by Wendy Harrison

FRANKLIN
Randy Betz, who has worked in Paul D. Camp Community College’s division of workforce for 10 years and as vice president since 2008, resigned his position Thursday to pursue a new opportunity at Tidewater Community College in downtown Norfolk.

“As project coordinator, I will be assisting people who need the most help in completing training and acquiring employment,” Betz said about his new job. 

According to Paul D. Camp’s president, Dr. Dan Lufkin, Betz has taken lead on many successful workforce projects involving specialized training that have helped clients as well as helped students prepare for particular jobs. 

“Randy has spent 10 productive years in workforce development spearheading countless initiatives, building partnerships and providing job opportunities for the citizens of our region,” Lufkin said. “His strong leadership skills, along with his many contributions to the college and community will be missed.”

As vice president for Paul D. Camp’s division of workforce, Betz assisted and headed numerous initiatives including warehouse, distribution, logistics and machine technician training under Bob Hayes’ leadership; expansion of Kids College and the design of Encore Learning programs by Teri Zurfluh; development of customized training for business and industry clients, working with Ann Stephens; development of the Certified Production Technician Program through the Career Development Center’s Angela Lawhorne; the Fast Track Welding Program leading to direct employment, headed by Larry Brunson; Information Technology Certification programs, coordinated by Lisha Wolfe, that placed more than 20 graduates into jobs; and expanding the facilities rental to accommodate more than 100 events per year under the coordination of Harvey McLemore and other staff members.

“Renee Brown and her front office staff play a key support role for all Workforce Development initiatives,” he said.

Some new initiatives Betz has worked on recently include the expansion of the Truck Driver Training Program facilitated by Dr. Lufkin, Asphalt Training for workers on VDOT projects in collaboration with Germanna Community College and the new Industrial Maintenance Electrical and Instrumentation Program. Betz also cited the leadership of the Regional Workforce Development Council as crucial to these initiatives.

Prior to joining the workforce center staff in 2004 as a coordinator and associate director, Betz had worked for Union Camp and International Paper.

“I was fortunate that my predecessor, Carolyn Crowder, set the groundwork for the division’s impact in our community and continued to support us by working part time on various projects during her retirement,” he said. “I worked with her to develop our HVAC program. She also spearheaded our pharmacy technician program, now in its fourth year.”

Betz has also been honored with the Expanding Workforce Opportunities Award from the Virginia Community College System.

Outside of the college, Betz’s affiliations include the Franklin Business Center Advisory Board, Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Smart Beginnings Western Tidewater Board, Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Virginia Advisory Board, James L. Camp Jr. YMCA Local Board and youth sports coach, National Alliance on Mental Illness Western Tidewater Board and Franklin Rotary Club member.

“It has been an honor to serve Paul D. Camp Community College,” he said. “The people of Western Tidewater will always have a place in my heart. Carry on!”

Dr. Renee Felts has accepted the role of Vice President for Workforce Development in addition to her current position as Vice President for Institutional Advancement. She will provide high-level oversight of both departments. A director will also be hired for Workforce to execute day-to-day operations.

WENDY HARRISON is the public relations coordinator for Paul D. Camp Community College. She can be reached at wharrison@pdc.edu.