Donna Caskey of Dallas, the human resources manager for GSM Services, who has served as a member of the Gaston Workforce Development Board since 2017, was announced this week by Gov. Roy Cooper as the 2021 winner of the Bill Ragland Private Sector Award for Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development.

Caskey, a champion of work-based learning, has worked to strengthen GSM's partnership with the workforce board and other organizations to focus on the emerging workforce and upskilling current employees as technologies evolve. At GSM, she has led inclusive recruiting and hiring practices focused on formerly incarcerated individuals and other jobseekers with potential barriers to employment. She has helped develop GSM’s own registered apprenticeship program and used NCWorks programs like On-the-Job Training, Work Experience and Incumbent Worker Training.

Caskey volunteers and participates on several community-based committees and non-profit organization boards. She is an active member of Gaston County's Professional Women's Association and Gaston HR. She volunteers each year to participate in the Gaston County Career Expo for high school students.

The award was one of four to individuals announced during the 34th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference, organized by the NC Department of Commerce and held this year in a virtual format.

“This year’s NCWorks award winners have risen to the challenges of the pandemic, and they inspire us with their resilience, leadership and dedication,” said Governor Cooper. “We must continue to focus on getting North Carolina job-ready, because a stronger, more inclusive workforce is the key to economic prosperity."