The Tulare County Board of Supervisors has announced the appointment of Jennie Bautista as the Interim Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Tulare County, effective September 1, 2025. This leadership transition follows the departure of Adam Peck, who has served as the WIB’s Executive Director for the past 18 years and will soon begin a new role as Executive Director of the California Workforce Association (CWA).
Peck’s legacy includes nearly three decades of dedication to workforce development in Tulare County. Under his leadership, the WIB established itself as a model for human-centered design, innovative partnerships, and data-informed workforce strategies that connect job seekers with high-quality employment and businesses with the talent they need to thrive. In a personal statement, Peck shared, “Leading the WIB has been the most rewarding chapter of my career. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and confident that the organization is in excellent hands moving forward.”
“Tulare County is fortunate to have talented professionals with a track record of excellence within the organization. We will miss Adam but are fortunate to have someone of Jennie’s caliber to step in and continue the great work of the Workforce Investment Board,” stated Pete Vander Poel, Chair of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.
Ms. Bautista has held various positions at the WIB for the past 12 years. She has nearly a decade of extensive leadership and operational experience in workforce development, non-profit management, cross-sector collaboration, and organizational strategy. Currently, she is the WIB's Deputy Director of Operations, where she provides strategic oversight for Program Services, Business Services, Training Services, and Communications. Her work has helped align internal systems with local, state, and federal workforce priorities, ensuring effective service delivery across Tulare County.
“Jennie’s deep knowledge of the region’s workforce needs, her history of collaborative leadership, and her commitment to equity and innovation make her the ideal leader for this transitional period,” said WIB Board Chair Colby Wells. “We are confident she will provide continuity and vision as we begin the search for a permanent Executive Director.”
Bautista is a recognized leader in the workforce development field, with a BA from UC Santa Barbara, and professional development through the California Workforce Association Executive Bootcamp and Spillett Leadership University. She also serves on the boards of Self-Help Enterprises and the Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Commission, reinforcing her long-standing commitment to inclusive workforce development.
“I’m honored to step into this role and continue the important work of building a workforce system that is equitable, resilient, and future-focused,” said Bautista. “In partnership with the board of directors and our talented staff, the WIB will remain centered on quality job access, community partnerships, and strategies that uplift individuals, families, and businesses across Tulare County.”
A formal search for a permanent Executive Director will be launched later this year.
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The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County believes that too many people are unemployed or in low-wage jobs that don’t sustain their families, and too many businesses have high-quality jobs that go unfilled. The mission of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB) is to advance the economic vitality of Tulare County through strategic funding investments aimed at growing the skills and talent of our workforce. The WIB brings funding to the region to convene industry, identify skills gaps, and broker solutions that help local businesses find the skilled workforce they need to succeed.
The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County, an equal opportunity employer/program, funds this project. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
