In January, SkillSource announced the promotion of Lisa Romine as executive director.
Her assumption of the executive role at SkillSource follows the retirement of former director Dave Petersen, who held that position for nearly forty years and retired on December 31st. Under his leadership, the organization assisted approximately forty thousand residents of North Central Washington in obtaining career skills and worked with hundreds of local businesses to train and retain quality employees. Romine describes the changeover of SkillSource’s leadership as “undoubtedly its most significant transition to date.”
Romine originally from Colorado, came to work with SkillSource as a training counselor in 1993, when the organization was still known as the Private Industry Council. In 1997 she took a position with the Fresno Workforce Development Board as their planning and development manager. She returned to Wenatchee and SkillSource in 2000 as the managing director.
“When Dave recruited me to come back to Wenatchee and rejoin SkillSource in 2000, I returned because of the vision and values he had. For over 20 years we have worked closely together to strengthen this organization, as we have helped people prosper and businesses profit by building skills and opportunities for both. SkillSource plays a significant role in improving the skills and quality of life for many people, supporting businesses and strengthening communities. I am excited about the opportunity to lead in this capacity,” states Romine.
Roni Holder-Diefenbach, executive director of the Okanogan County Economic Alliance and chair of the North Central Workforce Development Board, stated “the board is excited to have Lisa as the new executive director leading SkillSource. Lisa was the right choice for this position as she is a proven leader in workforce development. Her dedication to NCW and improving the lives of those in this region will be instrumental as we continue offering essential services and respond to employer needs during this pandemic and into the future.”
