VOScast

In this episode, we are joined by Phillip Sprehe, Lead Economist at Geographic Solutions, for a focused conversation on how labor market forecasts are built and what the data reveals about the U.S. workforce in early 2026. Phillip pulls back the curtain on the Economist Corner, explaining how internal indicators, unemployment claims data, and real-world adjustments shape monthly forecasts ahead of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The discussion explores a softening labor market, sector-level performance, rising concerns about chronic unemployment, and the growing role of AI in both hiring and productivity, offering practical takeaways for workforce boards, analysts, and economic development professionals navigating an increasingly complex labor landscape.

In this episode, we're joined by Kerry Twomey, Director of Account Management at Metrix Learning, for a timely conversation about AI, upskilling, and what truly matters in today's workforce. Kerry shares insights on why human skills like critical thinking, communication, and empathy remain essential in an age of rapid technological change—and why learning how to use AI may be just as important as understanding its limits. We explore SkillUp America and how equitable access to training is helping communities, nonprofits, justice-impacted individuals, and emerging leaders build meaningful career pathways through lifelong learning. From reskilling during disruption to real-world success stories, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at the future of workforce development.

Tune in as we sit down with Keidrian Kunkel, President & CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, for a powerful conversation about leading through change in today's evolving workforce landscape. Keidrian shares insights on Tampa Bay's remarkable recovery from back-to-back hurricanes, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and innovative strategies to strengthen local talent pipelines. From empowering youth and supporting veterans to embracing AI as a tool for inclusion and efficiency, she offers a forward-looking perspective on how collaboration, accountability, and adaptability are shaping the region's economic future.

Tune in for a conversation with Ron Painter as he discusses how policy shifts, skills based hiring, and the rise of data and AI are creating new opportunities for states and local regions. He also reveals the importance of collaboration, agile leadership, and credentialing in strengthening workforce systems. Finally, he offers insights on keeping entry level pathways open, personalizing service delivery, and building strategies that help organizations thrive in times of uncertainty.

Tune in to explore how we can create real second chances for people returning from incarceration. You'll learn why digital literacy, skills based hiring, and education are essential to long term success. This episode breaks down the barriers justice impacted individuals face, from over 44,000 documented restrictions to basic access issues like email and transportation. You'll hear practical ideas for making workforce systems more inclusive, how AI is starting to reshape career exploration, and why apprenticeships hold promise if we make them more accessible. Walk away with a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a fairer and more effective path to opportunity.

In this episode we welcome Brittny MacIver, Technical Consultant and founder of Cali Madison Solutions, to share her unique journey from corrections counselor to leadership roles in vocational rehabilitation (VR). Brittny discusses the vital role of performance data in improving outcomes for program participants, the importance of measurable skills gains, and the impact of AI and capacity challenges on the future of VR. She also offers insights into tracking credentials, reducing administrative burdens, and maintaining the individualized approach that defines VR. The episode closes on a lighter note with Brittny's current favorite artist and reflections on the intersection between VR and workforce development.

In this season two premiere of the VOScast podcast, we are joined by Ben Ogilvie, Head of Accessibility at ArcTouch, who shares his personal journey into accessibility work influenced by his father's paralysis and son's brain injury. Ben discusses how ArcTouch helps clients view accessibility as an opportunity rather than just a compliance requirement, explores AI's current and future impact on accessibility features, offers specific recommendations for making employment apps more accessible, provides best practices for implementing accessibility in user-generated content, and advises companies on preparing for the upcoming WCAG 3.0 standards.

This episode features a conversation with Britt Otter, an accessibility expert who shares valuable insights on the intersection of AI and digital accessibility. Britt discusses current trends in AI tools and their potential to enhance accessibility when properly implemented, while also highlighting important considerations and potential drawbacks. The conversation explores how accessibility initiatives have evolved over the past five years, particularly since COVID-19, touching on the expansion of digital accessibility requirements and new legislation like the European Accessibility Act. Britt also provides detailed technical guidance on implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for various content elements, shares insights on the importance of plain language in accessibility, and recounts a successful collaboration with Geographic Solutions to improve labor market information module accessibility

This episode features a conversation with Chad Carter, a 10-year veteran of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. Chad shares his insights on the evolution of workforce development, including the shift from unemployment offices to employment centers, the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery, and the importance of alternative career paths such as apprenticeships. He also discusses Indiana's innovative programs, such as the Work Ready Grant, and the efforts to support reentry employment for those with felony convictions. Chad talks about Indiana's methodology for ranking in-demand jobs, the importance of data-driven decisions, how to prepare for AI's impact, and maintaining a compassionate approach when helping job seekers.

