Edition: December 1, 2024

Gulf Coast Challenge College & Career Fair Student Survey Winner

Congratulations to the Citronelle High School student

who won a CTE Scholarship for 9 credit hours in a

technical program from Bishop State Community College

by participating in the 2024 Gulf Coast Challenge

College & Career Fair Student Survey.

Governor Ivey, Appoints Greg Reed as Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed as her Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation. In this role, Senator Reed will lead the transition from the Department of Labor to the new Department of Workforce and support efforts to increase Alabama’s labor force participation rate.

“Greg has been an outstanding leader in the Legislature, and Alabama is fortunate to continue benefiting from his service,” said Governor Ivey. Senator Reed, who has represented Senate District 5 since 2010, played a pivotal role in advancing key workforce initiatives such as the CHOOSE Act, the Working for Alabama legislation, and the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences.

“I am honored to join Governor Ivey’s team and help shape Alabama’s workforce future,” said Senator Reed. “This is an exciting opportunity to build on the progress we’ve made and continue making Alabama the best place to live and work.”

During the 2024 Regular Session, Governor Ivey signed legislation converting the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce, underscoring the state’s commitment to workforce and economic development.

Baldwin County Public Schools Appoints Morrell Turner Baxter Career Technical Education Supervisor

We are thrilled to announce Morrell Turner Baxter as the new Career Technical Education Supervisor, continuing to share her wealth of experience and dedication to workforce development in Baldwin County and beyond.

Since 2015, Morrell has served as a Career Coach for Baldwin County Career Technical Education, connecting students to life-changing opportunities through initiatives like the Baldwin Girls Build Summer Camp, Region 7 Career Coach Connect, and the Baldwin County Utility Internship. Her innovative leadership also launched the Baldwin Prep podcast, "Trailblazing Career Tech Minds."

“Helping students and communities build bridges to long-term success is my passion,” Baxter shared. “I look forward to strengthening partnerships that make Alabama a leader in workforce readiness.”

Morrell’s accomplishments include securing a $50,000 grant to introduce virtual reality into classrooms, earning Educator of the Month honors from the U.S. Air Force, and receiving recognition for innovative workforce programs.

As Career Technical Education Supervisor, she will focus on enhancing programs, expanding internships, and increasing career technical awareness, ensuring Baldwin County’s workforce is future-ready.

Participants in the 2024-2025 Educator Workforce Academy (EWA) had an insightful experience during the November 14, 2024, session, which highlighted Manufacturing in Region 7. This session provided an in-depth look at the industry through engaging presentations from AM/NS Calvert, Outokumpu, SARIC, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United. Participants also toured the facilities at AM/NS Calvert, Outokumpu, and Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, gaining valuable insights into manufacturing processes, career opportunities, and the industry’s significant impact on the region’s workforce.

The next EWA session is scheduled for January 16, 2025, and will spotlight the Maritime, Transportation, and Distribution sectors.

December 4th: Building a Student Internship - Meeting 8:30 am
December 12th: Leadership Skills Training 3

CONTACT US

Bridget Wilson, Executive Director | bwilson@sawdc.org

Hayleigh Barlar, Workforce Development Manager | hbarlar@sawdc.org

Bridgette Young, Education and Programs Manager | byoung@sawdc.org