Lynn H. Grafel, President and CEO of WorkSource announced his resignation effective October 1, 2003, taking advantage of an early retirement opportunity. Grafel has led WorkSource since its establishment on July 1, 1996.

Under Grafel’s leadership the region has been recognized throughout the state and nationally as an innovator in serving the business community and ensuring that job seekers receive training to integrate them into a viable workforce.

Special accomplishments include reducing the welfare caseload in the region from over 13,000 cases in 1997 to about 1,200 in 2003. This reduction was the highest by percentage in the state of Florida and one of the highest nationally, resulting in taxpayer savings of over $40,000,000 annually in the six county region alone.

WorkSource is also recognized nationally for developing the model for integrating workforce development as key partner of economic development for attracting new business to the community and assisting existing business to expand. WorkSource’s close relationship with Cornerstone as the regional economic development entity and the other county economic development organizations has been touted as a national model. Under Grafel’s guidance, WorkSource’s innovative incumbent worker training system has resulted in significant skills upgrades for over 2,100 workers in 86 companies in Northeast Florida.

WorkSource has consistently been rated as the premier workforce development board in state performance measures, and Grafel wished to thank all who have contributed to the economic growth of the First Coast during his tenure. He also thanked his staff for their support and superior performance since 1996. The WorkSource board of directors began the search process for a new CEO immediately. Bruce Ferguson Jr., Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as interim CEO until a replacement is named in late October 2003.