This episode features a conversation with Chris Silvers from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Solutions. The discussion covers services for veterans in North Carolina, including the NCWorks Veterans Portal, the NC Veterans at Work program, and the HIRE Vets Medallion Program. Chris shares information about the state's efforts to support veterans through job fairs, stand-downs, and collaboration with community partners. The conversation touches on helping veterans transition to civilian work, the skills they bring to the workforce, and changes in workforce development legislation.

This episode features a conversation with Susan Dickinson and Nsungwe Shamatutu from Pennsylvania's Office of Unemployment Compensation Service Centers. They explore current trends in unemployment insurance, including system modernization, plain language initiatives, and the impact of remote work. The guests also share their experiences managing the pandemic-related backlog, for which they won a Governor's Award for Excellence. Discover innovative programs like deploying UI staff to career centers and a pilot program with vocational rehabilitation services. The conversation also covers valuable advice for unemployment insurance professionals, emphasizing the importance of inter-state connections, understanding the political nature of unemployment programs, and continuously improving customer experiences.

Tune in to another episode of VOScast, as host Evan Brenner is joined by Lemoore College's Vice President of Educational Services, Kris Costa, President, James Preston. Located in California's San Joaquin Valley, they discuss the college's recent rebranding and meaning behind their new slogan "Flex Your Future." Kris and James share how Lemoore College has received numerous accolades by maintaining a student-focused culture, offering innovative programs like zero-cost textbooks, flexible courses, and striving for inclusive excellence. They also delve into how the college stays ahead of educational trends by listening to industry partners and the community, and empowering faculty and staff to learn and innovate. Finally, they touch on the importance of a college degree in today's evolving labor market and economy, and how Lemoore College is preparing students for success through career education, industry certifications, and teaching the skills needed to thrive in a world being transformed by technology like AI.

Tune in for another episode of VOScast as host Evan Brenner welcomes Geographic Solutions' consultant Tim Walker and Carole Hussey, President of Evolv Strategy Group, to discuss workforce issues in health and human services agencies. Tim and Carole share their extensive experience working with state and local governments and explore the root causes of recruitment and retention challenges facing these organizations. They discuss strategies to make government employment more appealing, such as rebranding efforts, leveraging modern technology, and enhancing employee experiences. Tim and Carole also highlight the importance of knowledge transfer, succession planning, upskilling, and reskilling to ensure agencies have the necessary talent and capabilities for the future.

This episode features a conversation with Kevin Mohajerin from the Alabama Department of Commerce, as he shares insights on the importance of data in workforce development, particularly within WIOA and performance analytics. You'll discover the opportunities for analysts to leverage performance analytics, including using optional performance measures, optimizing training programs, and addressing skill gaps. Kevin highlights Alabama's efforts in creating a performance interface, demonstrating the value of data matching and interoperability between agencies. The conversation explores trends in data validation and performance analytics, touching on the potential of AI and the challenges of cloud-based solutions.

In this episode of VOScast, host Evan Brenner interviews national workforce consultant Melanie Arthur about trends in workforce training and development in 2024 and beyond. Melanie reveals how states are reinvesting in staff training and getting back to basics after high turnover during the pandemic. She also discusses the pros and cons of webinar-based training versus classroom training, the importance of bite-sized and recorded training, and how to make training practical through examples and demonstrations.

In this third episode of VOScast, host Evan Brenner interviews Liliya Tanska, a Workforce Business Analyst Team Lead at Geographic Solutions, about the importance of reporting in the workforce development industry. They discuss Liliya's background managing youth workforce programs in Pinellas County, Florida, and how that experience has informed her work on reporting tools within the company's software. Liliya also outlines the evolution of reporting from spreadsheets to robust business intelligence platforms, highlighting new collaboration features and artificial intelligence for automated data insights. She explains how reporting aids strategic planning, performance monitoring, and improving outcomes for service recipients.

In this episode of VOScast, host Evan Brenner interviews Richard Boone, Geographic Solutions' Business Development Executive for the corrections space. They discuss trends in the corrections and reentry industry, including technology integration and employer openness to hiring those with criminal records. Richard also provides background on Geographic Solutions' VOS REO platform that connects incarcerated individuals to jobs and resources pre-release, as well as the importance of collaboration between corrections, workforce development, and other agencies to reduce recidivism through employment.

The inaugural episode of the VOScast podcast features La Tunya Goodwin, President of the Sparta Hancock Chamber of Commerce and Director of WorkSource East Central Georgia. La Tunya discusses her background, and her work providing career services and supporting entrepreneurs and job seekers throughout rural Georgia, as well as trends she's seeing in the healthcare and cybersecurity jobs sectors. Listeners will also get a teaser as to what will be discussed in an upcoming National Town Hall event being held in January 2024 featuring speakers including Geographic Solutions President Paul Toomey, Mike Fazio, Co-President of Workforce180 and Metrix Learning, and La Tunya Goodwin.