SMEDA Director Named to Workforce Board

ST. MARTINVILLE – Jennifer Stelly, Executive Director of the St. Martin Economic Development Authority (SMEDA), was sworn in to a three-year term as a board member of the Local Workforce Development Board #40.  Effective March 23, 2022, she succeeds Rebecca Shirley who recently announced her retirement.

“I am honored to serve our region on the workforce development board,” said Stelly.  “I look forward to finding creative and effective ways to not only train those people who are looking to gain marketable skills but to also connect those same people with long-lasting, impactful jobs.”

The region served by the Local Workforce Development Board #40 is comprised of Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.  Its purpose is to strengthen the workforce development system through innovation and alignment, and to improve employment, training, and education programs by promoting individual and economic growth.

Workforce development is a major part of economic development and one of SMEDA’s key initiatives.  Stelly’s appointment will enhance St. Martin Parish’s workforce outreach efforts by creating a direct pipeline from the program developers and administrators to the people who are in need of those services.

Ms. Stelly has been the Executive Director of SMEDA since 2018 and currently serves on several boards including the One Acadiana Board of Directors, the Acadiana Economic Development Council, and the Breaux Bridge Area Chamber of Commerce.  She is also an active member of, among others, the St. Martinville Chamber of Commerce, the Broussard Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Martinville Main Street Association.