Juanita Woods and Paul West opening the doors of NOVA

The people behind the mission

NOVA Staff

Together we can build.

NOVA leadership

Experience that keeps the mission moving.

NOVA’s leadership team brings decades of experience in employment, training, program operations, and participant services.

Paul E. West, Executive Director

Executive Director

Paul E. West

Dedicated to helping you with your journey to get trained and skilled.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”
Henry David Thoreau

A native of Monroe, LA, Paul has a background of 30+ years in employment, training, and administration.

He worked with the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) of Ouachita Parish from 1993 to 2003.

He resigned his employment with OIC to journey to Guatemala, Central, America for a four-year missionary assignment. Upon his return in 2007 to the States he went to work for the Living Well Foundation as the President/CEO.

In November 2008, he joined the NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana as the Executive Director.

Juanita G. Woods, Deputy Director & Director of Programs & Participant Services

Deputy Director & Director of Programs & Participant Services

Juanita G. Woods

Always ready to serve participants.

“You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.”
Maya Angelou

Currently oversees the day-to-day operations of NOVA Programs and Participants Services.

She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with concentrations in both Human Resources Management and State & Local Government.

Over 13 years of Human Resources Management experience in Corporate America and Community-Based Organizations.

She has over 10 years of experience directing employment and education programs. She joined NOVA in December 2008.

Our staff

Always ready to serve.

The NOVA team supports participants, programs, financial services, administration, recruitment, and regional partnerships.

Ms. Ashley Goods, NOVA staff

NOVA staff

Ms. Ashley Goods

Director, Financial Opportunity Center & Support Services

Mr. Steve Lindsey, NOVA staff

NOVA staff

Mr. Steve Lindsey

Finance / Grants Coordinator

Ms. Sherry Foy, NOVA staff

NOVA staff

Ms. Sherry Foy

Executive Program Administrative Assistant

Ms. Karen Jefferson, NOVA staff

NOVA staff

Ms. Karen Jefferson

Regional Program Representative

Ms. Brenda Roy, NOVA staff

NOVA staff

Ms. Brenda Roy

Administrative / Data Coordinator / Recruiter

A path built around you

Helping you build a better life.

Individualized workforce training connects you with skills for careers in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, trades, technology, and the general workforce.

Explore career training