Workforce development stalwart honored at ceremony and plaque unveiling.
Brockton, MA- Workforce agency powerhouse’s vision and tenacity celebrated at building dedication. On June 25, 2025, a ceremony was held to commemorate the life and legacy of MassHire GBWB’s former Executive Director, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim. With appreciation for her contributions to MassHire, the city of Brockton and surrounding communities, MassHire GBWB proudly dedicated The Center for Workforce Development in her honor. The Sheila Sullivan-Jardim Center for Workforce Development is located at 34 School Street, Brockton, and houses both the MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board and MassHire Greater Brockton Career Center, as well as MassHire Veteran’s Services, JobCorps, Father Bills & Mainspring Career Services.
Joining Sheila’s family and friends were former coworkers, colleagues, and community partners. Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan, State Senator Mike Brady, State Representatives Michele Dubois and Bridgette Plouffe all participated and presented family members with official citations. Past Board members Paula Martel and Joe Lovetere each made remarks about Sullivan-Jardim’s leadership and positive contributions to the development of the Greater Brockton region’s workforce. Said Lovetere, “Naming the building for Sheila is a tribute that will live on and memorialize the incredible, hard-working visionary we all knew her to be. I am sure many of you feel as I do…honored to know her…to learn from her…and to be part of the team that continues to change the lives of people who have the courage to walk through these doors and change their lives.” Current MassHire Executive Director Jason Hunter added, “This center stands as a living tribute to a woman whose legacy has touched countless lives. Sheila Sullivan-Jardim devoted her career to building partnerships, strengthening communities and empowering individuals to succeed — not just in the workplace, but in life. Her vision was clear: that everyone deserves the chance to succeed, and that workforce development is not just about jobs, but about dignity, purpose, and hope. I can’t be more thankful than I feel today as we dedicate the building in her name.”
As Executive Director, Sheila Sullivan-Jardim led Brockton Area Workforce Investment Board/BAWIB (rebranded in 2019 as MassHire Greater Brockton Workforce Board) from 2007 until her passing in 2024. MassHire GBWB is one of 16 workforce Boards statewide working to build links between the labor force and business community. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) the board oversees and implements workforce development activities in the Greater Brockton region. MassHire GBWB is comprised of private sector businesses, labor, education, and community leaders.
For more information contact Executive Director, Jason Hunter at 508-584-3234 or visit masshiregbwb.org.
The plaque reads:
The Center for Workforce Development
The Sheila Sullivan-Jardim Center for Workforce Development
This Building is dedicated to the loving memory of Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, 1961-2024
In honor of Sheila Sullivan-Jardim, whose vision and tenacity made this possible, we name this building with gratitude and pride. May all who enter be inspired by her legacy and carry it forward with integrity and hope.
May its walls foster collaboration, its halls echo with learning and discovery, and its foundation stand as a testament to our shared commitment to education, training, and job placement.
By her friends, family, and colleagues
Dedicated in June 2025
