Dave Harrison
Fastport Executive Director of Workforce Development and Government RelationsDave Harrison is a highly accomplished executive with a wealth of experience in workforce development, government relations, Veteran employment initiatives and apprenticeship programs. With a distinguished career spanning over several decades, Dave has made significant contributions to the transportation, distribution, and logistics sectors, as well as the financial, information security, and artificial intelligence segments. As a designated Industry Subject Matter Expert in Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance for the Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (DOL-OA), Dave has been instrumental in providing guidance and expertise in the implementation of apprenticeship models. He has successfully created and implemented national Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), offering comprehensive guidelines to associations, educators, and employers within the supply chain sectors. Dave's commitment to inclusivity and innovative apprenticeship models is evident through his collaboration with industry organizations and his efforts to reach underrepresented populations. He has spearheaded initiatives such as , Next Generation in Trucking S.H.E. Trucking for Women, Minority Professional Truckers Association, North American Punjabi Trucking Association, and Women In Trucking, American Trucking Associations, TruckLoad carriers Association and The Trucking Alliance.These programs have created new talent pipelines and opened doors for individuals in high-demand occupations. Beyond his involvement in workforce development and apprenticeship programs, Dave maintains strong relationships with various government entities, including the Department of Labor ETA OA, policy organizations, White House Task Forces, and the Department of Transportation Policy DAS. He engages in consistent communication and provides valuable insights to shape policies and strategies.Additionally serves on the Board of Directors for the Minority Professional Truckers Association, Next Generation in Trucking Association, and Hands-on Education from Railroad Employers Corp. Dave is also a sought-after speaker, sharing his expertise and knowledge with private and public organizations. He educates and provides technical assistance to potential apprenticeship sponsors, evaluates existing programs, and advocates for best practices in workforce development. Through his efforts, he has created and managed 23 National Program Standards of Apprenticeship, benefiting over 26,000 apprentices. Prior to his role at FASTPORT, Inc., Dave served as the Human Resources Manager and Military Program Director at J.B. Hunt. During his tenure, he established a national DOL Apprenticeship Program, implemented on-the-job training for Veterans entering the transportation industry, and developed a successful corporatewide professional development program. Dave's dedication to hiring and supporting Veterans led to the creation of Hunt's Heroes program hiring 10,000 Veterans by 2020. His innovative policies and programs have become models for many other companies. Before his career in the private sector, Dave served as a U.S. Army Infantry Soldier and Career Counselor. He provided guidance and resources to hundreds of soldiers transitioning from military service and demonstrated exemplary leadership as an Infantry Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant during major military operations. Dave holds a Bachelor's degree from Austin Peay State University, and his diverse background in human resources, operations management, and military service has equipped him with a unique skill set that he leverages to drive positive change and make a lasting impact in workforce development and apprenticeship programs. In conclusion, Dave Harrison's extensive experience, expertise, and dedication to workforce development, government relations, and apprenticeship programs make him an invaluable asset in driving meaningful change and shaping the future of industries and communities.