Cothran to serve again as Chairman of the County Workforce Board

Fontana business owner Phil Cothran has been re-elected chairman of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB), comprised of leaders from a multitude of sectors dedicated to helping individuals build careers and employers find qualified workers to meet their business needs.

Cothran, who has served on the WDB for 25 years, was re-elected unanimously during a recent board meeting. Also re-elected were vice chair William Sterling and 2nd Vice Chair BJ Patterson.

“I am honored and thrilled to serve as chair of this incredible group of mission-driven leaders – all committed to supporting a strong, vibrant economy in one of the most robust population centers in the country,” said Cothran, owner of Phil Cothran State Farm Insurance and president of the Fontana Chamber of Commerce. “The power of a job goes beyond a paycheck; it contributes to the overall health and well-being of a community. We’re proud of the work we do, and look forward to playing a critical role in the post-pandemic recovery.”

Sterling has served on WDB for more than six years. He is the president and chief executive officer of Sterling Synergy Systems Inc., providing technical and business consulting services to business throughout the United States. He also is the co-founder, president and CEO of BCM Group Inc., which provides program and construction management services. He has over 25 years of executive management, leadership, and consulting experience with for-profit and non-profit corporations.

Patterson has served on WDB since 2014. He is the CEO of Pacific Mountain Logistics and a Navy veteran. Patterson has spent the past 28 years in various logistics roles and has a deep understanding what is needed to represent the county’s rapidly expanding logistics industry.

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About the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board

The San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors. The WDB strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment in line with the Countywide Vision.

The Workforce Development Board, through the San Bernardino County Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, offers a variety of programs designed to help youth and adults identify career pathways and get the appropriate training and skills. Programs funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provide eligible youth, ages 16 to 24, access to a variety of career and educational services designed to help enhance job skills, develop leadership qualities, explore career options, participate in adult and peer mentoring opportunities, and take advantage of work experiences. In addition, the WDB operates San Bernardino County’s three America's Job Centers of California (AJCC). The AJCCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The AJCCs also support and provide services to the County's businesses, including employee recruitment and business retention programs.

Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Development Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.sbcounty.gov/workforce. Also follow us on: Facebook www.facebook.com/SBCountyWDB; Twitter @InlandEmpireJob; LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/sanbernardinocountywdb; and YouTube https://www.youtube.com/SBCountyWIB.