Our Management Team

Dr. Marcus McBride, Chief Executive Officer

Marcus L. McBride, PhD serves as the Chief Executive Officer for CareerSource Escarosa, the agency dedicated as the Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) for Region 1 of the CareerSource Florida Network. Dr. McBride is a passionate leader who brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in the public and private sector. Over the past 22 years, he has held multiple roles leading collective efforts and providing services to empower others to reach their highest potential. Dr. McBride earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Master of Arts in Educational Psychology, and a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research Methods, all from The University of Alabama. Dr. McBride serves on various state and local boards to promote economic success by advocating for a quality workforce system and brokering strategic partnerships to connect employers with a skilled workforce. He currently serves as President of the Florida Workforce Development Association and Vice President of the Board of Directors for Opening Doors of Northwest Florida. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Pensacola Chamber, HCA Florida West, and Florida’s Great Northwest. Dr. McBride enjoys the beaches of the emerald coast, traveling and spending time with his family.

William Barron, Chief Operating Officer

Bill has been with CareerSource Escarosa since late 2006. He joined us after retiring from the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. He initially served as a Transportation Specialist for the Welfare Transition Program and was later promoted to Program Monitor, Operations Manager and now Chief Operating Officer. Bill is a management major with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. Bill enjoys fishing the Gulf Coast coastline and spending quality time with his family.

Carolyn Fries, Director of Workforce Development

Carolyn joined the CareerSource Escarosa team in October 2023. She is an entrepreneurial and forward-thinking leader with 30+ years’ experience working for profit and non-profit organizations in the Northwest Florida and Tampa Bay regions. Past positions include Director of the Doolittle Institute, Marketing Manager at Vincent Corporation, Project Manager at ITC Global, and Mechanical Engineer at Digital Lightwave and AT&T Paradyne. A serial entrepreneur, she has also been involved with leading-edge developments in microelectronics manufacturing, chemical and biological sensors, and robotics. Carolyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and was awarded Purdue Outstanding Mechanical Engineer in 2011. She is a graduate of Leadership Florida, was named a “Face of Technology” by Florida HIGH TECH in 2008 and selected for the prestigious 4-Way Test Award by the Rotary Club of St Petersburg in 2012. She is married to husband David (Fries), with whom she has four amazing adult children, and enjoys cooking, travelling, and hiking.

Tarae Donaldson, Director of Career Services & One Stop Operations

Tarae Donaldson’s career in workforce development began in 2007 when she joined the CareerSource Escarosa team. Her journey was sparked by her participation in our summer youth employment program, where she was introduced to employability skills training. This experience ignited her passion for workforce development and deepened her understanding of the crucial role workforce programs play. Tarae’s career spans both the private and public sectors, reflecting her commitment to connecting job seekers with meaningful employment and training opportunities. In her current role as Director of Career Services & One Stop Operations, she has made a significant impact. Her professional background includes roles such as WT/SNAP Career Advisor, victim’s advocate, coach/trainer, and liaison to partner agencies. Her dedication was recognized with a promotion to WT/SNAP Program Manager and being named Region One’s Workforce Champion of the Year in 2015. Additionally, she was elected by her TANF peers statewide, from then 24 workforce regions, to serve as the first President of the TANF SME Group (2021-2022). She has also been a Workforce Professional Development Summit Speaker and Panelist (2021, 2022, and 2023). Tarae holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management from the University of West Florida in Pensacola, is a Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) through the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals in Washington, DC, and is a graduate of Leadership Northwest Florida Class II (2023-2024).  She currently serves on the Early Learning Coalition Boards for Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys sports, volunteering, traveling, cooking, reading, and cherishing quality time with family and friends.

Kevin Willis, Business Services Program Manager

Kevin Willis joined CareerSource Escarosa in April 2020, bringing with him over 20 years of leadership and management experience. A decorated veteran with more than two decades of distinguished service in the United States Army, Kevin has made significant contributions since starting at CareerSource Escarosa (CSE). Throughout his tenure, he has held various roles within the Business Services Program, supporting veterans, employers, dislocated workers, youth, and apprentices. His unyielding commitment to excellence and quality led to his promotion to Business Services Program Manager in December 2023. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys sports, camping, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Wakinme Long, Job & Benefits Administrator

Wakinme Long joined CareerSource Escarosa in January of 2021. She is a dedicated Manager that strives daily to excel at developing individuals to reach their personal and professional goals, in order to better connect job seekers with employers. Wakinme brings with her 20+ years of experience in the private sector in the fields of Customer Service and Operations Management. Wakinme began working in our Resource Room as an Employment Security Rep I. With her strong leadership skills and her ability to connect with individuals to assist in their needs, she was promoted to the Jobs & Benefits Administrator in August of 2021. Wakinme holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management & Human Resources from Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL. Wakinme enjoys traveling, fishing, reading and spending time with her family.

Jim Boyden, WIOA Program Manager 

Jim Boyden joined CareerSource Escarosa in 2008 as a WIOA Career Advisor and became WIOA Program Manager in July 2021.  Combined with his tenure with the Private Industry Council (PIC) and Pensacola Junior College, Jim has nearly 29 years of experience in assisting thousands of students formulate and accomplish their academic and career goals.  He is focused on the mission of helping people aspire to a better way of life, in order to raise self-esteem and improve life for themselves as well as their families.  Jim attained a master’s degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University, along with a bachelor’s degree both in Philosophy and Humanities Interdisciplinary from the University of West Florida.

Samantha Glass, WT/SNAP Program Manager

Samantha Glass joined CareerSouce Escarosa in 2019 as a WT/SNAP Career Advisor and became the WT/SNAP Program Manager in March 2024. Samantha was selected as Region One’s Workforce Champion for the year 2022. Samantha has worked in social and family services for more than 10 years, serving both military and civilian communities through the American Red Cross and as a contractor for the US Navy. Samantha believes that compassionate and exemplary case management translates into higher success rates for participants, more individuals returning to work, and increased economic growth for the region. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree, in Criminology and Sociology from the University of Northern Iowa, along with an associate’s degree in Police Science from Hawkeye Community College. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys traveling, reading, crocheting, and spending time with family.

Elizabeth Marino, Jobs & Benefits Supervisor

Elizabeth came to CareerSource Escarosa in July of 2022. After spending 12 years in the United States Air Force, she obtained her undergraduate degree in Human Resources and graduate degree in Strategic Leadership and Communication from the University of West Florida. Shortly after graduation, Elizabeth began working as a Disabled Veteran’s Outreach Program Specialist, assisting eligible veterans and spouses with obtaining employment and developing a strong partnership with other veteran assistance programs. With her passion, drive, and initiative to help the area’s local military affiliated population, she was promoted to Veteran’s Program Manager in May 2023. Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her spouse and dogs and going to the beach.