Dowling named director of workforce development

The position was previously held by Robert Simpson, who retired July 1. Gay Larsen, accounting supervisor, and Alma Price, administrative assistant to the director, have since served as co-acting directors.

Dowling will lead the department in providing job training and opportunities for unemployed or underemployed residents. His starting salary will be $79,793.37.

Dowling joins the department from Los Angeles, where he led the Chinatown Career Center since 2000. He managed the center’s Workforce Investment Act adult and youth programs, grant development and writing, planning and public relations, and collaboration with community partners.

He also has been the program coordinator for the S.T.A.R. Welfare to Work staff at Goodwill Industries of Southern California and an associate pastor for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Dowling has a Master of Arts in theology, a Master of Divinity in theology and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Saint John’s Seminary. He is a member of the National Workforce Association and fluently speaks English and Spanish.