Gates appointed director of County Workforce Board

The Workforce Development Department for San Bernardino County has appointed Brad Gates as Director. Gates, has served as interim director of the department since October.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Brad’s qualifications and experience leading our efforts at this time,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Curt Hagman. “San Bernardino County is one of the country’s fastest-growing economic and population centers. We’ve got a supportive business culture and a growing, qualified labor pool – all of which encourages the kind of consistent economic growth we’re seeing.”

Gates served as assistant Workforce Development director from September 2020 to October 2021, and as deputy director from December 2011 to June 2016. He worked for the City of Ontario as the business operations director from June 2016 to September 2020 and as an economic development coordinator from March 2006 to December 2011. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cal Poly Pomona.

“The Workforce Development Department is defined by an experienced, talented, and customer-focused team,” Gates said. “It will be an honor and a privilege to lead this department as it plays a key role in helping San Bernardino County achieve its economic potential, supported by the four pillars of our County’s organizational culture – value, innovation, service, and vision.”

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Department implements comprehensive strategies to meet the needs of local businesses for a skilled workforce, while creating opportunities for workers to prepare for and enter into good-paying careers.