Christopher Cothran Appointed Board Chair of CareerSource Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2022) – Christopher Cothran, NextEra Energy Resources executive, has been appointed Board Chair at today’s meeting of the board of directors of CareerSource Palm Beach County, the nonprofit organization chartered by the state to lead workforce development in the county. David Markarian, veteran legal advocate and business professional, was named Board Vice Chair and Dr. Laurie George, United Way of Palm Beach County President and CEO, will serve as Board Secretary. The appointments are effective immediately.
                                                                                                                                           

“We are pleased that these dedicated business and community leaders have accepted these roles. Their backgrounds in business, legal and nonprofit settings will be of exceptional value to the organization and its mission as we take on the challenges ahead," said Julia Dattolo, President and Chief Executive Officer of CareerSource Palm Beach County.

Mr. Cothran, who joined the board of directors in 2013, is Director of the Renewable Energy Development team at NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, based in Juno Beach, FL. He and his team are responsible for the development of utility/grid renewable projects located in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. A longtime resident of Palm Beach County, Mr. Cothran is passionate about ensuring that Palm Beach County has a trained workforce that is ready to take on the challenges the future will bring.

“As more people have moved to our great county, I believe that it is important for the county, our communities, and our businesses to work together to ensure that everyone willing and able to work has access to the resources they need to match their talents and passion with a job that can grow into a rewarding career,” he said.

Mr. Cothran follows David Talley, who has served as board chair since Oct. 2018, the maximum term allowed by the organization’s bylaws. Mr. Talley has served on the board of directors since 2001 and is former president and CEO of the Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and a banker.

During the past five program years, CareerSource Palm Beach County assisted more than 44,000 residents find employment ranging from entry level to executive suite, with salaries from these jobs creating $700 million in annual wages. CareerSource also has awarded $14.7 million in grants to area businesses and employees for job training and educational assistance during that time. More information is available at www.careersourcepbc.com.

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IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STEVENS AMENDMENT:

CareerSource Palm Beach County, Inc. is the direct service provider for various workforce programs supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and other agencies as part of awards totaling $15,851,406 (revised annually). Unless otherwise stipulated, all statements, news releases, requests for proposals, bid solicitations and other applicable documents are fully funded from federal sources.