TRENTON, N.J., March 4, 2016 – Deputy Commissioner Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D. of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development was recently elected chair of the National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships, part of the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices.

The National Association of State Liaisons for Workforce Development Partnerships, run by the NGA Center, is the national collaborative among officials of state government with lead responsibility for administering state and federal workforce programs. Members of the association share ideas and experiences through monthly conference calls, semiannual meetings and participation in a range of policy and program sessions sponsored by the NGA Center and other organizations with a primary interest in workforce development.

The State Workforce Liaisons provide advice to governors and other policymakers on the implications of workforce policy at state, local, and individual customer levels. Representatives of the Association also participate in activities to transform and strengthen the workforce system.

Last year, New Jersey was selected as one of ten states to receive a NGA Policy Academy grant of up to $175,000 for planning and technical assistance to work collaboratively with other state agencies to increase the number of people with post-secondary, industry-valued credentials that are in demand by employers. The State Employment and Training Commission leads the New Jersey’s Policy Academy in partnership with the New Jersey departments of Labor and Workforce Development and Education, and the Offices of Higher Education and Economic Development.

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