Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Vice President of Workforce Development, Adam Johnson, was recently selected to take part in the National Association of Workforce Development Professional’s (NAWDP) inaugural Leadership Academy cohort. Offered in partnership with the University of Georgia’s J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, this transformative program empowers workforce professionals to elevate their leadership impact. The Academy is designed to empower and equip leaders with the essential skills, knowledge, and innovative strategies needed to drive transformational change within the workforce development sector.

NAWDP is a professional association representing individual workforce development and human resources practitioners, who connect jobseekers, educators, and companies to advance the American economy. The organization provides professional development, resources, and certification credibility to individuals seeking to thrive in the workforce development industry as thought leaders and innovators. As the leading advocate for workforce development professionals, NAWDP builds relationships and connections with other industry-leading organizations to challenge and collaborate for the advancement of the industry. NAWDP ‘s mission is to enrich the workforce development community by connecting and advancing workforce professionals through building innovative partnerships.

Throughout the cohort, the 25 students, comprised of workforce development leaders from around the United States, will engage in five immersive sessions and complete a capstone project. Upon completion, learners will earn a certificate from the University of Georgia and the Certified Workforce Development Leader (CWDL) certification from NAWDP. The group will meet both in-person and virtually over the next 18 months as they each work to complete this leadership development training.

The NAWDP Leadership Academy will focus on three areas of leadership competencies that are essential in the workforce development sector: Self-Understanding and Awareness, Building Positive and Effective Relationships, and Transforming Thoughts and Visions into Action. These competencies will be the focus across the five sessions and the capstone project.

Johnson stated, “I’m excited to be a part of this leadership academy and look forward to growing as a leader alongside the other cohort members. This opportunity will allow me to learn from fellow workforce leaders, enhance my leadership skills, and develop innovative strategies to address challenges in workforce education. I’m also eager to build upon my existing knowledge and experience to lead my team as they deserve to be led.”

In his time at the College, Johnson has been a critical part of growing the student population over the nearly four years he has been employed by NPRC. His impact has been vital for learners not just in NPRC’s service region, but also throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Johnson and his team members in the Workforce Development division have built and improved upon many successful programs in recent years and many improvements and even new courses are on the horizon in 2025. “I have a great team and I’ve been fortunate to have some great leaders around me. We are doing important work as a division and look forward to expanding into new areas and continuing to improve the opportunities that we currently offer.”

NPRC President Susie Snelick shared words of praise for Johnson, stating, “I am incredibly proud that our Vice President of Workforce Development, Adam Johnson has been accepted into this esteemed leadership academy with NAWDP. This is a true testament to his exceptional dedication, vision, and leadership abilities. He has continually demonstrated his commitment to excellence, and I have no doubt that he will thrive in this new opportunity. He is an absolute gem — an invaluable asset to our team, and I’m excited to see the incredible impact he will continue to make.”

For more about the NAWDP Leadership Academy, check out their organizations website.