The Alabama Road Builders Association (ARBA) announced today Houston Blackwood will lead the organization’s new workforce development program.

Alabama Road Builders Association, founded in 1947 and led by Executive Director Skip Powe, is the only group representing every sector of Alabama’s transportation construction industry and serves as the industry’s forum with ALDOT, the Legislature and Congress.

Blackwood assumes the role this week as the Alabama Department of Education and ARBA collaborate to implement a pilot program, which is founded on heavy equipment operator simulator training in career tech education centers distributed across the state and reliant on industry engagement in the classroom.

According to the group, the intent of the program aligns with House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s Alabama Career Pathways Initiative officially launched in late July.

Prior to joining ARBA, Blackwood served as Workforce Director for the Alabama Community College System Innovation Center, where he helped lead the statewide implementation and expansion of Skills for Success.

In that role, he worked closely with Alabama’s community colleges, employers, industry associations, state agencies, and workforce partners to develop and deliver short-term training programs designed around specific industry needs.

Over his career, Blackwood has collaborated with organizations including the Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Road Builders Association, Alabama Technology Network, AIDT, state agencies, community colleges, K-12 systems, and employers throughout Alabama.

“I have seen firsthand as a school board chairman the need for more skills training and career opportunities for today’s future graduates,” said Rodney Payton, current ARBA President and President of Chilton Contractors.

“And as president of a construction firm, I need a workforce that is adequately prepared and wanting a career in the road building industry. I am extremely excited to get this new program kicked off and to welcome Houston on board to steer our efforts in the right direction. This is a huge step forward for our industry.”

According to ARBA, Blackwood’s professional focus remains straightforward: listen to employers, build strong partnerships, develop practical training solutions, and create opportunities that strengthen Alabama’s workforce and economy.

“Workforce development has been a priority for ARBA over the past year, and during that time we’ve made meaningful progress,” said Chad Stracener, Chairman of ARBA’s Workforce Development Committee and CEO of Tractor & Equipment Company.

“Houston’s experience, industry relationships, and passion for developing Alabama’s workforce brings great value to ARBA’s mission. We’re excited to welcome Houston to the team and look forward to the impact he will have in strengthening our workforce pipeline, supporting our members, and creating greater awareness of the rewarding career opportunities offered by ARBA member companies.”