The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Workforce Division (WFD) administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with the ultimate goal of improving the quality and marketability of Georgia's workforce to meet the needs of business. Learn how these opportunities support Gwinnett and metro Atlanta's workforce infrastructure.

About the Speaker

Ben Hames is a Deputy Commissioner at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, where he leads the Workforce Division, a unit that is focused on training Georgians for in-demand jobs and boosting the overall competitiveness of Georgia's workforce.

Currently, the Workforce Division oversees the Go Build Georgia program, which educates the next generation about the benefits of career paths in the skilled trades; Operation Workforce, which helps returning veterans transition from service to the civilian workforce; Rapid Response, which helps prevent and respond to layoffs; the Governor's High Demand Career Initiative, which identifies workforce gaps facing Georgia businesses and Georgia WorkSmart, the state's work-based learning initiative which helps establish apprenticeship programs for Georgia-based companies. These workforce services are administered through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds under the leadership of the State Workforce Development Board.

A veteran of two governor's administrations, Hames began his career in public service serving as the governor's speechwriter. Hames worked in the communications department until his promotion to Deputy Chief Operating Officer. In this position, Ben oversaw and supported the work of approximately sixty state agencies and authorities, with a particular focus on problem-solving and coordinating inter-agency efforts. In addition to this coordinating role, he led a number of significant statewide projects.

Hames is a graduate of both the University of Georgia, where he attended the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C. where he earned a Master of Divinity. He and his wife, Erin, both natives of Clarkesville, Georgia, have one son. They reside in Atlanta and are active members of Buckhead Church.

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Contact Senior Programs & Events Manager Cally D'Angelo at 678.957.4958 or CDAngelo@GwinnettChamber.org with questions.

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General Membership Meeting, presented by Rocket IT, featuring Ben Hames, Deputy Commissioner, Workforce of the Georgia Department of Economic Development