Workforce Foundation
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
WESTMARC Workforce Foundation
Advancing workforce development in the West Valley — because a skilled workforce is the foundation of a thriving region.
Our Vision
A Future-Forward West Valley
A future-forward West Valley where innovation and a skilled workforce spark sustainable growth and limitless opportunity.
Our Mission
Advance Workforce Development
To advance workforce development in the West Valley by using an innovative, regional approach to identify, prioritize, and advocate for essential education and training, occupational pathways, and career advancement initiatives that align with the workforce needs of local industries and residents.
Invest in the Future of the West Valley
Your donation supports initiatives that prepare individuals for high-demand careers, foster economic mobility, and strengthen the talent pipeline across our communities.
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Foundation Leadership
Board of Directors
Erin McGehean
BOARD CHAIR
Project Manager
Center for the Future of Arizona
Michelle Hess
BOARD TREASURER
Executive Director
Leadership West
Bobby Babbrah
Managing Partner/CEO
Flipp.ED Ventures LLC
Scott Holman
Vice President of HR
AMKOR Technology Arizona
Bobbi Magdaleno
Executive Director Government and Community Engagement
Arizona State University
Sebastian Porchini
Senior Vice President
FirstBank
Nate Showman
Executive Director of Career & Technical Education and Academies
Agua Fria Union High School District
Trevor Stokes
Vice President of Career Readiness Initiatives
Pathways 2 Careers
Noelle Trinder
Senior Director, Healthcare Careers
Banner Healthcare
Regional Strategy
West Valley Pipeline
The West Valley Pipeline is a regional workforce development strategy that serves as the guiding document in developing an educated skilled workforce, moving the region forward in a competitive fashion, attracting new businesses and creating excellent career opportunities for residents.
Programs
West Valley Workforce Success Series
Connect with Subject Matter Experts
The West Valley Workforce Success Series allows subject matter experts to share talent attraction and retention successes and connect businesses with valuable resources. Register for upcoming webinars.
West Valley Economic Indicators
After showing strong Employment gains in 2025, West Valley Employment has dropped three straight months from its high mark in November 2025:
- February 2026 West Valley Employment is at its lowest level in over a year, since December 2024.
- February 2026 lost over 19,000 jobs compared to January 2026.
- Year over Year (February 2026 compared to February 2025, West Valley Employment is lower by over 32,500 jobs.
Even with the drop in West Valley Employment, the Unemployment Rate is lower by two-tenths of a point in February 2026 compared to January
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The Federal Reserve Bank has revised the Arizona Labor Force Participation Rates dating back several months. As a result of this revision, the Arizona LFPR has been at 62% or higher for all of 2025, matching its highest mark on the recor of 62.6% in September.Â
Since September 2025, the Arizona LFPR has dropped nearly a full point, to 61.7% in both December 2025 and January 2026.
The December Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey reveals a mixed message:
- Arizona employers posted only 122,000 job openings in December 2025,
the lower number of openings since the 2020 Pandemic. - Even with fewer job openings, Arizona employers hired a robust 131,000 new workers.
- Among Arizona Workers, there were only 62,000 Voluntary Quits in
December 2025, the lowest level on record, indicating that workers are
nervous about finding new jobs. - Employers laid off only 34,000 workers in December 2025, among the
lightest lay off months in the Pandemic recovery.
Business Resource Guide
Arizona Job Connection
Create, edit, and manage an unlimited number of job postings for free and search for qualified candidates.
Pipeline AZ
Connecting job seekers to employment, training and education resources and opportunities, for the future success of individuals and industry partners, enhanced quality of life and regional economic vitality.
BestCompaniesAZ
Specializing in helping corporate clients and community partners develop, strengthen and market their unique employer brands on a regional and national level.
ARIZONA@WORK
Job Fairs and hiring events through the ARIZONA@WORK network.
Career Connectors
We connect companies with experienced professionals talent.
Jobertising.com
Connects companies with the best talent via career fairs, private hiring events and customized recruitment advertising services.
RecruitMilitary
As the leader in connecting employers with the military community, RecuitMilitary is committed to facilitating military-to-civilian employment.
Hiring Our Heroes
Our hiring events connect military community job seekers from around the globe with American businesses hiring for local, national, and remote opportunities. Pro Tip: Search for "Southwest Region".
West Valley City Small Business Services
Regional Small Business Services
Chambers of Commerce
Join the Workforce Wednesday Mailing List!
Stay informed on workforce news, events, and resources every Wednesday.