The Board's Mission
The Southern Workforce Board is a community based not-for-profit entity operated by a volunteer Board that is business-led by members representing the community and who have an interest in workforce and economic development issues.
As of 10-1-2026 Southern Workforce Board has combined counties with South Central Workforce Board! Please be patient while we combine the two areas into one board. Our website will be having several updates in the days to follow.
Upcoming Events
SWB Board of Directors Meetings
- October 28, 2026 - Kiamichi Technology Center, Durant, OK
Ardmore's Women in Business Luncheon
Southern Oklahoma Women in Business Network Luncheon in Ardmore. Events like these are made possible through the partnership of REI Oklahoma, Department of Rehabilitation and Southern Workforce Board.
A big thank you to Southern Tech for hosting, and to Oklahoma Department of Commerce for serving as the guest speaker and for providing the meal.
It was truly a wonderful day to connect with, engage, and empower women in business across our region.We come together to bring networking and growth opportunities to our area.
Pictured is Lora Williams, Department of Rehabilitation, Kay Watson, Southern Workforce Board Member, Kerry Manning, Southern Workforce Executive Director, and Melissa Cook, Southern Workforce Business Services Manager
This initiative is designed to help our communities connect with other professionals, discover new opportunities, and access resources that support both personal and professional growth.
We proudly serve 17 Southeastern Oklahoma counties: Atoka, Carter, Coal, Choctaw, Bryan, Garvin, Haskell, Johnston, Latimer, LeFlore, Love, McCurtain, Murray, Pittsburg, Pontotoc, and Pushmataha.
Tribes support local workforce boards.
I would like to formally share the adoption of Inter-Tribal Council Resolution 26-07 and extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Five Civilized Tribes for their thoughtful consideration and support.
We are deeply grateful to:
Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation
Governor Bill Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation
Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation
Principal Chief David Hill, Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Chief Lewis Johnson, Seminole Nation
as well as the members of the Inter-Tribal Council for their leadership and commitment to protecting tribal interests, local governance, and the integrity of Oklahoma’s workforce system.
Resolution 26-07 represents a unified and meaningful position that emphasizes:
* The importance of tribal sovereignty and engagement
* The need for meaningful consultation
* The value of locally driven workforce systems
* The importance of maintaining strong partnerships between tribal nations and local workforce boards
We were honored to have had the opportunity to present to the Governance Committee and to engage with tribal leadership on these critical issues. Your support reinforces the importance of ensuring that any workforce system changes are thoughtful, collaborative, and compliant with federal law.
Thank you again for your leadership and partnership.
Respectfully,
Kerry Manning, Executive Director, Southern Workforce Board