Jacksonville, Fla. (July 26, 2021) Jacksonville native and Putnam County Resident Wayne McClain has been elected chair of the CareerSource Northeast Florida (CareerSource NEFL) Board of Directors for the 2021-22 Fiscal Year.
“I’m honored to be elected and very excited that I’ll have the opportunity to represent Putnam County in a leadership role on our regional workforce organization,” McClain said. “I’m a big fan of the work CareerSource NEFL provides in our six counties, since I’ve personally used their services for more than a decade as a business owner. I’m impressed with the level of customer service the staff provides, and their services are even more critical as we emerge from the pandemic and need to connect job seekers to employers throughout Northeast Florida.”
McClain, who has represented private industry in Putnam County on the board since 2018, is vice president for the Beck Automotive Group located in Palatka, Florida.
He brings extensive business experience to the new leadership role. He previously enjoyed a successful career with companies including Mobil Oil Corporation, Miller Brewing Company, JM Family Enterprises and Toyota USA. He is also a former teacher and school principal.
McClain is also active in his local community, serving on various boards including the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, the Kay-Larkin Airport Advisory Board, the Putnam County Medical Center, the Haven Hospice Advisory Board, Ride Solution and the Putnam County Fair Authority — and is the founding board member of the “10-24” Foundation of Putnam County. He’s also a trustee for the L. Wayne & Julie E. McClain Family Foundation and is an active speaker on topics including customer and employee loyalty, along with community involvement.
McClain received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and earned a MBA with honors from the University of North Florida.
The CareerSource NEFL Board, which provides guidance, feedback and direction to the agency on the delivery of workforce development services, is made up of community and civic leaders in the areas of education, business and government. Board members are nominated by local chambers of commerce, county commissioners, city councils and mayors. The board is also mandated by legislation to involve local college presidents, school superintendents, labor leaders and representatives from state-agency partners.