September 2008
September 18
September 18, 2008
TNS APPOINTS JAN STRICKLIN DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
TNS announces today that Jan Stricklin has been appointed Deputy Executive Director of Texas Neighborhood Services, Inc. effective October 1, 2008. As Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Stricklin will oversee the Workforce One Stop Center, Youth and Community Services program operations as well as Human Resources and Information Technology for the organization. Ms. Stricklin comes to TNS with over 35 years of experience included 24 years as Assistant City Manager with the City of Wichita Falls, Texas. Ms. Stricklin recently served as a Human Resources and Strategic Management consultant to both TNS and the North Central Texas Council of Government.
“Jan’s years of experience and leadership provide a valuable partnership needed to help the organization meet its mission/vision and I greatly welcome her advice and council as we strive to serve our customers; the individuals and businesses in the greater North Texas region” said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood, Erath and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 19
TNS APPOINTS MONEISA DOWNS
SENIOR MANAGER OF WORKFORCE OPERATIONS - WEST
For immediate release:
September 19, 2008
TNS announces today that Moneisa Downs has been appointed Sr. Manager of Workforce Operations West effective October 1, 2008. As the lead for West Workforce Operations, Ms. Downs will oversee the activities and performance for the Workforce One Stop Centers in Denton, Decatur, Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, and Cleburne. Ms. Downs began her career with TNS as a Center Manager in the Weatherford, Texas Workforce Center in 2002 and her most recent held was that of Senior Operations Specialist for TNS.
Ms. Downs graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a degree in Sociology.
“Moneisa has the “can do attitude” that makes her the perfect choice to lead our Western region. She is the model for “working management” which TNS uses to lead its organization.” said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 19
TNS APPOINTS CURTIS STANFORD
SENIOR MANAGER OF WORKFORCE OPERATIONS - EAST
For immediate release:
September 19, 2008
TNS announces today that Curtis Stanford has been appointed Sr. Manager of Workforce Operations East. effective October 1, 2008. As the lead for East Workforce Operations, Mr. Stanford will oversee the activities and performance for the Workforce One Stop Centers in Plano, McKinney, Greenville, Rockwall, Terrell, Corsicana, Ennis and Waxahachie. Mr. Stanford joined TNS in 2004 as Center Manager in the Greenville/Rockwall Workforce Center. The most recent position held by Mr. Stanford was Senior Operations Specialist for TNS.
Mr. Stanford graduated from East Texas State University in 1973 and work in various Public Welfare and Social Service programs until retiring from the Texas Workforce Commission in 1997.
“Curtis’ 30 plus years of experience and leadership in Workforce programs make him the perfect leader for our Eastern region. His experience will be invaluable to the TNS organization.” said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 21
TNS APPOINTS RICHARD W. RIELAND
SENIOR MANAGER OF CHILD CARE SERVICES
For immediate release:
September 21, 2008
TNS announces today that Richard W. (Rick) Rieland has been appointed Sr. Manager of Childcare Services effective October 1, 2008. As the lead for the Child Care Services program, Mr. Rieland will oversee the activities and performance for the State Funded Child Care program in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Mr. Rieland held a similar position with a competing child care provider prior to his appointment with TNS.
Mr. Rieland graduated from Mankato State College in Mankato, Minnesota with a degree in Business Administration.
“Rick’s experience with running customer call centers makes him the perfect choice to lead our Child Care Program. His current management style is the model for “working management” which TNS uses to lead its organization.” said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 22
TNS APPOINTS PAULINE WOOD, HEATHER DEZOMITS AND CHRISTI VILLEGAS TO THE YOUTH SPECIALIST POSITIONS
For immediate release:
September 22, 2008
TNS announces today that the following individuals are appointed Youth Specialists: Pauline Wood, Heather Dezomits and Christi Villegas effective October 1, 2008. The Youth Specialists will be responsible for training for all TNS Youth staff. Pauline Wood will have Navarro, Kaufman, Rockwall, Ellis, and Hunt Counties. Heather Dezomits will have Parker, Palo Pinto, Johnson, Erath and Hood Counties. Christi Villegas will have Collin, Denton, and Wise Counties.
