Board Executive Team
If you are interested in serving as a member of the Howard County Workforce Development Board, we encourage you to submit an application. Please click here to get started with the application process.
Board Information
Board Members
Business Members:
Prasad Karunakaran, Zenyon, Inc. (Board Chair)
Robert Hooten, Hooten Construction (Vice Chair)
Dwight Carr, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Paul Pappas, Pete Pappas and Sons
Chuck Chandler, Residence Inn by Marriott Fulton at Maple Lawn
Chesahna Kindred, Kindred Hair and Skin Center
Business Member Vacancy
Business Member Vacancy
Partner Members:
Jennifer Jones, Howard County Economic Development Authority
Stephanie Discepolo, Howard County Public Schools
Geneva Rieu, Howard County Department of Social Services
Julie Givens, Division of Workforce Development & Adult Learning, Maryland Department of Labor
Matt Jackson, Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Dean Turner, Community Action Council of Howard County
Rosie Verratti, Howard Community College
Labor/Apprenticeship/Community Organization
Kenn Hamm- Apprenticeship- Howard County Government
Gary Griffin, IBEW, Fourth District
The Y in Central Maryland
Meeting Schedule
Upcoming Board Meeting:
2025 Board Meeting Schedule
February 7, 2025
Residence Inn at Maple Lawn, Fulton
11800 W Market Place
Fulton, MD 20759
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May 2, 2025
Howard County Department of Social Services
9780 Patuxent Woods Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
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- July 11, 2025
- September 5, 2025
- December 5, 2025
Workforce Board initiatives
Workforce Development Board Career Pathways
Take advantage of the interactive tool provided by the Howard County Workforce Development Board to access information on high-demand industries for youth and adults in Howard County and the region. This valuable resource helps residents explore career opportunities and make informed decisions about their professional futures. Click here to discover the in-demand industries in our community.
Click here!
Workforce Area Plan & MOU/RSA
We’re pleased to share that the Howard County Workforce Local Plan for 2024-2028 is now available for public review and feedback. This plan outlines our vision and strategies for building a strong, skilled workforce in Howard County.
The draft plan is open for public comment for 30 days, from February 21, 2025, to March 23, 2025.
To view the draft plan, click
.
We welcome your input! Please send written comments to shill@howardcountymd.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on March 23, 2025. Be sure to include “Local Plan Public Comment” in the subject line.
Board By-Laws
Howard County Local Workforce Area Policies
Local policies for the Howard County Workforce Development Area :
RFPs
There are currently no open solicitations at this time.
Meeting Cancellation Policy
Inclement weather policy: In the event Howard County Public Schools are closed or delayed, the WDB meeting will be CANCELLED.
Board Meeting Minutes