TAMPA, Fla. – The Hillsborough Pinellas Workforce Development Consortium has announced the appointment of Keidrian Kunkel as the new CEO of CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas. The decision, made during the consortium’s December 9 meeting, follows a nationwide search conducted by executive search firm Newland Associates.
“Keidrian impressed us with her fresh perspective and extensive experience in workforce development,” said Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, chair of the consortium overseeing CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas. “We are confident that she will be an invaluable asset to our region as we continue to connect job seekers with opportunities and strengthen our local workforce.”
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The CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas board had approved Kunkel’s appointment during their meeting on November 21. Board Chair Barclay Harless expressed enthusiasm about the new leadership:
“She stood out during the nationwide search for her leadership and passion for workforce development. Under Keidrian’s leadership, I expect CareerSource to become a leader on both sides of the bay, benefiting businesses, job seekers, and the region’s economy.”
Kunkel shared her excitement about the opportunity to lead CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas:
“I am honored to be selected as the new CEO. My focus will be on expanding opportunities for job seekers and supporting local employers. I look forward to collaborating with the board, our partners, and the community to drive meaningful results that will benefit the entire region.”
Kunkel brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She most recently served as a senior operations director for Eckerd Connects, where she oversaw workforce development initiatives in Louisiana, Maryland, and North Carolina, successfully transforming underperforming regions to meet performance goals.
Her accomplishments include being recognized by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals as Workforce Professional of the Year (2020) and New and Emerging Professional (2017). Kunkel holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Charleston and is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF).
Kunkel is set to officially begin her new role on January 9, 2025, as CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas prepares to usher in a new era of innovation and growth under her leadership.
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