John Lamirand, who has served as Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) research specialist for the past two years, will be taking a position at the Lehigh Valley Workforce Development Board (LVWDB), another sign of the strong partnership and close collaboration between the two organizations.

John Lamirand

Lamirand, who first joined LVEDC in September 2014, will become Director of Data Science & Analytics at LVWDB, where his deep familiarity with the Lehigh Valley and expertise at research and analytics will ultimately strengthen the data tools for both organizations.

“John has done excellent work for us here at LVEDC, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new capacity as well,” said Don Cunningham, LVEDC President and CEO. “We’ve been partnering with LVWDB to address workforce and talent supply issues over the past two years, and this arrangement will help us continue that important work.”

Nancy Dischinat, Executive Director of the LVWDB, said bringing Lamirand into the fold will allow the organization to collaborate more closely in the future, continuing the partnership that has led to the formation of the LVEDC Workforce and Talent Supply Council, an unprecedented collaboration of educational institutions and major regional employers.

“This is a win-win for both organizations and for the Lehigh Valley in general,” Dischinat said. “John will be an integral part of our ongoing efforts to develop data-driven, innovative, and cost-effective workforce strategies.”

Lamirand will begin the position at LVWDB in January.

“I’ve very much enjoyed my time here at LVEDC,” Lamirand said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done here, and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Lehigh Valley and help advance economic development in the region.”

Prior to his time at LVEDC, Lamirand spent 10 years as an analyst and project manager with the defense contractor TASC in Washington, D.C., where he worked on new market campaigns, competitive intelligence analysis, capabilities analysis, and current customer analysis.

Lamirand also served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a logistics officer. He has a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems Technology from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Oklahoma.

The LVEDC is currently seeking applicants for the position of Director of Research and Analysis, who will direct the organization’s research and analysis activities to improve stakeholders’ understanding of the regional economy. Functions of the position include using public and private resources of economic data, and conducting original research to improve LVEDC staff’s ability to market the economic assets of the Lehigh Valley.

The organization is also seeking a Talent Supply Specialist, a new position that will be grant-funded for a period of two years. The position will assist LVEDC’s staff and stakeholders to better understand the region’s labor market dynamics, and assist LVEDC Director of Business Outreach Programs Melody Bradford in establishing, conducting, and analyzing results from Lehigh Valley employers.

Detailed job descriptions for the LVEDC Director of Research and Analysis can be found here. Interested parties may contact Matthew Tuerk, LVEDC Vice President of Marketing and Economic Development, at mtuerk@lehighvalley.org or 610-266-6852.