Workforce Snohomish selects new leader

EVERETT — A new CEO has been selected to take over Workforce Snohomish, the agency that aims to create a competitive labor pool for Snohomish County and runs employment centers in Everett, Mountlake Terrace and Monroe.

Erin Monroe was chosen by the Workforce Snohomish Board of Directors. She previously served as the agency’s chief financial officer and oversaw the finance and business development departments.

“Workforce Snohomish is a unique and critical asset to Snohomish County and I am honored to lead this organization at a significant time of growth in the region,” Monroe said in a statement. “As state and federal funding grows more and more competitive, it is important to continue seeking new funding opportunities to ensure that workforce needs are met and competitiveness remains a priority here in Snohomish County.”

She’ll take the place of Sue Ambler, who served for eight years as CEO of Workforce Snohomish. Ambler retired last month for the agency formerly known as Workforce Development Council Snohomish County.

Monroe starts in her new job today.

“We’re excited and very privileged to have Erin Monroe as the new leader of Workforce Snohomish,” said Jeff Tomson, the board’s chairman, in the statement. “Erin has proven herself as a strong leader and will effectively guide this organization through the many challenges it faces on a daily basis.”

Monroe is a certified public accountant with more than 25 years of business, accounting and auditing experience in the private and public sectors.

Monroe will oversee a budget of nearly $9 million. The 30-member Workforce Snohomish board is appointed by Snohomish County Executive John Lovick. The board then hires the CEO.

The agency receives a combination of federal funds and grants to accomplish its mission. Workforce Snohomish received $3.7 million in federal funds last week, about $600,000 less than the year before, because the jobless rate for the county dipped.