The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
JoAnn Ryan to chair state commission
HARTFORD — The president of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce has been appointed as chairwoman of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced Thursday that JoAnn Ryan, of Torrington, will serve as chairwoman for a group that provides workforce-related policy and planning guidance to the governor and the General Assembly and promotes coordination of the state’s workforce-related investments, strategies and programs.
“The Connecticut Employment and Training Commission performs an important function, helping to ensure that the policies and strategic objectives of our state are meeting the needs of employers in a way that ensures opportunities for job growth and robust employment opportunities for workers,” Malloy said in a release. “JoAnn is very respected by Connecticut’s business community, and her many years of experience working with employers will be a great benefit to this group as they continue on their mission. I thank her for agreeing to take on this important assignment.”
Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, who also serves as a member of the commission, said Ryan has been a diligent and active member of the CETC and truly cares about working together to strenghthen the economy and the state’s communities.
“We consistently hear from employers that a strong talent pool is key to their competitiveness and their ability to expand,” Wyman said in the release. “JoAnn’s leadership and experience will help Connecticut find the best strategies to serve the needs of the business community and our state.”
Membership on the commission is appointed by the governor and consists of representatives of Connecticut businesses, employers, key state agencies, regional and local entities, organized labor, community-based organizations and other stakeholders, the press release said.
“It is an honor to have been appointed by Governor Malloy as Chair of the Connecticut Employment and Training Commission,” Ryan said in the release. “As a member of CETC and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board for a number of years, I am proud to have this opportunity to lead this vital group of state business leaders and policymakers as we tackle complex workforce issues in this global economy.
“It is gratifying to serve with the business sector, government, labor, community-based, nonprofit partners, and stakeholders whose overall mission is to support business growth, strengthen and grow the current workforce, and develop future talent to ensure Connecticut’s vibrancy and competitiveness.”
Ryan has served as president and CEO of the Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce since 2002 and has been a resident of Torrington for her entire life. She dedicates much of her time to volunteering in the community and sitting on multiple boards, including the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Board of Corporators, the board of the Warner Theatre, the United Way of Northwest Connecticut Board of Directors, the Northwest Connecticut Arts Council and the Torrington Downtown Partners.