Meet the New LMI Institute Board Chair: Angela White

On July 1, 2024, Angela White, Director of Kansas Labor Market Information Services, became the Chair of the LMI Institute. With over 25 years of experience in LMI, she brings a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for using data to drive informed decision-making. Learn more about Angela’s background and goals for the LMI Institute from the interview below:

LMI Institute: How did you get started in the LMI and data space?
AW: I actually received a degree in Mass Media and wasn’t initially looking for a data-related job. However, I started as an intern with [Kansas] Labor Market Information Services (LMIS) during college and quickly fell in love with the work, the people, and how it helped Kansans make informed decisions that impacted the economy. Now, after over 25 years in LMIS, holding multiple different positions, I’ve realized how much my background in Mass Media has helped. It allowed me to present data in a visually appealing way, which makes the information easier to digest and understand for a variety of users. Over time, I found myself deeply involved in the analysis and dissemination of labor data, and that passion has continued to grow throughout my career.

 LMI Institute: What are your priorities for the board and Institute in the coming year as chair?
AW: My priorities for the coming year are to continue enhancing collaboration across states and agencies, ensuring that the LMI Institute remains a key resource for all stakeholders. We will also focus on expanding our training and educational programs, providing our members with the tools they need to adapt to the ever-evolving demands of workforce data. Strengthening partnerships with other labor and workforce development organizations will also be a priority to ensure we’re all aligned in addressing the needs of today’s labor market. Helping users to understand “how” to use LMI data and not just tell them what data we collate and analyze.

 LMI Institute: How would you like the LMI Institute to make a difference in the workforce and LMI space?
AW: I’d like the LMI Institute to continue being a leader … By fostering innovation in data collection and analysis, we can better respond to the challenges of our rapidly changing economy and labor market. Ultimately, I see the Institute as playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the workforce through high-quality data and insights.

 LMI Institute: What do you see as the most rewarding aspect of your role as board chair and Kansas LMI Director?
AW: The most rewarding aspect is having the opportunity to work closely with such a talented and dedicated community of professionals who are all committed to improving the quality and accessibility of labor market data. Being able to influence the direction of the Institute and support initiatives that have a real impact on workforce development is incredibly fulfilling. I also appreciate the chance to mentor and support others in this field. For me this includes incredibly dedicated staff, who are truly the backbone of everything we do. They consistently produce reliable, unbiased data analysis that helps ensure our work remains trusted and impactful. This dedication is mirrored across LMI divisions throughout the U.S., and I feel privileged to be part of such a committed network. Without the hard work of my team, I wouldn’t even be able to do this interview, let alone fulfill my role as chair. Being able to support and guide such an amazing group is both humbling and rewarding.

LMI Institute: Anything else you’d like to share?
AW: I’m excited about the future of the LMI Institute and the role we’ll continue to play in addressing workforce challenges. The data landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m eager to see how new technologies and approaches will help us better serve our members and the public. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this work and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

If you’d like to schedule time to meet with Angela or have ideas how the Institute can be a resource for you, please reach out at info@lmiontheweb.org.