Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced that Katerina Taylor has been named executive director of WorkSource Atlanta – the City’s workforce agency that provides job seekers with resources to attain sustainable employment. Taylor’s appointment is effective on Oct. 28.
WorkSource Atlanta is responsible for programs and services within the City of Atlanta as part of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The agency works with numerous community partners to provide career, educational and training services to help participants find quality jobs and, in turn, greater financial stability.
“As we build One Atlanta, we want to create and sustain a skilled workforce that reflects all Atlantans,” said Mayor Bottoms. “(Taylor)’s background and expertise will play an integral role in expanding our workforce development efforts, connecting our communities with training and career opportunities. I am proud to welcome her to the City and look forward to her direction and leadership.”
Taylor brings more than 20 years of experience in business and government.
Most recently, she served as the first woman President & CEO of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in its 81-year history. She was responsible for the development and implementation of programs related to economic expansion including workforce development, education, advocacy and business partnership.
As a skilled business development professional, Taylor served as Vice President of SunTrust Bank from 2003-2012. During her time at SunTrust, she successfully designed and executed business growth and development strategies and created and facilitated training programs for more than 500 regional and local Vice Presidents.
As Chair of the DeKalb Thrives Steering Committee, Taylor led the county’s strategic plan to improve the business climate, enhance the quality of place, and revitalize commercial corridors and employment centers in DeKalb. She holds a bachelor’s degree (BBA) in Marketing from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas; and holds an MBA in Finance.
“I am honored to serve the City,” Taylor said. “I am excited to bring my experience from the Metro Atlanta area, and work with partners across the City to strengthen our workforce.”
On June 25, Mayor Bottoms announced that WorkSource Atlanta would be integrating with Invest Atlanta, further unifying the City’s economic and workforce development strategies. During this time, Mayor Bottoms appointed Kimberlyn Daniel to serve as interim
Executive Director of WorkSource to establish a strategic plan for the WIOA grant programs.
“Thank you (Daniel) for strengthening our programs so that we may continue to provide a public pipeline of local, talented workers,” said Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. “As we continue the integration process with WorkSource Atlanta and Invest Atlanta, I am excited to welcome (Taylor) to our team. Her leadership and experience will complement the existing strengths of the WorkSource Atlanta and Invest Atlanta teams.”
