Gulf County woman awarded top workforce professional honors

Lianna Sagins, of Wewahitchka, was awarded the prestigious Florida Workforce Goodwill Emissary Award and the regional Workforce Professional Champion Award at the recent statewide 2023 Workforce Professional Development Summit.

The awards were presented by the Florida Workforce Development Association and CareerSource Florida in recognition of those on the frontline within the workforce system who demonstrate traits and characteristics worthy of emulation, as the workforce of today is prepared for the economic structure of tomorrow.

Sagins, the CareerSource Gulf Coast director of workforce services for Gulf and Franklin counties, was recognized as the state’s only Workforce Goodwill Emissary for sharing her expertise and transferring her knowledge in a capacity that goes far beyond the standard expectation of the job.

The award was one of four special statewide awards presented to Regional Workforce Champions for leadership and advocacy. Her work includes operating a free annual summer camp for approximately 200 children in Gulf County and spearheading the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe’s Prom Project.

“The Goodwill Emissary Award is special, as only one person in the entire state is awarded the honor,” said Kim Bodine, executive director of CareerSource Gulf Coast. “Lianna is a shining example of what it means to not only be a dedicated employee, but to be a passionate advocate for others less fortunate. Her commitment to making Gulf County a better place is truly remarkable and I know she will continue to inspire us all.” 

“I am humbled to be honored for simply doing what I love for a community that I love,” said Sagins. “It is truly a testament to the power of community and the impact we can make together. I am grateful to work alongside so many dedicated people that help serve employers, job seekers, and families in Gulf County.”

Sagins was recently appointed the new director of workforce services for Gulf and Franklin counties. She began her career with CareerSource Gulf Coast in 2019 as a case manager assisting dislocated workers affected by Hurricane Michael and as the summer camp director. She was soon promoted to special projects manager, then the assistant director of workforce services for Gulf and Franklin counties.

Sagins began with CareerSource Gulf Coast intent on expanding the Gulf County Summer Leadership Program which serves over 200 children during the summer months. The program is free for Gulf County families and is designed to be a safe and educational experience with a focus on circumventing learning losses over the summer with stimulating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) activities and engaging field trips.

Her volunteer work reaches throughout Gulf County. She is a member of the Junior Service League of Port St. Joe, where she created and chairs The Prom Project, ensuring no young woman ever misses the prom for financial reasons. Junior Service League members work tirelessly to buy and obtain prom dress donations, shoes, and accessories so teens can attend the prom in style and with confidence.

Sagins also holds several board seats. She serves on boards at the Gulf County Chamber of Commerce, the First United Methodist Caring Ministries Board, and the North Florida Child Development Public Advocacy Board.

Sagins received a bachelor of arts degree in recreation and leisure services from Central Michigan University and is currently pursuing a master of science in administration with a specialization in public administration at the University of West Florida.

The Workforce Professional Development Summit convenes annually in Orlando as a three-day educational and training conference highlighting best practices in workforce development. Organizing partners include CareerSource Florida, FloridaCommerce, and the Florida Workforce Development Association.