Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include additional quotes from Jeff Lynn and Don Pierson and to correct the spelling of Benteler Steel’s name.
Jeff Lynn is leaving his post as executive director of Louisiana Economic Development’s FastStart workforce training program, effective Oct. 1, to take a job in workforce development with the Alabama Community College System.
“I have been offered a unique and challenging opportunity in my home state of Alabama,” Lynn says in a prepared statement. “This decision is bittersweet, as I have thoroughly enjoyed all of my time in Louisiana. I have had the pleasure to work with the best workforce development team ever.”
Lynn’s pending departure was announced in an internal email sent today by LED Secretary Don Pierson.
“Jeff will be remembered for his outstanding leadership skills, dedication to crafting winning outcomes for companies and employees, and tireless efforts to help LED succeed,” Pierson writes in the email.
In his email, Pierson credits Lynn with building the FastStart job training program, which launched in 2008, from the ground up.
Former LED secretary Stephen Moret says FastStart became one of the state’s most notable economic development initiatives and the top U.S. workforce development program for seven consecutive years under Lynn’s leadership.
“His team’s work has contributed to the human capital development of our state, as FastStart has provided custom training to tens of thousands of Louisiana residents, enabling them to secure better jobs and support their families,” Moret says in a statement, adding that Lynn “leaves big shoes to fill.”
The Economist hailed FastStart as the most notable statewide workforce development initiative while Business Facilities described the program as “the gold standard” for customized workforce solutions in economic development, LED says.
“Our program was able to excite new and expanding companies to call Louisiana home,” Lynn says. “I will always fondly remember the long days, innovation, strive for excellence, professionalism and collaboration with others across the state that marked my time in Louisiana, and the people who made my stay here so rewarding.”
Moret says FastStart played a crucial role in the recruitment of IBM, Benteler Steel, ConAgra, and GE Capital to Louisiana.
