NSHE appoints Frank Woodbeck to lead Nevada College Collaborative

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has named Frank R. Woodbeck, director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR), as its new executive director of the Nevada College Collaborative.

In this new position, Woodbeck will be responsible for starting and leading the effort to improve efficiency and effectiveness among Nevada’s community colleges and centralize business functions. The overarching objectives of the collaborative are to share talent, services and purchasing power between the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College, and Western Nevada College.

He will start his new position in Las Vegas on April 21, 2014.

“Frank is a proven leader who brings a wealth of experience and energy to the Nevada College Collaborative,” said Dan Klaich, chancellor of NSHE. “His in-depth knowledge of our state’s workforce development needs and ability to manage complex organizations will be an asset in our ongoing efforts to build a better higher education system.”

“Our community colleges play a critical role in workforce development throughout Nevada,” added Kevin J. Page, chair of the Nevada Board of Regents. “Launching this collaborative under Frank’s leadership is the first step in sharing services between our community colleges and better serving our students.”

“Frank is a natural collaborator with an excellent reputation. I have been impressed with his leadership skills in increasing communication among state agencies and improving workforce issues for Nevadans. I look forward to what he will do within NSHE,” said Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick.

At DETR, Woodbeck oversaw operations for Nevada’s Employment Security Division, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, Nevada Equal Rights Commission, Research and Analysis Bureau, and Information Development and Processing.

Before joining DETR, Woodbeck was director of Las Vegas operations and workforce initiatives for the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. He spent several years as an executive in the broadcast industry with ABC Radio and The Washington Post Company.

Woodbeck currently serves on the cabinet of Governor Brian Sandoval, as well as the board of directors for the Nevada Center of Excellence, Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates, and Three Square Food Bank.

Receiving his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Buffalo, Woodbeck has also completed graduate management courses at the University of Buffalo and Harvard University.

Woodbeck is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and is a recipient of the Vietnam Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.