Workforce Development and Training

The White River Planning and Development District, Inc. serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for the North Central Workforce Investment Board and the local Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title III Program. Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs are designed to bridge the gap between those seeking work, those who provide workforce training, and area employers.

WRPDD contracts with the Northcentral Arkansas Development Council to provide services for employers, adults, youth and dislocated workers. Local WIA programs provide job-related training and assistance to adults and youth who are interested in upgrading their work skills.

All services are free of charge and can be accessed through workforce centers located throughout White River’s ten-county service area.

North Central Arkansas Workforce Investment Board

Name Location Member Category
Ben Baxter Batesville Workforce Center Partner
Juanice Carr Greers Ferry Business
Ron Cheatham Batesville Workforce Center Partner
Dr. Richard Dawe Melbourne Adult Ed & Carl Perkins
Pat Dunegan Batesville CBO
Brett Farris Batesville Business
Shelby Ferrell Searcy Workforce Center Partner
Shayne Gaither (3) Cave City Labor
Steve Hall Salem Business
Ted Hall Batesville Superintendent
Dan Haygood Newport Business
Alvin Hearyman Bald Knob Business
Boyd Hickinbotham Salem Business
Carlon James Newport Business
Michael Johnston Batesville Vet/Disabled/Partner
Garry Lawrence Hardy Business
Doug Lee Batesville Business
Keith McClanahan Beebe Education/Partner
Randy Ratliff (1) Cave City Business
Bobby Robinson (2) Cotton Plant Business
Lonnie Shockley Cotton Plant Business
David Stewart Newport Econ. Development
Darline Tucker Batesville Workforce Center Partner
Melisa Gardner Heber Springs Business

1 - Chairman
2 - Vice-Chairman
3 - Secretary