June Luncheon: Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani Speaks to VSRA Membership

The June General Membership Luncheon meeting was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel. The Guest Speaker was Dr. Edna Baehre-Kolovani, Ph.D., President of Tidewater Community College. Dr. Baehre-Kolovani was also accompanied by Dr. Corey McCray, Vice President for Workforce Solutions, and Mr. Todd Estes, Director of TCC Apprenticeship Institute.

Dr. Baehre-Kolovani began by expressing her immense gratitude for the opportunity to cultivate such a strong partnership with VSRA throughout her time as President of TCC and is looking forward to the future of this partnership. She also addressed the current rise in demand for more qualified workers to join the Ship Repair industry and the various ways TCC has been working to position itself to better meet the needs of the industry. She acknowledged the fluctuating nature of the Ship Repair industry and proposed a plan to cross-train tradespeople to work in both the ship repair and construction industry to provide a qualified workforce ready to support both industries as they experience increased demands.

Before turning over the rest of the presentation to Dr. McCray and Mr. Estes, Dr. Baehre-Kolovani announced that TCC has acquired a new facility in Portsmouth to house their skilled trades facility. In the entire Hampton Roads region, this facility is currently the only one training skilled workers to help meet the needs of both the construction and ship repair industries. 

Mr. Estes gave a brief update on the Pre-Hire Training program. He stated this program is yet another example of the fantastic partnership between VSRA and the local community colleges to meet the needs of the industry.

Dr. McCray continued the discussion regarding the new TCC skilled trades facility and the many opportunities the expanded space will give both VSRA and TCC to meet the growing workforce needs of the industry.

Please click here to view Dr. Baehre-Kolovani's presentation

Following the conclusion of her presentation, the Association presented Dr. Baehre-Kolovani with a special plaque and gift certificate in honor of her retirement as President of Tidewater Community College and her unwavering dedication to the enrichment of Ship Repair training throughout her six-year presidency.

              

Please click here to view Dr. Baehre-Kolovani's bio

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