Thursday Thought Leaders: Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Tech: A Look at the Future of Workforce Innovation

Join us for an inside look at the future of workforce innovation with Gwinnett Technical College's Lauren Dodson.
The speaker will highlight the college’s latest initiatives in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced automotive technology—areas shaping the next generation of talent.
Dodson will also share insights into Gwinnett Tech’s remarkable growth and what it means for our local economy, workforce development, and the broader community in the years ahead.
About the Speaker
Lauren Dodson is the Vice President of Economic Development at Gwinnett Technical College, where she oversees continuing education programs and leads strategic workforce development initiatives that support regional economic growth. With more than 16 years of experience in education and workforce development, Lauren began her career as a public school teacher, serving Georgia’s students for nearly a decade before transitioning into roles focused on building strong, sustainable talent pipelines across the state.
Throughout her career, Lauren has held workforce and economic development leadership roles at Georgia EMC, the Technology Association of Georgia Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed), and Partnership Gwinnett. In these positions, she developed and expanded initiatives in economic development, registered apprenticeships, and industry partnerships that strengthen connections between education and employers.
Lauren is deeply committed to aligning education with industry needs and creating accessible, high-quality pathways for individuals at every stage of their professional journey. In addition to her professional work, she is actively engaged in education at the local level, serving as a PTO President and having served on Principal Advisory Committees for multiple schools.


