County Workforce Development Board Elects Sean Brix as New Chair
Published on December 05, 2025
KINGSTON, NY - The Ulster County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is pleased to announce the election of Sean Brix, a seasoned Human Resources leader with more than 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce development, as its new Board Chair.
Brix currently serves as Human Resources Manager at Viking Industries, a Hudson Valley manufacturer and distributor of corrugated packaging products. A longtime Ulster County resident of more than 25 years, and a Kingston resident, he has built his career across manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and technology — designing practical HR programs that strengthen recruitment, retention, and compliance. His leadership roles have included service at Viva Eve, Nuvance Health, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, and Partsearch Technologies, where he developed effective processes to support business goals and employee engagement.
Brix holds a Master of Fine Arts from SUNY New Paltz, a Human Resources Certification from Marist College, and is a SHRM‑Certified Professional and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt. He has an extensive history of community involvement, having served on the Kingston Land Trust, the Rip Van Winkle Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the Ulster County Job Services Employer Committee. He is also a past president of the Mid‑Hudson Human Resources Association.
“It is an honor to step into this role and continue supporting workforce initiatives that strengthen Ulster County’s economy,” said Sean Brix. “I look forward to working with board members, employers, educators, and community partners to ensure that jobseekers and businesses alike have the tools and resources they need to succeed.”
“The Workforce Development Board plays an essential role in connecting jobseekers with opportunities and helping local businesses thrive,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “Sean Brix brings extensive experience in human resources and workforce development, and his qualifications will be invaluable in guiding strategies that expand career pathways for our residents and connect businesses with our skilled workforce. I congratulate Sean on his appointment as Chair and look forward to the Board’s continued leadership in building a strong and skilled workforce and expanding meaningful job opportunities in Ulster County.”
“Sean brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our community,” said Sharon Williams, Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training and Workforce Development Board. “We are excited to welcome him as Chair and look forward to his leadership in advancing workforce strategies that meet the needs of both jobseekers and employers.”
Workforce Development Boards (WDB) play an important role in local economic growth. The Ulster County WDB sets workforce development policy and oversees Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding allocated to Ulster County for programming services facilitated through the Office of Employment and Training. Appointed by County Executive Metzger, the Board coordinates workforce development strategies and creates employer linkages. At least half of Board members are representatives of local businesses, with the remaining members representing educational institutions, labor organizations, community‑based organizations, economic development agencies, and Ulster County Career Center partners. The Chair is elected by the Board.
The Ulster County WDB also extends its sincere appreciation to its outgoing Chair, James (Jim) Ferraro, Managing Partner at Elna Magnetics in Saugerties, for two‑and‑a‑half years of exceptional leadership. Under his guidance, the Board strengthened partnerships, expanded employer engagement, and supported innovative programs that helped residents gain meaningful employment. His commitment and service have left a lasting impact on workforce development throughout the County.
Brix will begin his term immediately and serve through June 30, 2027.
For more information, visit https://ulsterworks.com/wdb/ and www.ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/Employment-and-Training