News

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – The Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County paid tribute to the untiring dedication of the Workforce Development Board’s former President/CEO, Gwenda Thompson, for her many contributions to St. Lucie County and the Treasure Coast. The Board honored her legacy by dedicating and naming the St. Lucie County Logistics Center building at 3855 South US 1 in Fort Pierce as the “Gwenda Thompson Trades Career Center”.

Scott Thompson, whom Mrs. Thompson married in 1967, was present at the Board of County Commissioners meeting to receive the proclamation.

After thanking the Board of Commissioners, Richard Stetson, as well as Glenda Harden, Mr. Thompson shared the following words:

“Gwenda was all about excellency and dedication to it. It did not matter if it was in the form of a grant request or the simple act of wrapping a birthday present. It is my hope that just some of the people that pass through the doors of the career center will be as dedicated to achieving at their highest level as was Gwenda. Thank you all so much on behalf of Gwenda, myself, and our family. We are truly proud of this honor that you have bestowed upon her.”

Gwenda Thompson was a Vero Beach native and a graduate of Indian River Community College and Florida Atlantic University. She worked for the Workforce Development Board and served as the President/CEO for eight years.

Thanks to Thompson’s leadership, our region benefited from millions of dollars in grant funding to help form innovative partnerships and successful initiatives to

grow businesses, create jobs and assist individuals in our communities become productive citizens.

The Green Collar Task Force and the Logistics Center came to fruition as a result of Thompson’s vision, dedication and hard work. It was one of the many grant acquisitions Thompson was responsible for creating, coordinating and overseeing.

Under Thompson’s leadership as President/CEO, the Workforce Development Board of the Research Coast became a consistent state and national award winner for innovation and performance.

Gwenda Thompson’s contributions to the economic vitality of our communities, throughout her 34 year career in workforce development programs and services are immeasurable. Thompson retired in 2010 after a diagnosis of cancer and passed away on September 2, 2014.

Here at CareerSource Research Coast we are proud to have had the opportunity to know Mrs. Thompson and applaud the Board’s decision to honor her legacy. She was a beloved friend and colleague whose passion and leadership was evident not only in her work, but in her love and commitment to help the people of our community grow and prosper.

“Gwenda was not only a mentor, but a friend,” said Richard Stetson, President/CEO CareerSource Research Coast. “I’m happy the County commissioners have honored her years of dedication.”

CONTACT: Iris Estrada, 866.482.4473 x423 or iestrada@careersourcerc.com