Drawing from diverse leaders across entrepreneurship, education, workforce development, labor advocacy, and healthcare equity throughout the region, the San Diego Workforce Partnership has named a new slate of officers to its Board of Directors for the Workforce Development Board (WDB). They include Chair of the Board Kurling Robinson, Vice-Chair Dr. Ricky Shabazz, Treasurer, Veronica Dela Rosa, and Secretary, Carol Kim.
“This dynamic leadership team brings a wealth of expertise that will elevate our workforce strategies,” said Tony Young, interim President and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership. “Their guidance will be invaluable as we continue our mission-driven work to upskill and connect job seekers to emerging careers throughout San Diego County.”
The new Board Chair, Kurling Robinson, is a visionary entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in software development and startups. His diverse career spans arts, automotive, technology, and energy sectors, including tenures at companies like Getty, Toyota, NetZero, and IFS. A USC computer science graduate, Robinson serves on multiple prestigious boards such as Startup San Diego, furthering his mission to catalyze positive global change through innovation.
“I’m honored to lead this esteemed board and build on the San Diego Workforce Partnership’s legacy of developing an inclusive workforce ecosystem,” said Robinson. “Expanding our invaluable community partnerships that allow us to directly align educational opportunities with in-demand skills remain a top priority, and I look forward to working with this team to help open doors and build new career pathways for students from all backgrounds.”
SDWP expressed great gratitude to outgoing WDB Chair, Rick Vaccari and Vice-Chair Jamie Gardner for their great contributions and leadership to the Board over the past term.
The other board officers elected on February 15, 2024, are:
Vice Chair: Dr. Ricky Shabazz, Board member, Black Chamber of Commerce and President, San Diego City College
Treasurer: Veronica Dela Rosa, Executive VP of Operations, San Ysidro Health
Secretary: Carol Kim, CEO, San Diego County Building & Construction Trades