Connie Lundgren is director of workforce relations at General Dynamics NASSCO, with a focus on leading teams and supporting workforce sustainability and growth. She oversees a team of human resources and medical professionals covering multiple functional areas to support a 3,500 workforce in San Diego, working to create equitable opportunities for all employees and their families. Connie is also a California licensed attorney, specializing in employment and labor law and is a member of the Society for Human Resources, the California Lawyers Association and San Diego Bar Association. Here, she shares why investing in communities means a healthier, more prosperous region.
Why are you passionate about workforce development?
I believe a strong workforce makes for a healthy and prosperous region. When there is meaningful employment opportunities for individuals, it lays the foundation for families to grow roots and thrive in San Diego for generations to come.
If you had $1M to donate to a workforce development program, what would you want done with it?
Can we make it $2M? But, in all seriousness, I would donate the money to our local private and public training programs for skilled workers. Investing in vocational schools and community training programs is necessary to continue to advance the next generation of skilled workers so they can experience meaningful careers while supporting their families. Another critical need is accessible and affordable transportation. Getting people to and from work, and having sufficient parking options, might not be the most appealing workforce development need, but it is definitely one of the most basic infrastructure challenges along the San Diego waterfront.
What do you like best about being on the Workforce Development Board?
Being a part of the Workforce Development Board is invigorating and provides an opportunity to work and interact with a diverse group of professionals. The passion and drive behind the Board’s mission inspires me not only in my work in assisting the Workforce Partnership but also in innovating our approach at my company in workforce support.