STATE GOVERNMENT
WSLC’s April Sims to co-chair Workforce Board
WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter also reappointed to represent labor on the state board
OLYMPIA, WA (February 25, 2026) — Governor Bob Ferguson has appointed Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO President April Sims to serve as co-chair on the Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board. Cherika Carter, Secretary Treasurer of the Council, has also been reappointed to represent labor on the Board.
The Workforce Board consists of nine Governor-appointed voting members from business, labor, and government. Three of the voting seats are held by labor representatives — including the position held by Carter — three are held by business, and the remaining three are held by representatives of state agencies, like the Department of Commerce.
As a non-voting co-chair, Sims will represent labor’s voice. Joining her as co-chair is Association of Washington Business’ Morgan Irwin.
Sims with co-chair Morgan Irwin, VP of government affairs at the Association of Washington Business. Photo: Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board
“Washington’s workforce system plays a critical role in economic opportunity,” said Sims. “I look forward to collaborating with partners to align training, education, and workforce investments so they deliver results for workers, employers, and communities statewide.”
The Workforce Board reviews the performance of the state’s largest workforce programs, including 16 education and training programs that receive almost $1 billion annually in state and federal funds. The Board’s focus is on ensuring a high-quality workforce training system through promoting work-based learning, responding to student complaints within the workforce training system, and developing and making policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. Board staff evaluate programs, develop research to support policy recommendations, and lead worker outreach.
Sims is replacing previous co-chair Larry Brown, former WSLC President and decades-long Machinists (IAM) District Council 751 member and staff.
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