Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board: Rhonda Suda to lead SWWDB

RHONDA SUDA TO LEAD SWWDB

Rhonda Suda, Janesville, who has been serving as the Workforce Operations Manager since April of 2010, has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director of the Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board (SWWDB). She will be replacing the retiring Dr. Robert T. Borremans, who has served in that capacity since 2003.

“Rhonda emerged as the best choice from 125 applicants,” said Rich Gruber, first vice chair of the board and head of the search committee. He said the committee narrowed the field to six final candidates. “We look forward to the experience she’ll bring, along with her excellent view to the future. This is an exciting time,” he added.

He said the process, which was led by the firm of Tyler Pratt and Associates from Rockford, went extremely well. “We’re very excited to work with Rhonda as we continue to grow as an exceptionally productive organization,” Gruber said.

Borremans said Suda is a very competent leader. “The Board made an excellent choice,” he said. “She understands the workforce system and has demonstrated an ability to get tasks completed with a vision to the future.”

SWWDB Board Chair Scott Stocker said Suda is “well-grounded and down-to-earth. Our committee had unanimous approval that Rhonda was the one,” he said.

Suda said she is very fortunate to inherit and work with a professional, proactive staff. “I’m coming into an organization that has excelled over the years. We will maintain that record and improve the systems needed to keep us at the top of our operations,” she said, adding that she truly appreciates the support of the board and its members.

The SWWDB was recognized in early 2013 for exceeding all of its performance measures, the only one of the 11 in the state to accomplish that feat. It had only been done once before, in 2004, and that also by the SWWDB. “Our organization looks at challenges as opportunities. This basic philosophy has allowed us to achieve recognition and respect throughout the workforce development system in Wisconsin. The Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, under Dr. Borremans’ leadership, is innovative, credible, and service-oriented,” Suda said, “and I am incredibly fortunate to have learned from the best. With our committed staff, partners, and an engaged board of directors, I could not be better prepared for this next step.”

The SWWDB has also maintained a blemish-free series of audits and records, much of which Suda was involved with and responsible for. She’ll be leading the planning and oversight of the workforce system in the six-county region—Rock, Green, Lafayette, Grant, Iowa and Richland counties. Services are driven by the needs of local employers and workers, available through job centers.

Suda will officially assume responsibilities on July 14, with Borremans continuing through the end of August to aid in the transition.

For Additional Information Contact:

Contact: Rhonda Suda at (608) 314-3300, Ext. 305 s.suda@swwdb.org or

Gregg Bosak

Community Outreach Liaison

Rock County Job Center

1900 Center Avenue

Janesville, WI 53545

Phone (608) 314-3300, Ext. 306

Fax (608) 741-3528

E-mail: g.bosak@swwdb.org