DWS Press Release
October 19, 2017

Workforce Services Appoints New Workforce Program, Policy and Training Division Director

SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 19, 2017) — The Department of Workforce Services has selected Elizabeth Carver as the new Workforce Program, Policy and Training Division Director. Carver is taking over for Karla Aguirre, who will be retiring after more than 25 years of exemplary service to the state of Utah. Aguirre will continue to work with Carver on the transition until her retirement Dec. 15.

Carver most recently served as a program manager for the department, overseeing several federally funded programs including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for adults, Registered Apprenticeship, Foreign Labor Certification, Migrant Seasonal Farmworker, Trade Act, Work Opportunity Tax Credit and programs for dislocated workers and youth. She directly managed staff members who worked to oversee the policy, procedure and implementation of the programs statewide.

"Liz has demonstrated a great capacity for understanding and applying complex program policies and procedures to meet stringent federal requirements and support our customers," said Jon Pierpont, executive director of Workforce Services. "I have full confidence in Liz and her ability to carry on this new role within the department."

Carver has been a part of Workforce Services for 19 years. She has worked as an employment supervisor and as a project manager overseeing major updates to the department’s online job matching system. In her role as the online matching system project manager, she received the NASWA Merrill Baumgardner award. Carver earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and a master's degree in educational psychology from University of Phoenix.

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this capacity," said Carver. "The policy decisions we make for our programs and systems have a great impact on the people we serve, and I look forward to supporting them in the best way possible."

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