East Alabama – After nearly ten years of service to the region, East AlabamaWorks (EAW) has announced that it will cease operations on June 2, 2025. The decision comes following the passage of the Alabama Workforce Transformation Act in Spring 2024, which realigns workforce initiatives and redistributes funding, coupled with a significant reduction to EAW’s 2025 budget.
Since 2016, East AlabamaWorks has been a critical link between education, industry, and the community, providing individuals across its seven-county region with opportunities to develop and expand their skills. The organization has played a vital role in workforce development, ensuring that employers’ talent needs were met while helping individuals advance in their careers.
“This decision was not made lightly, and it is even more challenging given the tremendous relationships we have built with each of you,” said Lisa Morales, Executive Director of East AlabamaWorks. “Over the next two months, our focus will be on identifying ways to address the gaps this change may create and ensuring as smooth a transition as possible for the businesses, individuals, and partners we have served.”
Despite the closure, two key programs led by East AlabamaWorks will continue. The Worlds of Work career exploration event, now in its 10th year, will remain a top priority for stakeholders and continue to introduce students to career opportunities across the region. Additionally, the Modern Manufacturing Program (MMP) will continue under the MMP Center of Excellence with its current staff in place.
To discuss the transition and reflect on the organization’s impact, East AlabamaWorks will host its Quarterly Workforce Meeting on April 15, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM at Jacksonville State University’s Merrill Hall. The event will feature speakers addressing workforce-related topics and serve as an opportunity for stakeholders to connect.
“Serving East Alabama has been both an honor and a privilege,” said Morales. “We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.”
As the organization prepares to close, its leadership and board members extend their gratitude to the many partners, businesses, and individuals who have supported East AlabamaWorks over the years.