Pauline Wood has worked for eight years in the Youth program for TNS. Pauline states that, “Working with the youth has been a joy in my life, knowing that I can make a difference in their lives. The Youth of today will be the future of tomorrow.” Pauline has also worked with the adult programs but feels particularly invested in Youth. Pauline brings extensive knowledge of the Youth program to her new position and will a great resource for Youth staff.
Heather Dezomits joined TNS in 2006 as a Personal Services Representative. She began working in the Choices and FSE&T programs. She was promoted to Youth Specialist this year. Heather states she is, “… passionate about taking care of people and meeting the needs of my customers. My main goal is to set obtainable goals for my customers and remove any barriers along the way.” Heather is committed to training and motivating both customers and peers. Prior to moving to Texas and working for TNS Heather worked for the State of Michigan Department of Correction.
Christi Villegas joined TNS as a Youth PSR in Kaufman County. She has worked for TNS for just over two years. Prior to her experience with TNS Christi worked for the Juvenile Detention Office in Dallas County. She has also worked for the State of Texas as a correctional office for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She worked there for six years as a correctional officer. Christi attended Tyler Junior College as a Business Management Major and worked for Azleway Boy’s Ranch as a direct care staff member working with abused and neglected children. Christi has also worked for the Texas Youth Commission and is committed to helping at risk children. Christi’s past experience makes her a valuable member of the TNS Youth Program Team.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood, Erath and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 22
TNS APPOINTS GRETCHEN SLOAN
MANAGER OF WORKFORCE YOUTH SERVICES
For immediate release:
September 22, 2008
TNS announces today that Gretchen Wolf Sloan has been appointed Manager of Workforce Youth Services effective October 1, 2008. As the lead for the TNS Youth program, Ms. Sloan will oversee the activities and performance for the 14 County WIA Youth program in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Ms. Sloan was previously the Quality Assurance Manager with another Workforce contractor prior to her appointment with TNS.
Ms. Sloan graduated with honors from Bauder College. Her previous experience includes working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from 1999 to 2002. Ms. Sloan worked on the National Emergency Grant response to Hurricane Katrina.
“Gretchen is the type of leader who’s willing and capable to tackle any issue, large or small. Her knowledge of programs and processes that she used as a Quality Assurance Manager makes her the perfect choice to lead the WIA Youth Program.” said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 22
TNS APPOINTS NEW
SENIOR OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS
For immediate release:
September 22, 2008
TNS announces today that the following individuals are appointed as Senior Operations Specialists: Bonnie Arrington, William Atkinson, and Annie Thompson effective October 1, 2008. Kay Meek will continue in her current role as Senior Operations Specialist. The Senior Operations Specialists are responsible for training for all TNS Workforce staff.
Ms. Meek began her career with TNS in 1999 as a Choices case-manager. Within a year she was promoted to Home Visit Coordinator and trained and supervised the Home Visitor staff team. Kay also served as the Team Lead for the Cleburne Workforce Center. In 2003 Kay was named the Subject Matter Expert for Choices, RIO, and FSE&T. In 2005 Kay left TNS but returned in 2007 as a Senior Operations Specialist.
Kay has a degree in Social Work from Baylor University and began her career as a Social Service Coordinator for a Section 8 HUD housing complex. Kay has also worked for Children’s Protective Services.
Bonnie Arrington began her career with workforce in 1999 with WorkForce Texoma where she worked with the Choices program. Bonnie transferred to the Allen Workforce Center as the Account Manager and later became the Center Manager as well as the Manager of Client Services for WIA programs and NEG. Bonnie has also worked in the McKinney Workforce Center as a Placement Specialist. For the last four years Bonnie has worked in the WIA Youth program first as an Account Manager for Youth Participants in Greenville, and then as the Education and Training Specialist for Greenville, Plano and Denton. In January of this year Bonnie became the WIA Youth Manager for North Texas Human Resource Group.
