Florida Workforce Development Association Honors Workforce Leaders at 2026 Annual Summit

Florida Workforce Development Association Honors Workforce Leaders at 2026 Annual Summit

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Workforce Development Association (FWDA) recognized outstanding workforce professionals, partners and leaders from across Florida during its 2026 Workforce Professional Development Summit held September 16–18 in Orlando.

The annual Summit brings together workforce professionals and partners from across Florida to share best practices, strengthen partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to serving job seekers, businesses, and communities. Florida Senate President Pro Tempore Jason Brodeur helped kick off the Summit during the opening ceremony, welcoming workforce professionals from across the state as they began three days of professional development, collaboration and discussion about Florida’s workforce system.

The awards were presented during the Summit’s Awards Luncheon on September 17, with FWDA President Joshua Matlock, Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, and CareerSource Florida President and CEO Adrienne Johnston presiding.

“Florida’s workforce system is strengthened every day by people who are deeply committed to helping individuals find opportunity and helping businesses find the talent they need to grow,” said Josh Matlock, President of the Florida Workforce Development Association and President/CEO of CareerSource Suncoast. “These awards give us an opportunity to recognize some of the exceptional people who represent the very best of workforce development in Florida.”

Barbara K. Griffin Workforce Excellence Award

Ashley Black, Florida Division of Blind Services, received the Barbara K. Griffin Workforce Excellence Award.

The award recognizes an individual who exemplifies excellence through exceptional performance, customer service, partnership, collaboration and innovation. It honors professionals who consistently set a high standard for service within Florida’s workforce system.

Outstanding Leadership in Workforce Award

J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce, received the Outstanding Leadership in Workforce Award in recognition of his leadership and commitment to strengthening Florida’s workforce system.

Kelly has worked with state and local workforce leaders as Florida continues to align workforce development with the needs of employers, communities and a growing state economy.

Workforce Partner Award

Cheryl Pedone, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, received the Workforce Partner Award.

The award recognizes a community partner who demonstrates a strong commitment to workforce collaboration and to building partnerships that expand opportunities for Floridians.

Florida Workforce Lighthouse Award

Yushika Florence, CareerSource Broward Manager of Youth Programs & Services, received the Lighthouse Award, which recognizes an individual who often works behind the scenes but whose dedication, dependability, and leadership go above and beyond during periods of challenge and change.

Florida’s Top Four Workforce Champions

Frontline workforce professionals from across Florida were nominated for recognition as Workforce Professional Champions, an award created to honor individuals who demonstrate qualities worthy of emulation and exemplify the commitment of Florida’s workforce professionals to the people and businesses they serve.

From those nominees, four professionals received the Summit’s highest Champion distinctions:

Workforce Advocate Award — Carlisle Anderson

Anderson was recognized for his commitment to championing Florida’s workforce system and connecting individuals, businesses and community partners with workforce opportunities.

Service Innovator Award — Sabine Ramsey

Ramsey was recognized for demonstrating innovation and an exceptional commitment to serving individuals through Florida’s workforce system.

Leadership Ambassador Award — Jelissa Franceschi

Franceschi was recognized for leadership, dedication to workforce development and her commitment to the individuals and communities she serves.

Goodwill Emissary Award — Jalisa Murvin

Murvin was recognized for exemplifying the spirit of service, goodwill and commitment that frontline workforce professionals bring to communities throughout Florida.

“Although these individuals represent different organizations, communities and areas of expertise, they share something important,” Matlock said. “They understand that workforce development is ultimately about people—helping someone take the next step toward a better future, helping an employer succeed and strengthening the communities we serve. We are proud to recognize them.”

The Florida Workforce Development Association represents Florida’s local workforce development boards and works to advocate for the locally driven workforce system, build capacity, promote collaboration and develop strategic partnerships that strengthen workforce services throughout the state.

For more information about FWDA and the Workforce Professional Development Summit, visit FWDA.net or WorkforceSummit.net or reach out to Marti@pinpointresults.com.