Clinton Mercado
Executive Director, Hawaiʻi County Workforce Development Board

Clinton Mercado serves as the Executive Director of the Hawaiʻi County Workforce Development Board (HCWDB), housed within the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Research and Development. Known throughout Hawaiʻi Island for his relational, boots-on-the-ground approach, Clinton acts as a vital bridge connector—linking local businesses, community-based organizations, educational institutions, labor unions, and county agencies to build an inclusive and resilient workforce.

 

Clinton’s perspective on workforce systems is grounded in real-world operational experience. Prior to taking on the role of Executive Director, Clinton served as the One-Stop Operator (OSO) for the American Job Center Hawaiʻi (AJCH). In that role, he worked directly on the ground to align partner agencies, streamline service delivery, and foster a collaborative environment where job seekers and employers alike could easily access resources. That hands-on leadership as OSO naturally translated into his board leadership today, giving him an intimate understanding of how local policies directly impact front-line services and daily operations.

 

Driven by a passion for community advocacy and economic self-sufficiency, Clinton frequently steps out from behind the desk to meet local business owners at their job sites, facilitate industry sector strategy sessions, and listen to community needs across Hawaiʻi County. Under his leadership, the HCWDB continuously expands its reach, ensuring that WIOA Title I programs adapt to local economic shifts, support trade apprenticeships, and create sustainable employment pathways for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.

 

In recognition of his dedication to building community partnerships, expanding economic access, and championing innovative workforce solutions, Clinton was honored by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) and the Workforce Development Council as a Hawaiʻi Island Workforce Development Hero.