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Ratify the selection of David Hubble to serve as the President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County effective July 14, 2025
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Published Notice Required? Yes ___ No X
Public Hearing Required? Yes ___ No X
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors ratify the selection and appointment of David Hubble as the new President/Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Solano County, Inc. (WDB) effective July 14, 2025.
SUMMARY:
Former WDB President/Executive Director, Ms. Heather Henry, notified the Board of Directors of her resignation, effective May 2, 2025. Ms. Henry provided two months’ notice to support a smooth transition and recruitment of her successor.
WDB launched an executive recruitment effort using both traditional outreach methods and modern digital platforms. A panel composed of three WDB Executive Committee members and Solano County Supervisors Wanda Williams and Monica Brown interviewed the top two finalists.
In accordance with the provisions of the current “County-WDB Agreement,” the Board of Supervisors is now requested to ratify the selection of the top-rated candidate, Mr. David Hubble, for appointment as WDB President/Executive Director. His appointment would become effective July 14, 2025, along with a mutually agreed-upon compensation package.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
WDB operations, including the President/Executive Director’s salary and benefits, are fully supported by federal allocations and appropriations to California and Solano County. Therefore, there is no impact on County funds.
DISCUSSION:
Background
Following Ms. Henry’s resignation announcement, the WDBSC Board of Directors initiated an executive-level recruitment process. The WDBSC Executive Committee and the Transition Committee oversaw this effort, including reviewing and updating the job description and approving the recruitment timeline, selection process, and appointment schedule.
The Transition Committee, in coordination with the Executive Committee, selected three Executive Committee members to serve on the interview panel. Supervisors Wanda Williams and Monica Brown were also invited to participate in the interviews.
Pursuant to Section 2.Q. of the Agreement between the County and WDB, the Solano County Board of Supervisors must ratify WDB’s selection of its President/Executive Director before the appointment becomes final. This requested action fulfills the final step in the appointment process.
Application, Interview, and Selection Process
Recruitment announcements were distributed widely through national, state, and local channels, including Solano County’s workforce development network. WDB received 72 applications. After an initial screening, the Interim Deputy Director-who also manages all Human Resources functions for WDB-conducted an in-depth review of the top applicants, collected supplemental responses, and completed phone screenings.
The Executive and Transition Committees reviewed the top candidates, selecting three for formal interviews. One candidate withdrew prior to the interviews. Formal interviews were conducted on May 14, 2025. Both candidates advanced to a second round of interviews before the full WDB Board of Directors on May 16, 2025.
The interview panel shared its evaluations and recommendations with the Board. After discussion, a consensus candidate emerged, pending a semi-formal interview with the WDB Leadership Team. Staff were encouraged to review candidate résumés and provide input through their supervisors. These semi-formal interviews occurred on May 21, 2025. Results were shared with the Executive and Transition Committees.
With comprehensive input from both Board and Leadership, the WDB Board of Directors selected Mr. David Hubble as the next President/Executive Director. A conditional offer was extended and accepted, contingent on Board of Supervisors ratification.
Mr. David Hubble’s Background and Qualifications
David Hubble brings over 27 years of leadership and government experience with a strong background in workforce development, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) compliance, and strategic program implementation. He currently serves as a Workforce Development Specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Office of Job Corps, where he oversees Career and Technical Training programs across 121 centers and ensures alignment with WIOA regulations. He has extensive experience managing over $300 million in federal contracts as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Level III, developing performance-based programs, and leading national workforce initiatives.
Mr. Hubble has a proven track record in building community and employer partnerships, creating workforce pipelines for underserved populations, and implementing data-driven, cost-effective strategies. His experience includes workforce engagement for formerly incarcerated and low-income individuals, as well as senior-level roles in Army recruiting and public outreach. Known for his visionary leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and strong communication skills-including fluency in American Sign Language-Mr. Hubble is uniquely positioned to lead WDB efforts that improve employment outcomes and strengthen employer engagement across Solano County.
Transition Period
To ensure continuity of operations following Ms. Henry’s departure, WDBSC appointed an Interim Executive Director and Interim Deputy Director. The Transition Committee has met biweekly since Ms. Henry’s notice to support staff and facilitate a seamless leadership transition. The committee will continue to convene as needed.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board of Supervisors may opt not to ratify Mr. Hubble’s appointment and instead request revised criteria or a modified recruitment process for a new search. However, with Ms. Henry’s departure effective May 2, 2025, interim leadership-consisting of an Interim Executive Director and Interim Deputy Director-was established to ensure continued operations. While this arrangement provides short-term stability, it is not a viable long-term solution. Any delay in appointing a permanent successor would prolong the absence of formal leadership and potentially hinder the organization’s strategic direction and continuity.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Offices of Supervisors Williams and Brown have been involved in this interview process and assisted in the selection process.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION