NWPA Job Connect Board Members
The NWPA Job Connect Board, the workforce development board in Northwest Pennsylvania, is comprised of members representing business, labor, education, social services, and government agencies throughout Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango, and Warren Counties. Working in cooperation with chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, planning commissions, and others, the Board focuses its development activities on key industry segments that include electronics manufacturing, food processing, construction, health care, metal fabrication, plastics, technology, lumber and hardwoods, oil and gas, transportation, and mining. The Board also administers federal and state funds for programs targeted to adults, dislocated workers, and young people through two PA CareerLink® offices in Erie County and Oil City, as well as mobile and virtual services throughout all six counties.
Kathryn Schaaf
Workforce Development Manager
Employer: Industrial Sales & Manufacturing, Inc.
P: 814-833-9876
F: 814-835-6954
E: kschaaf@ismerie.com
Kathryn Schaaf, originally from the United Kingdom, is a 10-year UK qualified Attorney. With five years experience as a litigator and then five years serving in the United Kingdom’s Royal Air force as a Legal Officer, Kathryn attained the rank of Major. In her role as an Attorney, she advised across several areas including, contract, policy, family, youth, and employment. Kathryn was deployed to Iraq and Syria, primarily advising on the law of armed conflict.
Kathryn is qualified in conflict resolution, including mediation, negotiation, and arbitration. More recently, Kathryn served with Her Majesty’s Government in the Department for International Trade in Atlanta, Georgia, as a Trade and Investment Officer, primarily supporting opportunities for economic growth between the UK and US. Kathryn moved to Erie in November 2021 and secured a job with the Industrial Sales and Manufacturing as their Workforce Development Manager, specializing in HR, training, and development.