Home » Heaven Hill exec appointed to new Kentucky workforce board

Heaven Hill exec appointed to new Kentucky workforce board

Heaven Hill Brands VP of Human Resources Debbie Morris
Heaven Hill Brands VP of Human Resources Debbie Morris

Bardstown, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear recently appointed Debbie Morris, Vice President of Human Resources at Heaven Hill Brands, to the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB). The group’s overarching goal will be to foster a modern system of workforce development activities that will be flexible, coherent and responsive to the needs of business, while designed to ensure that Kentucky builds a workforce able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Morris has served in Human Resources with Heaven Hill Brands for 13 years. In her role she is responsible for the company’s personnel, labor relations, training, safety and process improvement efforts. Under her leadership, Heaven Hill has instituted numerous strategic Human Resources initiatives.

“Debbie is a strong leader with a great understanding of the workforce dynamics that affect our business, as well as, industry throughout Central Kentucky,” said Allan M. Latts, COO, Heaven Hill Brands. “I know the Commonwealth will benefit from her experience and expertise.”

Attached to the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the new KWIB will ensure the state’s compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA), the first legislative reform of the public workforce system in more than 15 years. WIOA reauthorizes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

“The quality of our workforce is the key factor that will dictate Kentucky’s ability to attract the jobs of the future and ensure Kentucky’s prosperity,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s why I’m directing the new board to initiate and oversee critical strategies that will link workforce policies, education and training programs, and funding with the economic development needs of the Commonwealth and its regions in mind.”

An alumnae of Western Kentucky University who also studied at Bellarmine University, Morris is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon.