Education Cabinet
Henderson Educator Named to Director’s Position

Former Henderson County Principal David Billingsley was named executive director for the Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) today by Department for Workforce Investment Commissioner Laura Owens.

Owens commended Billingsley for his long career in technical education and said, “Director Billingsley brings a knowledge and dedication to our department that will help in continuing the great strides we have made in career and technical education over the last few years. He will help to move our schools forward as we step into a new age of advanced technology.”

Billingsley, who had been serving as principal at the Career and Technical Education unit of the Henderson County High School, has spent 27 years in education, the last 15 as a secondary school administrator. He also coordinated the merger of all career and technical education programs for Henderson County.

“This position offers an opportunity for a person to make a tremendous impact on a large number of our state’s students and an indirect impact on the state’s economy,” said Billingsley. “If we prepare our youth by equipping them with the skills and knowledge that will transfer to a successful postsecondary and workforce experience, we have equaled or surpassed any other service that can be provided. This presents a challenge, but as long as we stay focused on the fact that we are ultimately preparing our students for business and industry needs, we can be successful.”   

Billingsley received his Bachelor of Science, Master’s and Rank I from Western Kentucky University and began his career in the Logan County Public School system.    

OCTE is an agency of the Education Cabinet’s Department for Workforce Investment. OCTE administers 53 area technology centers, which are secondary schools that offer students hands-on training in business, graphics, construction, manufacturing, automotive and information technology fields and health and human services.

The Kentucky Education Cabinet coordinates learning programs from P-16, and manages and supports training and employment functions in the Department for Workforce Investment. For more information about our programs, visit www.educationcabinet.ky.gov or www.workforce.ky.gov, or call 502-564-6606.