Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday the appointment of Victoria Bradshaw as secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA).
“With her tremendous knowledge and expertise in state government and in the labor and workforce development field, there is no better person to take on this position,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Vickie shares my commitment to cutting through red tape to spur economic development and recovery, and to furthering California’s green initiatives and growing our green economy. I know she will help drive California’s environmental policies into new, exciting economic development opportunities that will create jobs and keep our state at the forefront of the clean technology industry.”
As secretary of LWDA, Bradshaw will oversee the Governor’s increased efforts to spur development of the green economy and green jobs as the state pulls out of recession and leads the nation and the world in developing the most vibrant clean technology industry sector and the thousands of jobs that come with it. The Schwarzenegger Administration has led the nation in fighting global climate change, expanding renewable energy and low-carbon fuel production. She will work to promote green oriented economic development within the LWDA and work to help industries drive green technologies from research and development to market, while ensuring that a trained workforce is available to make California the undisputed green technology leader for decades to come.
“California leads the nation and the world in creating bold environmental policies that also benefit the economy, and with Vickie’s leadership I know California will be ready with a trained workforce able to support the booming clean technology industry in our state,” Governor Schwarzenegger added.
Since 2008, Bradshaw has served as deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary in the Office of the Governor. Prior to that, she served as secretary for the LWDA from 2004 to 2008, and served as undersecretary and acting secretary from 2003 to 2004. While at the agency, she addressed issues regarding labor law and workplace safety enforcement, workers' compensation insurance, workforce development, economic development and issues related to displaced workers. Previously, Bradshaw served as a member of the Occupational and Health Standards Board. She served as executive director of the Employment Training Panel from 1999 to 2001, where she was responsible for statewide economic development and training programs focused on making California businesses more competitive. Bradshaw’s public sector experience also includes a year as deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary to Governor Pete Wilson, in addition to serving as director of the Employment Development Department and state labor commissioner. Prior to serving in state government, she served as the corporate vice president of human resources for the BATUS Retail Group, which operated in 35 states with over 50,000 total employees.
Bradshaw, 60, of Sacramento, will continue serving as deputy chief of staff and cabinet secretary for Governor Schwarzenegger until a replacement is announced. She earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $175,000. Bradshaw is a Republican.
“We will sow the seeds of this green economy and help them prosper with focused economic development resources and workforce training,” said Bradshaw. “Just as California led the world into the information digital age and became the leader in biotechnology, we will help our state translate cutting edge environmental policy into economic opportunity that will lead this emerging wave of entrepreneurship.”
The Governor also expressed his gratitude to Doug Hoffner for his service as acting secretary of LWDA. Doug will remain in his position as undersecretary for the agency.
“Doug is a wonderful public servant and I want to thank him for stepping into this leadership role and directing the agency at such a critical time,” said the Governor. “I am grateful for his service and dedication to the people of California.”
LWDA coordinates labor and employment programs for workers and businesses throughout California. The departments and boards within the agency offer state disability and unemployment insurance benefits, support workforce training and apprenticeship programs, enforce labor and occupational safety laws, oversee the state's workers' compensation program, mediate public sector contract disputes and report California’s monthly unemployment rate. The secretary is responsible for advising the Governor on establishing major policy and program matters affecting each department, office, board or other organizational unit within LWDA in addition to overall management of the agency.