Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions leader named one of the best in the nation

Jeanian Clark, vice president of Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions, has been named among the 20 best continuing education leaders in the nation by Learning Resources Network (LERN), the leading association in the continuing education field.
 
LERN cites Clark’s “pioneering research and work in addressing the economic uncertainty in the marketplace” and notes her presentation at LERN’s annual conference in November.
 
“Ms. Clark is on the cutting edge and is making a significant contribution to the field,” said LERN President William A. Draves.
 
Clark said “all of the credit goes to the team for being so talented and able to execute strategic initiatives.”
 
“Workforce Solutions’ dedicated business practice of using a strategic operations system has enabled us to remain nimble during times of great uncertainty and to pivot quickly,” she added. “My presentation at the LERN conference focused on the work the team has done over the past six months to quickly adapt to these uncertainties. Thanks to the operations system, every member of our team knew what to do.”
 
With Virginia having the largest federal workforce, Workforce Solutions had to consider how large-scale layoffs would impact individuals, employers and the community, and how the unit could help those displaced workers, noted Clark. Another challenge came when five weeks before the start of fiscal 2026, Clark learned that Workforce Solutions would receive a 38-percent reduction in grant funds meant for student tuition.
 
“We began the fiscal year with just 14 percent of those funds remaining to last us through the next 12 months,” Clark said. “We pivoted to raise more than $400,000 in scholarships to replace those funds and continue our mission-focused work.”
 
Clark’s recognition comes on the heels of Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions being ranked the No. 1 top-performing continuing education unit in North America by LERN co-founder Greg Marsello, who audited Workforce Solutions in November.
 
“After 18 years of applying the LERN Strategic Business Operations framework under Greg’s guidance, the team was proud to be recognized as the top-performing workforce and continuing education program he has audited, out of more than 300 reviews at higher education institutions across North America,” said Clark. “Workforce Solutions surpassed expectations in all six key performance indicators and seven industry benchmarks. This recognition reflects the relentless dedication, talent, and commitment of the Laurel Ridge team, as well as Greg’s invaluable mentorship.”
 
An innovative targeted marking campaign developed by Laurel Ridge Marketing Director Guy Curtis was also recognized by LERN in November