Workforce Development Program Moving Away From UCDD

The Upper Cumberland Development District will no longer serve as the administrative entity for the region’s Workforce Development program.

UCDD Executive Director Mark Farley said the Workforce Development Board has voted to become a nonprofit organization.

“They are ready to take another step and become a 501c3 entity,” Farley said. “We just feel like it’s time from them to go out and spread their wings and do what they want to do. We will step away from workforce development on June 30th.”

The UCDD took over as the administrative entity for the workforce in March after the UCHRA failed to make improvements and correct mistakes within the program.

Putnam County Mayor and Workforce Development Board member Randy Porter said the move aligns with the state’s goals in workforce development and gives the board a better level of protection.

“Under Tennessee law, when they become a 501c3 it gives them another level of liability protection,” Porter said. “If they volunteer for their services and they aren’t getting paid for it, then they can’t be sued unless it’s under gross negligence.”

Farley said the workforce program has come a long way since the UCDD took over more than nine months ago.

“We were ranked one of the worst in the state, if not the worst in the state. I’m very proud to say that we’re listed as one of the best right now,” Farley said. “A significant amount of money that’s coming into the region is being spent on participants and that’s what the ultimate goal is.”

The workforce system is ultimately overseen by the 14 county mayors in the Upper Cumberland.

The group of mayors will meet January 23rd to discuss the new direction for the workforce program.