Piggy-backing on the 2011 NAWDP Conference theme, Alisha Bazemore, KRA Program Manager, reported that the “Tide” certainly “turned” as Norfolk’s VIEW (Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare) and Portsmouth’s YES (Youth Employability Services) programs, both operated by KRA, welcomed President & CEO, Knowlton R. Atterbeary, May 17-18, 2011. Mr. Atterbeary’s visit coincided with the NAWDP Conference held in nearby Virginia Beach from May 16-19, 2011, and began with a stop in Norfolk, where he met with VIEW program staff. Ms. Bazemore stated that “Anticipation and excitement filled the office with enthusiastic staff waiting for the Q&A session with the CEO.” Tiffany Gillus, KRA Instructor, expressed her thoughts about the meeting with, “In many companies you are treated as a workhorse, where your opinions and thoughts do not matter. However, KRA is a company that ‘KARES’, striving for excellence in every aspect. Mr. Atterbeary was very receptive to our ideas and opinions, often taking notes. For me, this was something that I will remember moving forward in my career, acknowledging that in order to lead you must also know how to follow.” Mr. Atterbeary’s trip was further highlighted by meetings with Ms. Julie Chalupsky, Program Manager, Norfolk Department of Human Services, and Dr. Denise Biron, Program Supervisor, Norfolk SNAP & ET (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program & Employment & Training.) Through the week of September 27, 2011, Mr. Atterbeary will visit the rest of the WIA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and YES programs, as well as the TANF and General Assistance program sites operated by KRA.
Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
