About Us
AAWDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides innovative, high quality workforce development services to Anne Arundel County businesses and residents. AAWDC is the bridge between understanding the workforce and talent development needs of local and regional businesses and preparing individuals to meet their full career potential. Our initiatives and services help individuals, businesses, industries, and communities thrive.
Our Vision
Every Anne Arundel County business has the skilled workforce needed to be competitive in a global economy and all Anne Arundel County residents have met their full career potential.
Our Mission
AAWDC is a nonprofit organization that enhances the economic vitality of Anne Arundel County by developing and implementing workforce solutions. We build and maintain a pipeline of skilled talent to meet the demand of business and prepare residents with the in-demand skills that lead to family-sustaining employment.
Our Core Values
AAWDC is driven by three core values which guide the organization in ensuring Anne Arundel County is the best place for all. Our values guide the way that we work with businesses, job seekers, and partners.
Innovation
AAWDC exercises creativity and vision to drive purposeful change that impacts both businesses and job seekers.
Collaboration
AAWDC partners with public and private entities to effectively address the workforce needs of the region and maximize impact.
Excellence
AAWDC is a premier workforce provider delivering products and services that lead to meaningful results.
Meet Our Staff
AAWDC staff provides businesses, individuals, and partners with tools to achieve workforce goals.
Executive Team
Kirkland J. Murray
President & CEO
Charles Knapp
Chief Financial Officer
LaToya Oeur
Vice President of Finance
Jason Papanikolas
Vice President of Career & Community Services
Leadership Team
Tracey Brooks
Director of Performance & Compliance
Holly Brown
JWA Manager
Elizabeth Savage-Dupré
Director of In-School Youth Services
Ishianna Foster
Human Resources Manager
Patricia Jearman
Director of Human Resources
La-Toya Jones
Assistant Director of In-School Youth Services
Carl Kushinsky
Apprenticeship Manager
Bekki Leonard
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Virginia Santiago
Assistant Director of In-School Youth Services
Dana Sheldon
Director of Business, & Industry Solutions
Kara Weekley
Young Adult Services Manager
AAWDC Board of Directors
AAWDC’s Board of Directors provides leadership and guidance in achieving the organization’s mission and goals.
Donate
Make a difference in your community
Support our work with a donation and help us continue to make a difference in Anne Arundel County. As a nonprofit, we reinvest every dollar into programs and services that foster the growth of our local workforce and strengthen our community.
Local Workforce Development Board
The Anne Arundel County Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) provides leadership, direction, and policy oversight for the county’s workforce system. As the WIOA Title I provider, AAWDC supports the LWDB’s mission and plays an active role in advancing initiatives like the Anne Arundel Student Career Excellence (AASCE) in-school career coaching program.