Tampa Bay workforce development group approves new CEO

Workforce development official Keidrian Kunkel has been named CEO of CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas. 

Kunkel most recently served as a senior operations director for Eckerd Connects, overseeing workforce development regions in Louisiana, Maryland and North Carolina, according to a statement. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals recognized Kunkel as Workforce Professional of the Year in 2020 and as a New and Emerging Professional in 2017, the release adds.

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Kunkel’s appointment comes after a nationwide search conducted by executive search firm Newland Associates. The CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas board voted to approve Kunkel’s appointment as CEO at their meeting Nov. 21, while the Hillsborough Pinellas Workforce Development Consortium voted on her post at a Dec. 9 meeting. 

“Keidrian impressed us with her fresh perspective and extensive experience in workforce development. We are confident that she will be an invaluable asset to our region as we continue to connect jobseekers with opportunities and strengthen our local workforce,” Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, who chairs the consortium of elected officials from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties that has oversight over CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas says in the statement.

Kunkel’s start date is tentatively effective January 9, the organization states. 

Effective July 1, 2024, CareerSource Hillsborough Pinellas is the designated local workforce development board serving Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. It’s governed by a board of directors whose members are appointed by a consortium of Chief Local Elected Officials from each county commission.