Madison County officials select Darlene Ladd as new Employment & Training director
Darlene Ladd (Photo source: LinkedIn)
A smooth transition is underway in one of Madison County’s most people-focused departments.
The County Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Chairman Chris Slusser’s appointment of Darlene Ladd as new director of the county’s Employment & Training Department, succeeding Tony Fuhrmann, who is set to retire on Dec. 31.
“Darlene brings experience, continuity and a deep understanding of the workforce needs in Madison County,” Slusser said. “She has been an integral part of the department’s success, and this appointment ensures that the strong foundation built under Tony’s leadership will continue.”
Ladd currently serves as assistant director of Employment & Training and has worked closely with Fuhrmann in overseeing programs that connect residents with job training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities across the county.
She has received national recognition for her work. The National Association of Workforce Development Professionals named Ladd a Workforce Hero for her role in the creation, development and expansion of an apprenticeship program for high school students with disabilities.
Under Ladd’s leadership, the program led to five students earning U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship certificates and securing employment with a city government and later expanded to three additional schools.
Ladd began her career with Madison County Employment & Training in 2015 as a career specialist. She later served as One-Stop Services Coordinator and Planning and Program Manager before being promoted to assistant director in 2022.
Before joining the county, Ladd spent more than 15 years with Challenge Unlimited Inc., where she served as Director of Employment Services and Director of Talent Enhancement, focusing on employment opportunities and workforce advancement for individuals with disabilities.
Slusser also praised Fuhrmann’s impact on the department and the community.
“Tony leaves behind a department that is respected statewide and nationally for its workforce programs,” Slusser said. “We are grateful for his years of service, and we are confident Darlene is the right person to lead the department into its next chapter.”
Prior to leading the Employment & Training Department, Fuhrmann briefly served as Madison County’s director of administrative services. He has led Employment & Training for more than a decade and is credited with expanding apprenticeship programs, strengthening partnerships with schools and employers, and positioning Madison County as a leader in workforce development in the Metro East.
Although he is retiring from county employment, Fuhrmann plans to remain active in public service as a Collinsville City Council member and as a workforce consultant.
Fuhrmann offered special thanks to Ladd, his co-pilot, for the past five years. He said he would miss their early morning conversations and “Pinky and the Brain” planning sessions as they plotted to take over the workforce world, but he knows the department will be in good hands.
Ladd is expected to assume the director’s role following Fuhrmann’s retirement at the end of the year.
