SANFORD - The Triangle South Workforce Development Board (TSWDB) has honored Russell Hieb, of Dunn, for his long-time service as a board member and chairman. Mr. Hieb announced his board retirement at the Oct. 22 meeting.

Central Carolina Community College President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman presented a certificate of appreciation to Hieb for his many years of service and contributions to the Triangle South Workforce Development Board. In addition, Jim Roberts, on behalf of the TSWDB, presented Hieb a plaque for his many years of dedicated service to the workforce development communities of Chatham, Harnett, Lee, and Sampson Counties.

Hieb had an extensive history of service in workforce development prior to serving as chairman of the Triangle South Workforce Development Board. In the 1970s, under the Job Training Partnership Act, Hieb directed a statewide on-the-job training project. In the 1980s, he was Region K Workforce Development Board Director. By the late 1990s, Hieb was an active member of the Mid-Carolina Workforce Development Board -- and witnessed the workforce system transition from the Job Training and Partnership Act to the Workforce Investment Act.

In 2009, Mid-Carolina WDB became the Triangle South Workforce Development Board and Hieb maintained his position as an active board member under the new administrative entity, Central Carolina Community College. By the time the workforce system evolved into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014, he was the Triangle South Workforce Development Board's new chair.

"I have had a keen interest in the development of individuals to perform at a higher level and thus earn a living wage. ... We have seen considerable progress over the years in providing training and upward mobility for individuals to become self-sufficient and earn a living wage," said Hieb.

"We have had measurable success with this task over the years with Triangle South. The Policy Board, or Workforce Development Board, as designated in the authorizing legislation, has become much more stable over the years that I served as chairman of the group," said Hieb.

Rosalind M. Cross, Executive Director of Workforce Development and WIOA Programs with the Triangle South Workforce Development Board, said of Hieb: "I have had the pleasure of working with Chairman Hieb for almost 11 years as staff to the board. Mr. Hieb's knowledge of workforce development has been unprecedented and he has always capitalized upon his years of experience when making decisions in the best interest of the communities that we serve. Mr. Hieb's ability to be a sounding board for workforce challenges and his great leadership capabilities will be greatly missed."