S.C. Department of Commerce announces Deputy Director of Workforce Development
October 31, 2016
The S.C. Department of Commerce announced that Elisabeth M. Kovacs has been promoted to Deputy Director of Workforce Development. Kovacs will be responsible for day-to-day activities regarding the state’s new Coordinating Council for Workforce Development – an initiative which was created by legislation passed earlier this year. Additionally, Kovacs will continue to manage the state’s Regional Education Centers and 12 Regional Workforce Advisors.
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Chaired by Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development is tasked with developing a comprehensive, collaborative workforce development strategy to meet current and future workforce needs.
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“Workforce development continues to be a major component of South Carolina’s economic development strategy,” said Hitt. “This new position will allow us to strengthen collaboration with the many workforce partners and allies across this state.”
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A South Carolina-Certified Economic Development (SCCED) professional, Kovacs has been with the agency for a total of more than 15 years. During her career, she also spent time at the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and the S.C. Office of the Governor. Kovacs holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and is a current board member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands.
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About S.C. Department of Commerce
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As South Carolina’s leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with theS.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. In three of the last five years, IBM-Plant Location International reports ranked South Carolina first in the nation for attracting jobs through foreign investment, per capita. The state won the Gold Shovel Award and the Project of Year Award from Area Development magazine in 2012, 2014 and 2015. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com
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