LTWDB celebrates outgoing Meade County board member Chris Cottrell

The Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board (LTWDB) announced the departure of long-time board member Chris Cottrell at the June Board Meeting. Cottrell is rolling off the board after eight years of dedicated service. A resident of Meade County and sales manager at Ray’s Ford, Cottrell has been an important voice on the board, directly representing the region’s business and industry sectors.

Throughout his two terms of service, Cottrell leveraged his Meade County roots and professional expertise to advocate for workforce solutions that benefit both employers and job seekers across the Lincoln Trail region. His leadership helped guide local workforce initiatives through a period of historic economic growth and shifting labor market demands. During this tenure, he served as chair of the Funding Committee, helping to guide the workforce program's financial functions.

"Chris has been an invaluable asset to our board for nearly a decade," said LTWDB Board Chair Lance Blanford. "His perspective as a business leader in Meade County ensured that our regional strategies remained aligned with real-world industry needs. We are grateful for his years of voluntary service, his insights, and his unwavering commitment to strengthening our local economy."

The LTWDB is a business-led policy organization charged with creating a demand-driven workforce system. Under federal guidelines, the majority of the board must be composed of private sector business leaders. Cottrell's departure marks the conclusion of a significant chapter of leadership that helped bridge the gap between education, economic development, and industry.

Reflecting on his time with the board, Cottrell noted the importance of regional collaboration. 

"It has been an honor to serve the Lincoln Trail region and represent Meade County's business community,” Cottrell said. “Had it not been for my participation on the board, I would not have met so many outstanding, civic-minded leaders from across the region. I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished to create better opportunities for our workforce, and I look forward to seeing the board's continued success."

Cottrell will be replaced by a new business representative from Meade County.