Lisa Daugherty will be the new president and CEO for the Valparaiso-based Center of Workforce Innovations.

Daugherty, currently president and CEO of the Lake Area United Way, will step down from that role to take over for Linda Woloshansky, who is retiring from the organization after 20 years. Daugherty starts with CWI March 1.

“I believe I can speak for the entire board in saying that we believe Lisa will bring the leadership, collaboration, creativity, and passion that will assure future generations are prepared to meet the workforce needs of the Region,” said CWI Board Chair, Glen Todd. The search process, facilitated by Organizational Development Solutions, drew more than 75 applicants from across the country.

Before Daugherty joined the Lake Area United Way, she served as director of marketing and development for Tradewinds Services in Merrillville. She also held positions with the Times Media Co. in the areas of sales, human resources, marketing, and advertising.

“I have known Lisa for most of her career and have great respect for her passion for helping others and her tireless work ethic,” said Jim Dye, a Lake Area United Way board member. “She is strategic in her vision and collaborative in assuring all members of the team are rowing in the same direction (and believe) CWI is in good hands.”

Daugherty is a recipient of the Community Leadership Luminary Award from NIPSCO. The Times Media Co. identified her as Professional to Watch in Northwest Indiana, and the United Way added her to its roster of Rising Stars.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and creative arts and a Master of Arts degree in communication from Purdue University Northwest.