Marano Fellows Class of 2010

Name: Shalee Hodgson
Organization:

Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development

Location: Salem, Oregon
Primary Industry Sector: Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Production/Generation, Green Manufacturing, Green Building and Development and Energy Transmission and Storage services
Type of Organization: State Agency

“Green and sustainable jobs are a growing focus for Oregon, I am excited to learn more about sector work and develop the skills necessary to bring businesses and service providers together in partnership to create jobs and strengthen our economy for long-term growth.”

Organizational Mission: It is the Mission of the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development to contribute leadership and resources to increase the skills, knowledge and career opportunities of Oregonians. The Agency has been in operation since 1987.

Interest in Sector Work: Oregon is one of only a few states that have both a relatively large and fast growing green jobs sector. In order to enhance that growth, the state is in the process of developing a comprehensive green jobs growth plan. This plan will be presented to the State Legislature in 2011. It provides recommendations for implementation of a statewide, comprehensive green jobs strategy.

One of the main elements of this strategy is the development of sector strategies for industries that have the greatest potential for green jobs growth. As Oregon’s unemployment rate maintains a level above the national average, it is more important than ever to develop strategies for job creation, putting Oregonians back to work. In the next two years, we plan to focus on sector development in Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy Production/Generation, Green Manufacturing, Green Building and Development and Energy Transmission and Storage.