Mary Lamie, William Bell Elected to Workforce Board Leadership

Date Posted: February 2, 2026

Posted In: Organizations, People,

The St. Louis Workforce Development Board has elected new officers for 2026, with the vote taking place during the board’s January 27 meeting, according to an announcement from the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE).

Charlotte Hammond, president and CEO of Challenge Unlimited, was elected Board Chair. Hammond has led the organization since 2016, overseeing its expansion from three to eight states and focusing on employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Mary Lamie, executive vice president of multimodal enterprises at Bi-State Development, was elected Vice Chair. Lamie oversees several major regional transportation and logistics assets, including Gateway Arch operations, St. Louis Downtown Airport, and the St. Louis Regional Freightway.

William Bell, technology infrastructure coordinator for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, was elected Secretary. Bell brings experience in apprenticeship development, workforce training, and community outreach, with a focus on expanding access to skilled trades careers.

The St. Louis Workforce Development Board provides strategic oversight of workforce programs administered by SLATE Missouri Job Center under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The board is composed of leaders from business, labor, education, government, and community organizations working to strengthen the City of St. Louis workforce and support regional economic vitality.