Larry Brunson, who serves as the Workforce Development Center coordinator for the city of Suffolk, has been elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

Brunson has been with the city since 2015 and is responsible for program management, oversight and personnel management of all public workforce development programs across the city. As a board member, he represents the local area and the state of Virginia.

Brunson is a Certified Workforce Development Professional holding a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management and human resource management and is currently seeking a Master of Distance Education and E-Learning.

In a city press release announcing Brunson’s election, Suffolk spokeswoman Diana Klink stated, “Brunson’s mission is to strengthen the pipeline of qualified employees for local employers and improve the quality of labor market information being provided to youth and adults.

“He brings with him a strong background in working with diverse populations, including veterans, and a commitment to improving the skills of his local and our nation’s workforce professionals,” she added.

“Larry exemplifies the degree of professionalism and commitment to excellence that America needs,” said NAWDP Executive Director Diane Duff.  “He is an innovative leader with vast experience in creating successful relationships and partnerships that enhance services and promote quality improvement. We are fortunate to have such an outstanding professional on our board.”

Members of the NAWDP Board of Directors serve without compensation or reimbursement of expenses. They contribute their time and resources to advance the profession of workforce development, both for the benefit of the NAWDP members they represent and society as a whole.

The Suffolk Workforce Development Center, located at 157 N. Main St., provides free or low-cost services to employers and job seekers in a one-stop employment and training environment.

The center allows citizens the opportunity to utilize the facility for job searches, completing employment applications online and creating résumés and cover letters. Employment development partners are available for meetings both by appointment and on a walk-in-basis.