DeKalb County Advisory Roundtable Workforce Development Panel

Join the Council for Quality Growth's DeKalb County Advisory Roundtable on November 6, 2025 at 8:30 AM at Druid Hills Golf Club for a Workforce Development Panel, featuring Dr. Tavarez Holston, President, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, April Smith, CTAE Coordinator, DeKalb County School District, and Lorne Green, Executive Director, Worksource DeKalb. 

Lorne Green 
Executive Director 
Worksource DeKalb

Lorne C. Green is a mission-driven workforce leader with more than 25 years of experience transforming lives through opportunity. As Director of Workforce Development for DeKalb County Government’s WorkSource DeKalb, he drives innovative strategies that connect people to meaningful careers, strengthen local economies, and expand access to education and employment. 

A visionary builder of programs, partnerships, and people, Mr. Green leads with purpose and impact. He designs workforce solutions that meet the real needs of job seekers and employers, with a special focus on those often left behind by traditional systems—first-generation college students, dislocated workers, low-income residents, and career changers seeking economic mobility. His leadership is rooted in equity, empowerment, and community advancement. 

Mr. Green’s academic accomplishments reflect his passion for learning and professional excellence. He earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management & Development from National Louis University and a Master of Arts in Inner City Education from Northeastern Illinois University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago. He also holds a certificate in Project Management from DeVry University. 

Throughout his career, he has been recognized for building high-performing teams, cultivating regional workforce alliances, and delivering results that fuel both personal transformation and economic growth. Mr. Green brings a strong commitment to service, collaboration, and lifelong impact—championing opportunity for every individual and every community he serves. 

April Smith
CTAE Coordinator
DeKalb County School District

April A. Smith serves as the CTAE Coordinator for DeKalb County School District, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in Career, Technical, and Agricultural (CTAE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL). A passionate advocate for student success and workforce development, she specializes in connecting education with real-world industry experiences that prepare students for college and career readiness. 

Her leadership has helped expand district-wide CTAE programs, strengthen business partnerships, and increase student engagement in high-demand career pathways. 

April's mission is to empower teachers and students through innovation, excellence, and equitable opportunities in education. 


Dr. Tavarez Holston
President 
Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Dr. Tavarez Holston, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), has been an educator and advocate for technical education for over 20 years. The Technical College System of Georgia named Dr. Holston to lead the college in September 2018. He is passionate about student success and workforce development. His love for higher education and student learning began as an adjunct instructor teaching business concepts and software application packages. Since that time, he has served in various executive roles at three colleges, including positions such as campus dean, director of online instruction, vice president for institutional effectiveness, vice president for academic affairs, and vice president for adult education.
 
Dr. Holston holds a Doctorate in Education from Valdosta State University, a Master of Science in Management with a focus in Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management from the University of North Georgia. He is also a U.S. Army Veteran.
 
He enjoys and is committed to inspiring, equipping and mentoring leaders, as evidenced by his establishment of GPTC’s Leader College for faculty and staff. He focuses on creating unforgettable learning experiences that are relevant for the needs of the workforce at GPTC and in its surrounding communities, businesses and industries in DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties.