Laurie McKnight

Laurie McKnight is the Director of Area 14 Workforce Development Board which includes Athens, Meigs and Perry counties. She has been in this roll since August of 2018. Prior to that, Laurie was a WIOA case manager at the OhioMeansJobs center in Athens County. She has over 25 years in public service agencies including My Sister’s Place for victims of domestic violence, Athens County Children Services, and Athens County Job and Family Services. Laurie is part of the National Family Center Employment Community of Practice initiative through the National Association of Workforce Boards and Innovate and Educate. Area 14 is one of 15 Areas in the United States that is serving on this initiative. She has been an ambassador with the Athens Chamber of Commerce starting in 2018 to present, and serves on advisory committees for Tri County Career Center, Washington Career Center and West Virginia University-Parkersburg.

Laurie’s passion is serving those in her community and the surrounding counties to find their joy in life. She is committed to the area and helping to create jobs and economic mobility to our businesses and community members.

Laurie has been part of the Athens community since coming to Ohio University for college in 1991. Her husband, Steve and she have two children, Grace and Nate Gribble who are both studying at Ohio University. Their newest joy is their granddaughter Peyton Skye. All of them are active in their local community and love the Athens area.