Overview

August 20

Discover how West Virginia is leveraging smart project management tools to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in public service.

Jobs & Hope West Virginia, an initiative from the Governor's office, is the state's comprehensive response to the substance use disorder crisis. The program offers support through a statewide collaboration of agencies that provides West Virginians in recovery with the opportunity to obtain career training and ultimately secure meaningful employment.

Join Deborah Harris, Program Manager, as she shares how the department used modern tools and technology to streamline processes and empower its team to create career opportunities for individuals in reentry and substance use recovery.

Save the Date: Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 11 AM PT/ 2 PM ET

Why Attend?

Innovative Technology: Learn how Jobs & Hope, West Virginia, utilizes modern project management tools to address statewide challenges.
Statewide Collaboration: Discover the technology that enables the program to bring together government officials, non-profits, and community stakeholders to address a critical issue.
Actionable Insights: Gain practical knowledge that you can apply to your own initiatives, enhancing your ability to address similar challenges in your community.

Speakers

Deb Harris

Manager for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope

Deb Harris is the Manager for the West Virginia Schools of Diversion & Transition (WVSDT) Reentry Programs and Jobs & Hope WV, an initiative launched by Governor Jim Justice in 2019 to address the substance use disorder crisis and support West Virginians in recovery. She leads a team of thirty staff members who help individuals facing barriers to reentering the workforce by providing resources such as career training, high school equivalency, and career employment. In recognition of her outstanding work, Deb received the YWCA Women of Achievement Empowerment Award in 2020 and was appointed to the West Virginia Workforce Development Board by Governor Justice in 2023.

Jen Bensi

Senior Strategic SLED Account Executive

Jen Bensi has been consulting government agencies on technology solutions for 10 years. In her current role at Quickbase, she focuses on helping government modernize processes with limited resources using a no code solution.

Bob Bennett — Moderator

Senior Fellow, Center for Digital Government

Bob Bennett is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Digital Government and the founder of B2 Civic Solutions, an international smart cities consultancy firm based in Parkville, Mo. From 2016 to 2019 he served in Mayor Sly James’ administration as the Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Kansas City, Mo. During his tenure, he oversaw the city’s smart city initiatives including a 54-block total digitalization pilot, strategy development for the city and P3-based expansion plans.

Webinar

Real Solutions for Community Challenges: How West Virginia Empowers Recovery and Reentry