Work It,
WORDS: Amy Bell
PICTURES: Whitney Patton
A private, non-profit corporation in Bradenton, CareerSource
Suncoast has a straightforward mission: To recruit, train,
and retain talent for the Suncoast. “Our mission is simple,
descriptive, and memorable,” says Ted Ehrlichman, President
and CEO. “If only it were that easy to achieve!”
When you peel back even the most basic activity - such
as matching workers with jobs and employers with talent -
Ehrlichman says you’ll quickly discover it’s not as easy as it
sounds. “Understanding each job seeker’s strengths, learning
adaptability, change, and core skills - these are what we focus
on for individual development,” he explains.
“From childhood through retirement, every day and every
experience shape a person’s work life; and the balance
among those things with family and spirit is essential to a great
community eco-system.”
He says CareerSource Suncoast works to seek alignment
among partners throughout Manatee, Sarasota, and across
Florida. “We see ourselves as a regional connector for the wide
variety of organizations already focused on early learning, family
and children, public, and private education,” he emphasizes.
“Florida’s 24 local workforce boards are very fortunate to have
a structure that allows the best of private enterprise and public
dollars to work together and connect all the pieces.”
While many workers and employers assume CareerSource
Suncoast is part of the state or local government, this is not the
67
SUNCOAST !
case. “We are a 501(c)(3) with our mission and focus led by a
diverse and engaged Board,” Ehrlichman explains.
The corporation’s Board of Directors consists of private business,
economic development, and education representatives,
community, and state agencies, as well as elected officials.
Members of the Board represent a diversity of businesses,
organizations, and trades that operate across Manatee and
Sarasota Counties.
Throughout the year, CareerSource offers a number of targeting
hiring events, job fairs, conferences, and classes for both
employers and job seekers. The organization’s programs and
partnerships are recognized both locally and statewide, and
their certified staff members are hailed as leaders in workforce
development.
It seems fitting for Ehrlichman to head up a company that finds
the ideal career for job seekers. After all, he has already landed
his dream job.
Ehrlichman has served as CEO & President of CareerSource
Suncoast since 2014. However, he’s been with the company
since 2009.
“As is the case with most of the Leadership Team at CareerSource
today, I began my journey as a client, seeking a job during the