Former Holcomb staffer tapped to lead microelectronics initiative
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Bloomington-based Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is adding to its leadership team as it moves forward with its Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics Initiative.
The organization has hired Stefan Welsh to lead the initiative, which aims to promote career opportunities and accelerate talent development pipelines in the microelectronics industry.
Welsh, who began his new role Jan. 13, most recently served as director of digital communications for former Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office. He previously worked at the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“Stefan’s extensive experience working with multiple state departments, as well as experience working in education positions, makes [him] well suited to lead this program,” ROI Vice President of Talent Development Michi McClaine said in a news release. “Stefan is deeply committed to the Indiana Uplands region, and we look forward to this opportunity to create pathways for sustainable career growth and enhance the quality of life for individuals in the Uplands region.”
In his new role, Welsh will lead a team to deploy the initiative in the Indiana Uplands region, which covers Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington counties.
The program has four main components: K-12 education outreach; fabrication of physical spaces for microelectronics training, or cleanrooms; youth apprenticeship programs with high school and industry partners; and a post-secondary microelectronics certificate program.
In September, ROI received a three-year, $9.5 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and grow the Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics Initiative.
“By aligning education, training, and economic development with the specific demands of our region, we are equipping businesses and communities with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive landscape,” ROI CEO Tina Peterson said. “This new initiative, and the addition of Stefan to our team, not only reinforces our dedication to fostering opportunity and prosperity but also positions the Indiana Uplands to drive innovative solutions to fuel regional and statewide growth.”
You can learn more about the initiative by clicking here.