Ron Thomas is a Career Transition Readiness Specialist at the Ottumwa Job Corps Center, where he works with local businesses to assist students in securing employment. He graduated from Ottumwa High School then earned his associate’s degree at Indian Hills Community College while serving in Ottumwa’s 833 Engineer Company.
“I believe in the direction that the city of Ottumwa is moving and the programs that Ottumwa High School, IHCC, and Ottumwa Job Corps Center are working on to be innovative and to move forward. I wanted to be a part of the positive community momentum,” Ron said regarding his interest in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy.
Since joining the Academy, he has been most impacted by the Human, Community, and Health Services day. “In my role at the Ottumwa Job Corps Center, it’s all about connecting our students to these resources, and there was so much more than I realized,” he said. Ron is also eager for the upcoming March session where the class visits the state capitol, sharing, “I am looking forward to seeing how Iowa’s legislative process works.”
Ron’s top five CliftonStrengths are Restorative, Analytical, Context, Individualization, and Achiever.
