VP of Economic Development RONTAIWALKER
Dynamic and results-oriented leader with extensive experience in higher education, workforce development, entrepreneurship, and business partnerships. Proven ability to create strategic initiatives, increase revenue streams, and align workforce training programs with regional economic needs. Passionate about fostering strong business relationships and expanding community impact through education and training.
WorkforceDevelopmentExpertise:Oversight of continuing education programs and customized business training.
StrategicGrowth&Innovation: Developed marketing strategies that expanded business relationships and increased engagement.
CollaborativeLeadership: Partnered with internal departments to expand educational opportunities beyond short-term workforce training.
Scan to read more & Q U A L I F I C A T I O N S
Data-DrivenDecision-Making: Implemented solutions to enhance training efficiency, client satisfaction, and performance.
EconomicDevelopmentAdvocacy: Strong partnerships with workforce boards, employers, and government agencies to align training initiatives with regional needs.
INTJ-APersonalityType: Imaginative and strategic thinker, able to apply creativity and rationality to everything I do.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS &IMPACT
Business&IndustryGrowth:Led initiatives that resulted in expanded business relationships and increased revenue.
ProgramInnovation:Designed specialized industry trainings to meet the demands of DeKalb, Rockdale, and Newton counties.
EventManagement:Successfully coordinated regional job fairs, workforce summits, summer STEM camps, and college-sponsored events.
Marketing&OutreachSuccess:Developed targeted marketing strategies that increased program visibility and enrollment.
LeadershipinEducation&Training:Expanded non-credit courses and workforce development initiatives tailored to employer needs.
RelationshipBuilding: Strengthened connections with businesses and community organizations, increasing opportunities for students and community members.
OperationalEfficiency: Streamlined processes using technology decreasing manual inputs and reducing errors.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
AlphaYouthAcademy
Mentor
Facilitator (Technical College and Career Pathways)
DaculaSchoolCluster(GwinnettCounty)
Sponsor
Volunteer
DeKalbChamberofCommerce
Education and Workforce Development Committee
DeKalbEntertainmentCommission
Board Member
DecideDeKalbDevelopmentAuthority
Technology Advisory Council Member
RedanHighSchool
Alumni Day Panelist
College and Career Day Speaker
Sponsor
SalemMiddleSchool
Real Men Read
PROVEN GROWTH
*FY ‘22 was the year prior to me serving in my current role. We are outpacing that rate through two quarters of the current FY.
STRATEGIC VISION
As Vice President of Economic Development, my vision is to further position Georgia Piedmont Technical College as a regional leader in workforce training and business partnerships. My goals include:
Increasingrevenue opportunities through innovative funding models and grant initiatives.
Enhancingdata collection in order to make more effective decisions and improve program outcomes.
Focusingon microbusinesses and urban entrepreneurship so that they can realize stability, growth and scalability.
Connectingpartners with each other in order to create synergistic relationships.
Launchinga dedicated on-campus training and learning space specifically for workforce and economic development.
Trainingbusinesses to utilize emerging technology such as artificial intelligence.
Establishingenrolment pipelines into the college by collaborating with Adult Education with IETs and Academic Affairs with prior learning assessments.