Yavapai College has announced a new Division of Workforce and Innovation and has tabbed Dr. Kimberly A. Moore as its Chief Workforce Innovation Officer.
Dr. Moore brings two decades of leadership in education, workforce development, and innovation. She is currently the Vice President for Workforce Innovation at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) in Tallahassee, Florida. Before TCC, Dr. Moore spent over a decade as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Workforce Plus, a local economic and workforce development board supporting businesses and job seekers alike, becoming the first woman, minority and youngest in Florida to hold this key position.
The Division of Workforce Innovation at YC is being created to respond to the shifting needs of industries and to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to become a national leader in workforce and innovation. Yavapai College aims to work strategically with existing industries to provide a skilled and qualified workforce that ultimately leads to a sustainable and vibrant economy. This will include playing a major role in supporting the attraction of new businesses to the area.
“The authors of the book, The Great Upheaval said it best, “education is a growth industry in a knowledge-based economy that demands a more educated and re-educated labor force.” This new division will help Yavapai College remain a leader in preparing our students for today’s workforce needs as well as tomorrow’s innovation,” says Dr. Lisa B. Rhine, Yavapai College President. “Through short-term credentials, reskilling of the current workforce, experiential learning, and on-demand training, the Division of Workforce and Innovation will serve as the bridge connecting industry and education in Yavapai County.”
The new division will encompass areas of the College that already have a strong presence across Yavapai County, such as the Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), with the expectation that operations will expand and additional areas will be added that support the development of a nimble workforce system.
“I am humbled to have been selected as the inaugural Chief Workforce Innovation Officer,” said Dr. Moore, “My commitment will be to ensure that employers throughout Yavapai and the state of Arizona have a talent pipeline that is prepared to meet their current and future workforce needs.”
At TCC, Dr. Moore served as the point for employer and community engagement leading regional and statewide programs and initiatives, including continuing education, career technical education, online workforce training, the college’s apprenticeship and reentry programs (youth and adult), adult education, programs including manufacturing, technology, entrepreneurship, and TCC’s Performance Innovation Institute as well as the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence. During her tenure she has gained a reputation locally, statewide and nationally as a leader in workforce, innovation and strategic partnership development.
In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Moore has extensive ties to national and community organizations, including Leadership Tallahassee, Class 24 Leadership Florida, Class XXXIII, and Co-Chair of Florida College System’s Council of Workforce Education. She served on several local and national boards, including American Association of Community Colleges, MakerUSA Advisory Board, Vice Chair of Florida A&M University Board of Trustees, Wakulla Chamber, former President, Leon County Research and Development Association, immediate past Chair, Board Member for the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, Founding Chairwoman, and former Executive Director for the Institute for Nonprofit Innovation and Excellence, among many others.
Dr. Moore has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. Her Workforce Development Program at TCC was a Top-10 Bellwether National Finalist in 2022 and 2023. In addition, she received the 2021 International Idahlynn Karre Exemplary Leadership Award, the 2019 Economic Innovator of the Year, and the 2017 League of Innovation John and Suanne Roueche Excellence Award and Innovation of the Year Award. Additionally, she was inducted into her current institution’s alumni hall of fame.
Dr. Moore will officially join Yavapai College on July 10, 2023.
Government, business, and industry partners who wish to connect with Dr. Moore can do so by emailing her at Kimberly.moore@yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
