Rick Beasley

Rick Beasley has served as the Executive Director for the South Florida Workforce Investment Board (SFWIB) dba CareerSource South Florida (CSSF) since August 2005. In this position, he oversees workforce programs in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties with an operating budget of $75 million. He is in charge of one of the nation’s most dynamic “melting pots” – a diverse socioeconomic region. His vision for CareerSource South Florida is to create a model for the nation by establishing a world-class talent supply chain that fosters economic growth. CareerSource South Florida’s overarching strategic priority is to support economic development that leads to higher–skilled, better-paying jobs that improve South Florida’s quality of life and strengthen the economy. Mr. Beasley has provided leadership for a number of important workforce initiatives including the development of an On-line Balance Scorecard, deployment of the CSSF Mobile Workforce Assistance Centers (five mobile units), development and implementation of the Miami-Dade County First Source Ordinance, the South Florida Workforce State of the Workforce Report. CareerSource South Florida is one of the few Local Workforce Development Boards that sponsor career development offices on the campus of partner colleges and universities including St. Thomas University and Florida Memorial University as a way of increasing the talent pool and gaining early access/exposure to college graduates. Beasley most recently served as Chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), making him the second African American honored to govern in this capacity over GMCCs nearly 114-year history. Beasley’s role as Board Chair includes assisting in membership development and strategy setting, and advocating for important business issues supported by the Chamber. Prior to joining CareerSource South Florida, he was the Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Division of Workforce Development. In this position, Beasley was responsible for managing Missouri's workforce development system and advising key policymakers on a broad range of workforce and economic development issues. In total, Rick oversaw more than 500 employees, while administering a $250 million budget to provide employment and training assistance to Missouri job seekers and employers. Under Beasley's leadership, the Department of Economic Development-Division of Workforce Development received the Governor's Award for Quality and Productivity in recognition for outstanding work. He led the development and release of GreatHires.org, the state's new job bank and case management system. The system proved so efficient, the agency expanded it to incorporate all employment and training programs. Beasley was also instrumental in revamping the organization's structure, providing better service delivery and more efficient program coordination. Beasley held several management positions in state government as well as the private sector before being appointed to the Missouri Department of Economic Development. He served as the Staff Director of the Missouri Training and Employment Council, the State's Workforce Investment Board. Additionally, Beasley served as the One-Stop Career Center Coordinator for the Division.