Paula Gomez Ferrell to lead training and development efforts

John Huggins, director of the Denver Office of Economic Development (OED), is pleased to announce the appointment of Paula Gomez Farrell, Ph.D., as the director of OED’s Division of Workforce Development. Gomez Farrell is formerly of NorTech, a nonprofit technology-based economic development organization serving Cleveland and Northeastern Ohio.

“Paula brings a strong background of managing change efforts in government and nonprofit organizations,” Huggins said. “Her innovative approaches to workforce development will surely benefit our local business climate as the City continues to strengthen its efforts to connect employers with a trained and talented workforce.”

“Paula’s impressive experience and her commitment to innovation, diversity and inclusiveness make her a tremendous asset to our workforce development efforts,” added Mayor John Hickenlooper. “We’re delighted to have her on our team.”

Serving as NorTech’s vice president of talent and workforce development, Gomez Farrell led efforts to ensure a diverse and inclusive skilled workforce for the technology economy. She also helped craft an inclusion initiative, designed to increase minority youth populations pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Gomez Farrell’s career spans several roles within economic development and human service sectors both in Cleveland and Denver. She served as program director of the Greater Cleveland Roundtable, where she led all programming related to economic and social inclusion of minority populations. A former executive director of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, Gomez Farrell served on Governor Roy Romer’s Early Intervention Coordinating Council.

Within the Cleveland community, Gomez Farrell has served on several boards and committees, including Mayor Frank Jackson’s Transition Committee, City of Cleveland Community Relations Board, Cleveland Public Theatre, Gordon Square Theater District Advisory Council, and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Small Business Development Advisory Council.

“We’re pleased to welcome such a strong, seasoned leader to direct the administration of Denver’s public workforce programs,” said Mark Pingrey, chairman of the Denver Workforce Investment Board. “With Paula’s leadership, we look forward to reaching new heights of better serving businesses and residents throughout Denver.”

Gomez Farrell graduated summa cum laude from Central Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and earned her master’s degree in urban studies and Ph.D. in public administration and public affairs from Cleveland State University.