Innovation Unplugged

In Episode 57, Matt Heaton welcomes Tony May, Work-Based Learning Specialist at the Alabama State Department of Education, for a conversation about the future of workforce development through hands-on learning and career exploration. They explore how Skills for Success—powered by the ACCS Innovation Center and delivered through Alabama’s community colleges—is equipping high school students with re...

In Episode 56, Houston Blackwood sits down with Matt Heaton, Career Readiness Manager for the ACCS Innovation Center, to discuss the transformative impact of career readiness programs across Alabama. Matt shares his journey from working in special education to leading initiatives that are creating real opportunities for students. Through his work, he is helping students gain industry-backed creden...

In Episode 55, Destiny Smith, Workforce Manager; Rachael Lusco, Curriculum Development Manager; and John Mullins, Senior Project Coordinator, join podcast host Houston Blackwood to discuss their roles at the ACCS Innovation Center and the meaningful impact of their work. The team reflects on their diverse backgrounds and unique journeys to the Innovation Center, each bringing valuable expertise fr...

In Episode 54, we delve into Alabama's strategic initiatives to strengthen its maritime workforce. Lindsay Cline, Southeastern Regional Director for the U.S. Navy Maritime Industrial Base, and Jennifer Hall, ACCS Southern Regional Workforce Director and Maritime Lead, discuss the pressing need for 10,000 skilled workers in shipfitting, pipefitting, and welding over the next decade. They highlight...

In Episode 53, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozier sit down with Jake Bonds, Senior Vice President of Schoel Engineering, to dive into the workforce development challenges facing Alabama's surveying industry. Together, they discuss the growing demand for survey technicians and how the collaboration with the Innovation Center, driven by the Skills for Success Land Survey Technician course...

In Episode 52, Kailah Dozier and Houston Blackwood are joined by Dr. Matt Massey, President of the Alabama School for Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), for an in-depth discussion about how this pioneering high school is reshaping education for the future. Dr. Massey explains how ASCTE’s unique STEM-focused approach is cultivating well-rounded students prepared for success in cybersecurity...

In Episode 51, podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell sit down with Sandie Dutton, the Registrar Manager for the Innovation Center. Sandie opens up about her journey—from her initial plan of being a stay-at-home mom to her impactful career in education and workforce development. Listen in as Sandie shares how her personal experiences, including supporting her children's educational pat...

In Episode 50, ACCS Innovation Center’s Chief of Operations, Julie Frizell, and Directors Houston Blackwood, Brandi Merrill, and Kaliah Dozier come together for a milestone podcast recording. This dynamic team reflects on the podcast’s journey over the past year, from spontaneous brainstorming sessions to creating the format and landing on the perfect name. They share their favorite guests, stando...

In Episode 49, "Collaborative Growth: Transforming Workforce Training for Success," Akareem Spears, Dean of Workforce Economic Development at Bishop State Community College, joins hosts Brandi Merrill and Houston Blackwood for an insightful discussion on workforce development initiatives. Akareem shares his career journey, from his work in adult education to his current role leading workforce deve...

In Episode 48, “Expanding Horizons: Strengthening Reach and Impact in Workforce Training” podcast host, Brandi Merrill sits down with the workforce team from Bevill State Community College to hear about workforce initiatives and the impact their work has on the community they serve. Al Moore, Amanda Tice, and Chad Bryant share their diverse career paths and how they’ve come together to build an ex...

In Episode 47, “Creating Opportunity: Transforming the Community with Skills Training”, podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell sit down with Chad Sutton, Associate Dean of Workforce Development and Strategic Initiatives at LBW Community College, to dive into impactful workforce development efforts. Chad sheds light on how LBW is driving meaningful change in the community through Skills...

In Episode 46, “ Workforce Ready : Innovative Skills Training for K-12, Industry, and the Community with Tyler Nelson”, Director of Workforce Development at Southern Union State Community College, joins podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozier to discuss the transformative impact of workforce development and Skills for Success.  Tyler shares his unique perspective, having previously serve...

In Episode 45, “Machinery and Mentorship: Shaping Student Success with Shelton State Heavy Equipment Instructors”, host Brandi Merrill sits down with Ken Richardson and Sherman Lee, two exceptional heavy equipment instructors from Shelton State Community College. Through their stories, we dive into their own unique backgrounds and discuss the profound lessons they've learned along the way. With a...

