New director for Workforce Board
Marilyn Smith steps in as executive director, replaces Linda Colbert

Journal/COURTESY PHOTO Marilyn Smith has been appointed the new executive director of the Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board.

PORT ARTHUR - The names may be changing, but the vision to build a world-class competitive workforce for Southeast Texas continues.

After 12 years of leading the Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board, Linda Brown Colbert, executive director, announced her retirement effective March 1. The Board has named Marilyn Smith, current deputy director, as the new executive director.

The two were honored at a reception last in Port Arthur.

Karen Bourdier, board chair, reminded guests of several historic challenges that Colbert and Smith had successfully met during their tenure, including that afternoon's reception which competed with Senator Barack Obama's town hall meeting in Beaumont.

Colbert has served as executive director since its inception in 1996. During her tenure, she successfully led workforce development efforts that garnered attention on the state and national levels.

Her retirement comes as a time when Southeast Texas is experienc- ing an economic boom not seen in this area since Spindletop.

"Serving with the Board and its staff over the past decade has been a tremendously life enriching experience. We talk about the incredible career opportunities that are available now with all the industrial expansion projects, but the true barometer of our success has always been seeing the lives we've touched change in a very positive way," Colbert said.

"The real reward has been in helping individuals overcome great obstacles, discover their talents and learn skills that allow them to become self-sufficient. As I look back, those are the moments that I'm most proud of."

Colbert's vision of a world-class workforce for Southeast Texas is shared by Marilyn Smith, who has served as deputy director alongside Colbert since day one.

Carey Georgas, who served as Board Chair from 1998- 2004, said that in naming Smith as the new executive director, the Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board is looking forward to the seamless transition her first-hand experience and knowledge will bring to advancing economic development efforts in the region.

"Marilyn has served sideby side with Linda and the Board from the very beginning. We could have searched nationwide and still not found anyone as experienced, dedicated and passionate about Southeast Texas as Marilyn," Georgas said.

"As we become increasingly immersed in this economic boom, we'll benefit from her leadership and experience in the development of effective workforce programs."

Laurence M. Jones, director of Workforce Development represented the Texas Workforce Commission in honoring Colbert's commitment and contributions to the area. State Representative Joe Deshotel presented Colbert with a state flag that had been flown over the Capital in Austin. Numerous key elected officials and local industry leaders were also in attendance.

"This is a very bittersweet experience for all of us," Smith said. "I'm honored by the Board's vote of confidence and am excited about the new opportunities this position affords me to serve Southeast Texas. However, we will all dearly miss our coheart Linda and wish her only the best."

The Southeast Texas Workforce Development Board evaluates and oversees the delivery of all workforce training and employment services in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange Counties. The board's overall mission is to identify opportunities and create partnerships that effectively link employers and job seekers in order to improve the economic future of the area.