DHS director invited to serve on Skills@Work Twin Cities

Mark Toogood, director of the Transitions to Economic Stability Division in the Children and Family Services Administration, is lending his knowledge to the steering committee of Skills@Work Twin Cities, a statewide campaign to ensure Minnesota has the skilled workforce it needs to compete in the global economy. Created by the Governor’s Workforce Development Council and Greater Twin Cities United Way, Skills@Work aligns new and existing efforts to address skill gaps around Minnesota.
 
“Mark’s work on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council as well as FastTRAC’s executive committee, and his expertise of the issues our clients face daily will be valuable as he serves on this steering committee,” said Children and Family Services Assistant Commissioner Erin Sullivan Sutton. “We’re fortunate to have him represent the department in this area.”
 
Toogood serves on the public-private steering committee with representatives from businesses, workforce development, higher education, community-based organizations, and philanthropic organizations that will inform the strategic direction and action plans for Skills@Work.
 
Formed this spring, the steering committee and work groups are meeting to develop policy recommendations that will serve as the basis for shared regional principles, goals, and messages around skills. These meetings will build on information collected in a separate but coordinated “Workforce Assessment” initiative by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.