In Episode 44, “Healthcare Education: Exploring Career Pathways in Alabama”, hosts Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell explore the innovative workforce development initiatives shaping Alabama's healthcare landscape with the Dean of Health Sciences at Calhoun Community College.  From his journey in manufacturing to healthcare education, Kenneth shares insights on addressing critical workforce shor...

 In Episode 43, “Bridging The Gap: Empowering Local Leaders and Strengthening Communities with Mary Jackson” podcast hosts Kailah Dozier and Brandi Merrill dive deep into local government and community development with the Director of Community and Professional Development at the Alabama League of Municipalities.  Mary shares her journey from Colorado to Alabama, discussing her background as a cit...

In Episode 42, “Crafting Content: Behind the Scenes Collaboration with Seed Creative,” podcast hosts Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell welcome two creative minds behind the compelling content for Skills for Success and the ACCS Innovation Center. Join George Edmondson, founder of Seed Creative, and team member Nick Golden as they share their unique backgrounds and journeys to Seed Creative. They d...

In Episode 41, “Industry Driven: Training For The Community with Micheal Barnette” Dean of Workforce and Economic Development Programs from Central Alabama Community College joins Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell for a conversation focused on the dynamic world of workforce development.  Micheal shares his career journey from over 20 years to now leading workforce initiatives at CACC, which serves...

In episode 40, “Connecting Students: Pathways of Education and Skills Training in Workforce Development” podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozer sit down with the Dean of Workforce Development and Skills Training at Northeast Alabama Community College. Kerry shares his unique career journey, from opening a collision repair shop to transitioning into teaching and leading workforce initiati...

In Episode 39, “Driven Vision: Plans to Transform Workforce Development with Dr. Ira Jones” podcast hosts Houston Blackwood and Kaliah Dozier sit down with Dr. Ira Jones, Director of Workforce Development at Drake State Community and Technical College.  Dr. Jones shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a blue-collar family to serving in the Marine Corps, law enforcement, and the FBI. He d...

In Episode 38, “Creating Impact: Enhancing Community Through Workforce Development with Dr. Josh Duplantis”, podcast host Houston Blackwood speaks with Dr. Duplantis, the Dean of Workforce Development at Coastal Alabama Community College for a conversation centered around the challenges and opportunities in workforce training and the vital partnerships that meet the demands of the community.   Dr....

In Episode 37, “Leadership Insights: Recruiting and Navigating Through the Workforce with Ben Cottingham ” Lead Recruiter at FireSeeds, a leading recruiting and talent development firm based in Birmingham, joins Houston Blackwood and Julie Frizzell on the podcast. In this episode, we dive into the worlds of recruiting, leadership, and the future of workforce development. Ben shares his journey fro...

In Episode 36, “Offering Opportunities: Innovative Skills Training for Communities with Rob Lee  ” Director of Workforce for Wallace Community College Selma joins podcast hosts Julie Frizzell and Brandi Merrill for an enlightening conversation centered around offering skills training, partnering with industries, and community impact. Rob shares his inspiring journey from IT professional to leader...

In Episode 35, Cultivating Community: Innovations in Workforce Development with Nanyail Smoke" hosts Brandi Merrill and Julie Frizzell sit down with Nanyail Smoke, the Director of Workforce Development at Chattahoochee Valley Community College, for an insightful conversation about workforce initiatives and hopes for community partnerships and workforce development in East Alabama. Discover th...

In Episode 34, "Opportunities Unlocked: The Power of Connections and Workforce Education with Doug Brazier, hosts Houston Blackwood and Brandi Merrill welcome Director of Workforce Solutions for an insightful conversation about the impactful initiatives and inspiring success stories at Calhoun Community College. Join us as Doug shares his unique journey from working in his family’s business t...

In Episode 33, “Pathways to Progress: Transforming Lives Through Training” podcast hosts, Julie Frizzell and Kailah Dozier delve into the impactful work that Wallace State Community College Hanceville is doing through workforce training and Skills for Success for two life-changing organizations in their area.   In the first half of Episode 33, Director of Living Free, Rendell Drummond, and mentor,...