CCAC will be hosting a panel discussion focused on the state of workforce development in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Spotlighting existing needs and emerging trends, this panel discussion is one of several events being implemented by the college to support and celebrate the opening of the new Center for Education, Innovation & Training. It brings together a group of thought leaders from both within and outside the college whose knowledge and insight will inform what promises to be an informative and lively conversation on this all-important topic.

The discussion kicks off at 6:00 p.m. in the Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium with Bill Flanagan, producer and host of WPXI–TV’s “Our Region’s Business” and special advisor to the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, serving as moderator. The topics will highlight four main workforce areas and feature the following panel of experts:

• History & industrial era—Dr. Ralph Proctor, Professor of Ethnic & Diversity Studies, CCAC

• Emerging life sciences & healthcare—Dr. Evan Facher, Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Associate Dean for Commercial Translation in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Director of the Innovation Institute at the University of Pittsburgh

• AI & knowledge economy—Ms. Audrey Russo, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Technology Council

• Workforce training—Mr. Michael Rinsem, Endowed Professor for Technical Curriculum, CCAC