Thomas J. White
Director, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Employment and Training
Thomas J. White was appointed Director of the North Carolina Department of Commerce Division of Employment and Training on September 1, 2005. The Division has responsibility for North Carolina’s administration of the federal Workforce Investment Act and a statewide system of workforce programs assisting citizens and businesses. White brings special skills to enhancing partnerships to promote and strengthen economic development and workforce development across North Carolina. As former president of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, White served as the chief executive officer of a 1500-member nonprofit business organization governed by a 42-member board of directors and operated by a 15-member professional staff. A graduate of Duke University (BA, English) with a Master of Public Affairs graduate degree from N.C. State University, White accumulated 28 years of service with the Durham Chamber, having previously held positions in governmental affairs, community relations, job development and economic development. White has been active as a volunteer in the Durham and Research Triangle community, having served as president of the Durham Day Care Council, the Durham Literacy Council, chairman of the Durham United Way Campaign and subsequently chairman of its board of directors, and a member of the executive committees and boards of both the Durham Workforce Development Board and the Research Triangle Regional Partnership. He currently serves as the vice chairman of the Emily Krzyzewski Family LIFE Center to chairman Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski.