CareerSource Broward welcomes Kris Hopkins and Dr. Kelly Moore as new members of the Broward Workforce Development Board

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In Broward County, the effort to build a stronger workforce depends on collaboration across industries, education systems, and community organizations. That collaboration gained two new voices this week as CareerSource Broward announced the appointment of two leaders to the Broward Workforce Development Board, a group responsible for guiding workforce initiatives across the county.

The organization confirmed that Kris Hopkins and Dr. Kelly Moore have joined the board, bringing with them a mix of labor representation and higher education leadership. Their appointments add to a board already made up of more than 25 leaders from Broward’s business, nonprofit, education, and labor sectors.

Together, the board members help shape the direction of Broward County’s workforce development system, identifying priorities, strengthening job training opportunities, and aligning education with the real needs of employers.

Hopkins enters the role with extensive experience in the maritime industry. He currently serves as a port agent and assistant vice president for the Seafarers International Union of North America, an organization representing maritime workers across the United States and Canada.

Because Broward County’s economy includes a strong maritime presence tied to its busy ports and shipping activities, Hopkins’ perspective is expected to provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing both workers and employers in the sector.

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His background in organized labor also brings a practical understanding of workforce issues. Labor organizations often serve as the bridge between industry needs and worker protections, helping shape policies that affect training programs, career advancement opportunities, and workplace standards.

By joining the workforce development board, Hopkins will help ensure that workforce planning discussions consider the realities faced by maritime professionals and the companies that rely on them.

On the academic side, Moore brings a different—but equally important—set of experiences.

Moore currently serves as president of the Fort Lauderdale campus of Keiser University, where she oversees academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in a wide range of industries. Her work focuses heavily on aligning educational programs with workforce demands, a priority shared by the board.

Her addition to the group also strengthens the board’s connection to the region’s education system. Moore joins other education leaders already serving on the board, including Stacy Volnick of Florida Atlantic University and Howard Hepburn of Broward County Public Schools.

That mix of educational perspectives—from universities to public schools—plays an important role in shaping strategies that prepare students for the workforce long before they graduate.

Leaders at CareerSource Broward say the two new appointments will strengthen the board’s ability to guide workforce initiatives and respond to the evolving needs of local industries.

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“Kris and Dr. Moore bring distinct strengths to the board,” said Carol Hylton, President and CEO of CareerSource Broward. “They will add valuable expertise from key sectors of Broward’s economy. Their insights will help guide the board’s strategic direction and strengthen our ability to support a competitive workforce.”

For Hopkins, the appointment represents an opportunity to ensure that the voices of maritime workers are part of broader conversations about economic development.

“I am honored to serve on the board representing Broward’s maritime industry,” said Hopkins. “I look forward to contributing to the board’s work and ensuring our workforce strategies reflect the realities of local industry needs, which are critical to Broward’s continued economic growth.”

Moore, meanwhile, views the role as a natural extension of her work in higher education—helping students turn classroom knowledge into meaningful career opportunities.

“Career-focused education and workforce development go hand in hand,” said Moore. “As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the importance of clear pathways to credentials and careers. I look forward to serving on the BWDB and working with board members to expand opportunities and strengthen pathways for Broward residents.”

The Broward Workforce Development Board plays a central role in shaping job training programs, workforce initiatives, and partnerships that connect residents with employment opportunities.

Working closely with CareerSource Broward, the board helps oversee initiatives designed to prepare workers for careers in growing industries, provide training resources to job seekers, and support employers looking for skilled talent.

These efforts are particularly important in a region like Broward County, where industries such as tourism, healthcare, maritime services, and education play major roles in the local economy.

By bringing together leaders from across sectors, the board ensures that workforce strategies reflect real economic needs rather than theoretical plans.

That collaborative approach is what makes the addition of Hopkins and Moore significant. Each represents a sector—labor and higher education—that plays a critical role in preparing workers and supporting economic growth.

Their presence on the board is expected to help strengthen connections between employers, educators, and workforce organizations.

In the long term, those connections can help create clearer career pathways for residents, expand access to training programs, and ensure that Broward County’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

CareerSource Broward officials say the board’s work ultimately centers on one goal: helping residents build successful careers while ensuring businesses have the skilled workforce they need.

With the addition of two new members bringing fresh perspectives and experience, that mission continues to move forward—one strategy, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.