SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Ozarks Technical Community College has named Dawn Busick its new Executive Director of the Center for Workforce Development.  Ms. Busick, who served as Director of the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, will begin her new position at the College on March 30.

“We are excited to have Ms. Busick as a part of our workforce development team,” says Dr. Hal Higdon, president of Ozarks Technical Community College.  “Her expertise and experience will be valuable assets in creating and operating programs that enhance the training of southwest Missouri’s workforce.”

A graduate of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the University of Illinois, Ms. Busick has spent the last three years working for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, in the Division of Workforce Development.  Previously, she served as a contract consultant and administrator with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Adds Larry Snyder, President of the Ozarks Technical Community College Board of Trustees, “The Center for Workforce Development already plays an important role in many area industries, and with new leadership will come new ideas to help our businesses and employees continue to thrive.”

“The programs available through the Center for Workforce Development are vital to the citizens and to the businesses in our area,” said Rick Hughlett, owner of Rick’s Automotive, Inc.  “I look forward to working with Ms. Busick as we continue to develop new training opportunities.”

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will host a reception for Ms. Busick on Thursday, April 9, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.  The reception will serve as an opportunity for area professionals and business owners to talk one-on-one with Ms. Busick.  The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway in Springfield; light refreshments will be served.

Staffed by experienced trainers and consultants, the Center for Workforce Development specializes in building leadership, developing business and training the local workforce.  The Center provides a variety of training options, including courses in lean manufacturing, management development, and quality and process improvement, as well as computer and technical workshops.  In addition, the Center, in partnership with Metropolitan Community College, is an authorized OSHA Training Institute provider and also operates the Transport Training Institute.  For more information on these and other training opportunities available through the Center for Workforce Development, visit www.otc.edu/workforce.

Ozarks Technical Community College offers Associates degrees and certificates in a variety of technical, allied health, and general education programs.  Classes are available at five locations throughout southwest Missouri; students can also earn a complete Associates degree through the College’s online classes.  A degree can be completed in two years or less, at a fraction of the cost of many area colleges.  For more information or to register for classes, visit www.otc.edu or call (417) 447-7500.