Prior to her employment with workforce programs Bonnie worked for Sylvan At Work, an adult division of Sylvan Learning Systems where she began as a part-time tutor and worked through the ranks to Area Manager for Texas.
William Atkinson has worked in workforce for North Texas Human Resource Group at the Denton Workforce Center for 3 1/2 months. He currently holds the position of Facilitator he is responsible for scheduling of Workforce facilities, test administration for programs and Orientation for Unemployment Benefit recipients
Dr. Atkinson is a retired Elementary and High School Principal with 35 years experiences working in the Akron Public Schools in Akron, Ohio. He has been a Consultant and Trainer for the Akron School District and conducted workshops and training seminars at the local, state and national level for School Districts and Community Agencies.
Dr. Atkinson graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri, and received his Masters and ED.D in Educational Administration from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
Annie Thompson has worked in workforce for more than eight years. She has been with TNS for all of those years. She has held various positions including: Mentoring Works Consultant, Lead Mentoring Works Consultant, Career Development Consultant, Recruiter, and currently holds the Quality Assurance Specialist position. Annie has served as a Peer Trainer for the Career Development Consultant position and enjoys training staff in their job functions.
Prior to her workforce experience Annie worked as a Program Manager and has more than seven years of supervisory experience.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood, Erath and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 22
TNS APPOINTS KAY MEEK, BONNIE ARRINGTON, WILLIAM ATKINSON AND ANNIE THOMPSON SENIOR OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS
For immediate release:
September 22, 2008
TNS announces today that the following individuals are appointed Senior Operations Specialists: Kay Meek, Bonnie Arrington, William Atkinson, and Annie Thompson effective October 1, 2008. The Senior Operations Specialists will be responsible for training for all TNS Workforce staff.
Kay Meek began her career with TNS in 1999 as a Choices case-manager. Within a year she was promoted to Home Visit Coordinator and trained and supervised the Home Visitor staff team. Kay also served as the Team Lead for the Cleburne Workforce Center. In 2003 Kay was named the Subject Matter Expert for Choices, RIO, and FSE&T. In 2005 Kay left TNS but returned in 2007 as a Senior Operations Specialist.
Kay has a degree in Social Work from Baylor University and began her career as a Social Service Coordinator for a Section 8 HUD housing complex. Kay has also worked for Children’s Protective Services. Kay says, “Both experiences granted me opportunities to understand the complexities of poverty and aided in my determination to provide information and employment services to persons in lower economic statuses.”
Bonnie Arrington began her career with workforce in 1999 with WorkForce Texoma where she worked with the Choices program. Bonnie transferred to the Allen Workforce Center as the Account Manager and later became the Center Manager as well as the Manager of Client Services for WIA programs and NEG. Bonnie has also worked in the McKinney Workforce Center as a Placement Specialist. For the last four years Bonnie has worked in the WIA Youth program first as an Account Manager for Youth Participants in Greenville, and then as the Education and Training Specialist for Greenville, Plano and Denton. In January of this year Bonnie became the WIA Youth Manager for North Texas Human Resource Group.
Bonnie says her “true love is education and training.” Prior to her employment with workforce programs Bonnie worked for Sylvan At Work, an adult division of Sylvan Learning Systems where she began as a part-time tutor and worked through the ranks to Area Manager for Texas. Bonnie states she is, “looking forward to meeting and working with the staff members of TNS.”
William Atkinson has worked in workforce for North Texas Human Resource Group at the Denton Workforce Center for 3 1/2 months. He currently holds the position of Facilitator he is responsible for scheduling of Workforce facilities, test administration for programs and Orientation for Unemployment Benefit recipients
Dr. William Atkinson is a retired Elementary and High School Principal with 35 years experiences working in the Akron Public Schools in Akron, Ohio. He has been a Consultant and Trainer for the Akron School District and conducted workshops and training seminars at the local, state and national level for School Districts and Community Agencies.
