan Modification.
The Executive Director explained that WIOA requires states to review and modify their four-year plans at the two-year mark to refl ect updated economic conditions, labor market information, implementation progress, and federal guidance. The modifi cation ensures continued alignment between Maryland's workforce strategy and current workforce needs while maintaining eligibility for federal workforce funding.
The Board was informed that the modifi cation refl ects coordination among Maryland's core WIOA partners, including the Maryland Department of Labor, Department of Human Services, Department of Housing and Community Development, and Department of Rehabilitation Services. Updates included refreshed labor market information, programmatic updates, and strategic refi nements designed to strengthen system alignment and workforce outcomes.
Board members discussed the importance of maintaining a coordinated statewide strategy that aligns resources, supports employer demand, and improves outcomes for jobseekers and businesses.
III. Maryland Local Plan Modification Guidance
Deputy Director Shauna Davis presented an overview of the Local Plan Modifi cation Guidance.
The Board was informed that local workforce development boards and chief elected offi cials are required under WIOA to maintain local workforce plans aligned with the State Workforce Plan. The guidance establishes a streamlined process for local areas to update their plans in response to the State Plan Modifi cation, federal requirements, and updated guidance.
The presentation emphasized that local plans serve as the primary mechanism for translating statewide strategy into local implementation, including employer engagement, service delivery through the American Job Center system, and strategies for serving individuals with barriers to employment.
The Board discussed the importance of maintaining clear roles and responsibilities among local boards, chief elected offi cials, state agencies, and the GWDB, while ensuring consistency and compliance across all local workforce areas.
IV. Workforce Pell Policy
Executive Director Parker provided an overview of the draft Workforce Pell Program Determination Policy.
The Board received an update on the federal Workforce Pell initiative and Maryland's efforts to establish a framework for implementation. The Executive Director explained that the policy establishes criteria for program eligibility and alignment with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations.
The policy was developed through collaboration among state agencies and workforce system partners and is intended to position Maryland for implementation once fi nal federal regulations are issued.
Board members discussed the opportunities Workforce Pell presents to expand access to workforce-aligned postsecondary education and strengthen connections between workforce development and higher education systems.
V. Decision-Making
Chair Dzirasa moved the Board into formal action on the items presented during the meeting.
A motion was made and seconded to approve:
- Maryland's 2024-2028 State Workforce Plan Modifi cation for submission to the Governor's Offi ce and subsequently to the U.S. Department of Labor;
- Local Plan Modifi cation Guidance, including authorization for staff to make technical updates as necessary; and
- The Workforce Pell Program Determination Policy for release for public comment, including authorization for the Executive Committee to provide fi nal approval if necessary following issuance of final federal regulations.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The Chair thanked Board members for their support and noted that the actions position Maryland to advance implementation of key workforce priorities while maintaining compliance with federal requirements.
VI. Adjourn
The Chair thanked Board members, partners, and staff for their participation and support.
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and approved unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:07 p.m.