AWI Press Release

Agency for Workforce Innovation

Charlie CristMonesia T. Brown

GovernorDirector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Warren May

January 12, 2007(850) 245-7130

Florida Governor Crist Appoints Workforce Agency Director

TALLAHASSEE— Governor Charlie Crist recently announced the appointment of Monesia T. Brown as Director of the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Florida’s lead state workforce development agency. Ms. Brown is a graduate of the IllinoisStateUniversity and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She is a member of the Florida and Wisconsin Bar associations.

Ms. Brown began her public sector legal career with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, where she served as Assistant General Counsel. Ms. Brown served the Florida Department of Management Services in progressively higher positions and was named the Department’s General Counsel in 2001.

In January 2003, Ms. Brown was appointed as Director of Legislative Affairs & Special Counsel in the Florida Department Of Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General. She also served as Chief Cabinet Aide. She supervised the legislative responsibilities of the agency, informing and advising the Attorney General on legislative matters, advocating and coordinating the lobbying efforts for Attorney General Crist.

Ms. Brown brings a unique perspective to the Agency and believes strongly in the critical importance of early childhood education as a foundation for Florida’s future economic success. She sees the vital role played by a well-prepared workforce in the state’s overall economic development strategies and is strongly committed to building seamless partnerships between workforce and economic development in Florida in implementing Governor Crist’s economic development goals.

The Agency for Workforce Innovation is the lead state workforce agency. The Office of Early Learning, a division within the agency, provides oversight of Florida’s school readiness programs and is the lead entity for implementing the state’s Voluntary Prekindergarten program. AWI directly administers Early Learning, Labor Market Statistics and Unemployment Compensation programs along with various workforce development programs.

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