A recognized workforce innovator, Dr. Howard brings more than 16 years of experience building high-impact partnerships, securing transformational funding, and developing talent pipelines that align with emerging industry needs. Throughout her career, she has successfully led workforce initiatives spanning more than $59 million and negotiated a $30 million broadband workforce development investment to prepare workers for new opportunities in telecommunications and infrastructure. Her work focuses on connecting industry, government, and education to address workforce demands in energy, advanced manufacturing, transportation, infrastructure, and other high-growth sectors. She has developed pioneering workforce models, including Louisiana’s first CNA post-training internship program, and continues to lead innovative approaches that expand access, improve outcomes, and strengthen regional economies. Dr. Howard currently serves as Co-Chair of the LSU FUEL Workforce Subcommittee, a Board Member of Louisiana Clean Fuels, a Foundation Board Member of NextGen in Trucking, and an appointee to the Louisiana Trucking Research and Education Council. She is also a national coach for the Advance CTE Leadership Fellows across the United States.