Rick Jordan, of Walton, has been appointed as the new executive director of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet’s Office of Employment and Training (OET).
He will replace current director Jason Dunn, who is leaving that role to accept a position within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on Oct. 1.
“Rick has an impressive background in industry leadership and workforce development advocacy,” said Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner. “He understands firsthand the needs of Kentucky employers and the strong community collaboration necessary to equip individuals for great jobs and grow our state’s economy.”
Jordan spent more than four decades in the manufacturing industry, including 20 years with LSI Industries, Inc. — a global lighting, graphics, and technology company. He retired in 2014 as vice president of LSI Graphic Solutions in Erlanger.
Since February 2016, he has served in the Bevin administration as Director of Work Ready Communities for the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet and has visited numerous Kentucky Career Center sites to assist with customer flow and traffic analysis/planning.
Jordan’s primary duties in his new position will include oversight of the Workforce and Employment Services Division and the Programs Branch within the Division of Grant Management and Support. The Grant Management Branch and the Operations Branch of that division will report to Stephanie Belt; and the Unemployment Insurance Division will report to Phil Donovan.
“Our Office of Employment and Training stands on the front lines of connecting job seekers to employers,” said Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment Commissioner Beth Kuhn. “Rick’s experience and enthusiasm will be a vital asset as we seek to modernize and streamline delivery of these crucial services.”
Jordan has served on the Gateway Community & Technical College Board of Directors (including 10 years as founding chair), Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, Kentucky State Parks Foundation, and former Gov. Beshear’s Blue Ribbon Tax Reform Commission.
After serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Jordan attended both Franklin University and Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He and his wife Vicki reside in Boone County and have two grown children.
For information about OET and Kentucky Career Center services, please visit http://kcc.ky.gov.