Dr. Atkinson graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri, and received his Masters and ED.D in Educational Administration from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
Annie Thompson has worked in workforce for more than eight years. She has been with TNS for all of those years. She has held various positions including: Mentoring Works Consultant, Lead Mentoring Works Consultant, Career Development Consultant, Recruiter, and currently holds the Quality Assurance Specialist position. Annie has served as a Peer Trainer for the Career Development Consultant position and enjoys training staff in their job functions.
Prior to her workforce experience Annie worked as a Program Manager and has more than seven years of supervisory experience. Annie is very detail oriented and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Senior Operations Specialist position. She looks forward to the new challenge.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood, Erath and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 25
TNS APPOINTS PHYLLIS KITTEN
QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER
For immediate release:
September 25, 2008
TNS announces today that Phyllis Kitten has been appointed Corporate Quality Assurance Manager effective October 1, 2008. Ms. Kitten will manage the newly formed TNS corporate Quality Assurance Team. Previously Ms. Kitten was a Workforce Quality Assurance Specialist with TNS.
Ms. Kitten graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin University. Her previous experience includes public service with the State of Texas and the State of Tennessee in various capacities; as well as a center manager for the Sulphur Springs Workforce Center.
“Ms. Kitten’s done an excellent job for TNS in Quality Assurance and her background gives TNS a proven leader to manage such an important group to the organization.”, said Brad Manning, Executive Director of TNS.
Texas Neighborhood Services is a community action agency providing Workforce, Children and Community Services to a 14 county region in North Central Texas.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000
September 26
TNS APPOINTS ERIKA THOMAS, ANNE FOX AND ATHENA BLANDING TO CENTER MANAGER POSITIONS
For immediate release:
September 26, 2008
TNS announces today that the following individuals are appointed Center Managers: Erika Thomas, Anne Fox and Athena Blanding effective October 1, 2008. Center Managers are responsible for supervision and oversight of center staff. They also manage performance for their centers. Erika Thomas will be Center Manager for Terrell and Rockwall. Anne Fox will be Center Manager for Waxahachie and Ennis. Athena Blanding will be Center Manager for Denton and Decatur.
Erika Thomas has worked in Workforce since 1998. She first worked for ALTAC and then NTHRG and became a TNS employee in 2004. She has held the positions of Receptionist, Choices and FSE&T case manager, Tracker and Assistant Manger in the Greenville office. She is currently working in the Plano office as the WIA Team Lead. Ms. Thomas graduated from Texas A&M University - Commerce with a degree in Business Administration. Prior to her workforce experience Erika worked for as an Assistant Manger for a home health agency.
Anne Fox joined TNS in 2005 as an Account Manager for the Cleburne Workforce Center. Ms. Fox’s experience in marketing comes from her previous employment as a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. In addition to the sales experience she also managed a team of professional service coordinators giving customer service and developing relationships with physician offices and hospitals. Ms. Fox is originally from Sydney, Australia.
Athena Blanding is the current Center Manger for the Terrell and Rockwall offices. She formerly was a TWC Employment Consultant in the Rockwall office. Ms. Blanding worked in workforce for seven years for the West Central Texas Council of Governments in Abilene. She graduated with honors from Tarleton State University with a degree in Business Management.
TNS in partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments manages the One Stop Workforce Centers in Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Stephenville, Granbury, Cleburne, Waxahachie, Ennis, Corsicana, Terrell, Rockwall, Greenville, Plano, McKinney and beginning October 1 Denton and Decatur. TNS also manages the WIA youth program as well as Child Care Services for the 14 county North Central Texas Workforce Development Board.
The TNS Head Start/Early Head Start program serves 1031 children in Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Wise, Navarro, Hood, Erath and Johnson Counties.
The TNS Community Services Division provides utility assistance for 7 counties in North Central Texas.
For additional information:
Brad Manning, Executive Director
817-598-5700 X 2000