SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County, a public-private volunteer board that oversees the use of federal dollars to train the local workforce to support local employers, announced five At-Large members appointed by Chair Josie Gonzales, County of San Bernardino Fifth District Supervisor.

Lowell King has worked with Goodwill Southern California for more than 17 years.  Including Los Angeles County (North of Rosecrans), Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, Goodwill Southern California serves the largest region in the United States.  King has served as the Regional Operations Officer for Goodwill Southern California in the Inland Empire since 2001 and was instrumental in merging Goodwill Industries of the Inland Counties and Goodwill Southern California.  He also serves on the board for the San Bernardino County Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP), St. Bernadine’s Hospital, Community Benefits Initiative Committee, Inland Empire United Way, Hands On Inland Empire and Non-Profit Executive Network (NEN).

Steven J. Lantsberger has served as the City of Hesperia’s Economic Development Director since 1998.  He also acts as the City’s Director of Real Estate, Deputy Executive Director of the Hesperia Housing Authority, and Manager of the Hesperia Enterprise Zone. In 2009, he led Hesperia’s successful efforts in securing California Enterprise Zone (EZ) & Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) designations. Lantsberger is a Certified Economic Developer, Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and Housing Development Finance Professional (HDFP). He is a member of numerous state and federal economic development and real estate associations including the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), Urban Land Institute (ULI), and International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Richard Sierra was born and raised in Fontana, CA. He joined Laborer’s International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 783 in 1976. From 1976 to 1996, he was employed as a construction craft laborer working on various projects located throughout Southern California. In June 1996, he was first elected to office at LIUNA Local 783 as Secretary/Treasurer and in July 2003, he was appointed to serve as Business Manager.

Richard Edwards was born in San Bernardino and is a 35-year resident of Redlands, CA. He is a graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, Sonoma State University, University of Redlands, and University of California at Los Angeles. Edwards was an adult education instructor for San Bernardino Unified School District and Los Angeles Unified School District for 20 years. Edwards is also the President of the California State Pipe Trades representing over 40,000 pipe trades workers. He is the former Chair of City of Redlands Housing Commission. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Southern California Pipe Trades Trust Fund, Inland Refrigeration Trust Fund, The Chairman of Inland Refrigeration Journeyman and Apprenticeship Training Trust and the Plumbing Industry Progress and Education Trust. He currently is Business Manager, Financial Secretary/ Treasurer of United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 364, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

“Our San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board has a national reputation for excellence due to the active leadership and team work of its members,” said Chair Gonzales. “These dedicated men and women, collectively representing business, government, and community organizations, bring their best to the table.”

The Workforce Investment Board partners with the County’s largest industry sectors to identify the needs of workforce and employers and support training programs that prepare residents to enter careers in growing industries. Through the County’s three Employment Resource Centers, the Workforce Investment Board also provides job search and placement services and workshops as well as career counseling services.

“Our Workforce Investment Board has become a national model due to the efforts and creativity of our members,” said Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director of the board. “Their decisions impact the lives of thousands of at-risk youth through our Workforce Investment Act Youth program as well as adults and veterans who find career and training opportunities through our three One-Stop Employment Resource Centers.”

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors.  The WIB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The WIB, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s Employment Resource Centers (ERCs) and Business Resource Centers (BRCs). The ERCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The BRCs support and provide services to the County’s businesses including employee recruitment.