New York State Workforce Investment Board

Christopher White, Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development
Phone (518) 457-1707 email – C[email protected]

Section 101 part (d) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), describes the twelve responsibilities of the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB):

• Assist Governor in development of State Plan;
• Review of Statewide policies, programs, and regulations;
• Development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system (identification of barriers to coordinate programs, strategies for career pathways, strategies for providing effective outreach to individuals who could be served by the System);
• Development and updating of comprehensive State performance measures;
• Development and dissemination of information on best practices for One-Stop Career Centers, Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) development, and training programs;
• Development of One-Stop Career Center certification requirements;
• The development of strategies for technological improvements, especially accessibility;
• Aligning technology and data systems;
• The development of allocation formulas for the distribution of funds for employment;
• Preparation of annual reports;
• Statewide workforce and labor market information; and
• The development of other policies as may promote workforce development in the State.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (2014); Labor Law Article 24-A

49 Members
The following are permanent members:

• The Governor;
• Two members of the Senate, appointed by the temporary president of the Senate;
• Two members of the Assembly, appointed by the speaker of the Assembly;
• The commissioners of Labor, Education, OCFS, OTDA and Economic Development;
• The chair of the Urban Development Corporation and the chancellor of the SUNY.

The remaining 37 members appointed by the Governor include

• 25 representatives of business who are: Owners of businesses chief executives or operating officers of businesses, and other business executives or employers with optimum policymaking or hiring authority, including members of local workforce investment boards; represent businesses with employment opportunities that reflect the employment opportunities of the State; are appointed from among individuals nominated by state business organizations and business trade associations;
• One representative from each of the state’s five largest industry sectors as determined by the Department;
• 2 chief elected officials (representing both cities and counties, where appropriate); 4 representatives of labor organizations, who have been nominated by the New York State AFL – CIO;
• 2 representatives of individuals and organizations that have experience with respect to youth activities, nominated by state youth organizations;
• 2 representatives of individuals and organizations that have experience and expertise in the delivery of workforce investment activities, including CEOs of community colleges and community-based organizations nominated by associations representing community colleges and community-based organizations within the state;
• 1 member who is a veteran nominated from a list provided by the New York State AFL – CIO;  
• 1 member with experience in mature worker issues nominated from a list provided by the New York State AFL – CIO