In the Headlines

For individuals preparing to reenter society after incarceration, finding meaningful employment is an important step toward building a stable future. However, the transition from correctional facilities to communities often presents challenges, particularly when access to workforce resources and employment services is interrupted.

In an article featured in the 16th edition of Justice Trends Magazine, Geographic Solutions' President and Founder, Paul Toomey, explores how technology and collaboration are helping bridge this gap, creating more connected pathways to employment and successful reintegration.

This article highlights the importance of preparing individuals for employment before release by providing access to résumé-building tools, career exploration, job opportunities, and workforce development resources. Through innovative solutions such as Geographic Solutions' Virtual OneStop Reentry Employment Opportunities (VOS REO) platform, individuals can begin preparing for their next chapter while still incarcerated.

Successful reentry requires more than early career preparation. Continued access to employment services, training opportunities, and community resources after release is essential to helping individuals maintain momentum and overcome barriers. 

By connecting correctional agencies, workforce development organizations, employers, and community service providers, technology can help create a more seamless transition into workforce while supporting long-term employment stability. Successful reentry is not simply about finding a job. It's about building a sustainable path forward through collaboration, access to opportunity, and continued support.

Read the full article in the 16th edition of Justice Trends Magazine. 

PALM HARBOR, Fla., Oct. 27, 2026 -- Geographic Solutions announced today that Melina Tabares, who serves as Lead Architect for the company's Staff Efficiency/AI and Mobile Teams, has been named a winner in the 2026 Herizon Awards, in the category of "Transformed a Company." Presented by the Business Intelligence Group, the award recognizes women who are changing how the world works.

The 2026 Herizon Awards honor 57 winners across five nominee roles and four countries, spotlighting women whose leadership has moved individuals, teams, companies, industries, and the globe.

Before artificial intelligence (AI) entered workforce development technology, many processes remained manual, time consuming, and administratively burdensome. Tabares recognized that generative AI could improve experiences for job seekers, employers, and workforce agency staff.

With that vision, Tabares helped lead Geographic Solutions' collaboration with Microsoft to integrate artificial intelligence into its flagship workforce development platform, Virtual OneStop® Sapphire (VOS Sapphire®). Leveraging Microsoft Azure OpenAI, the platform introduced AI-powered capabilities that enhanced résumé development, job matching, and workforce service processes.

Under Tabares' leadership, the amount of AI-assisted prompts within VOS Sapphire has grown by 331% starting with an initial 19 prompts in 2024 and growing to 82 in 2026. To date, five states have integrated AI within their workforce systems, with additional states expected to follow over the next year.

"Melina Tabares brought visionary AI leadership to Geographic Solutions. Her work on OpenAI-powered and agent-based systems has redefined workforce development software and reshaped the company's technical roadmap," said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at Business Intelligence Group.

"These women aren't waiting for the world to change. They're the ones changing it. Melina stood out because her work in AI leadership reflects what Herizon is about: real change, led by women, that reaches well beyond a single team," said Fordyce.

"Being recognized in the 'Transformed a Company' category is a testament to the collaborative spirit at Geographic Solutions," said Tabares. "When you are in software, you need to advance as the technology advances. By bringing OpenAI into our flagship platform, we've fundamentally changed how people connect with employment opportunities. This award belongs to the team that turned that vision into reality, and I hope it opens doors for the next generation of women tech leaders."

To learn more about the 2026 Herizon Awards, visit: https://www.herizonawards.com/winners/2026

Press release first distributed via PR Newswire.

As New Hampshire prepares to implement new federal Medicaid work requirements in January 2027, the state is turning to Geographic Solutions to help modernize its technology infrastructure.

The New Hampshire Bulletin recently highlighted how the state's Department of Health and Human Services is streamlining Medicaid enrollment, tracking of work hours, and compliance reporting support.

Geographic Solutions will upgrade the state's existing job-matching system to facilitate information sharing between agencies and help automate administrative processes. The enhancements are intended to support implementation of the new requirements while reducing paperwork-related challenges that could affect Medicaid recipients' health coverage.

New Hampshire's initiative highlights the growing importance of integrated workforce technology as states prepare to navigate changing federal work requirements aruond Medicaid. 

Visit the New Hampshire Bulletin online to read the full article. 

PALM HARBOR, FL, October 20, 2026 – Geographic Solutions, a leading provider of workforce development software and solutions for government and public sectors, is proud to be named as a 2026 Inc. Power Partner Awards honoree for the fourth consecutive year. The company was selected in the category of SaaS Products.

This recognition reinforces Geographic Solutions’ dedication to delivering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technology that helps workforce agencies and organizations manage complex workforce programs more effectively. 

Through its integrated, AI-powered platforms, Geographic Solutions connects job seekers, employers, and workforce professionals with data-driven tools, career services, and resources that strengthen workforce development and expand access to employment opportunities.

“Adapting to changing labor market needs is essential to expanding access to opportunity,” said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. “Workforce systems play a critical role in helping people acquire skills and addressing equity gaps, and the technology behind these systems must be designed to address the challenges of today’s evolving workforce.” 

“Receiving this recognition for the fourth year in a row underlines our mission to empowering workforce development organizations,” said Toomey. “Our goal is to provide software that helps bridge the skills gap and connect people to meaningful employment opportunities.”

“Business owners have no shortage of tools at their disposal, and B2B companies need to make clear why their products and services are worth the investment,” says Bonny Ghosh, Editorial Director at Inc. “The companies on this year’s Power Partners list have done just that. They don’t just have customers – they have superfans and evangelists. Across industries like marketing, financial services, and technology, they’ve proved their dedication to helping fellow business owners grow and succeed.”

The prestigious list celebrates B2B organizations across the country that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and assisting their partners to grow. Companies on the Inc. Power Partner list received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, and more, allowing founders to focus on their core missions.

To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards.

Article first published and distributed via PR Newswire.

CalJOBS was recently featured on KBAX/KBFX Eyewitness News in Bakersfield, California, highlighting how the statewide workforce platform connects job seekers and employers with employment and training resources.

During the station's "Putting You to Work Wednesday" segment, Marco Paredes with Kern County Employers' Training Resource discussed how Californians can use CalJOBS to search and apply for employment opportunities, create résumés, explore training options, and access workforce services. Employers can also use the platform to post job openings and connect with qualified candidates. 

Paredes highlighted an upcoming NetxGen Job Fair designed to connect young adults in Kern County with employment opportunities and workforce resources.

CalJOBS is used by more than 1.1 million Californians each year, along with employers, training providers, workforce professionals, and California Employment Development Department staff. Geographic Solutions has been selected by EDD to help develop the next generation of the platform, with a focus on creating a more accessible, reliable, and customer-focused experience.

Read the original story and watch the segment on BakersfieldNow.

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — October 1, 2026 — Geographic Solutions, a Tampa Bay-based technology company and leading provider of workforce technology solutions, has been named a finalist for Tech Company of the Year in the 2026 Tampa Bay Tech Awards. The recognition highlights Geographic Solutions’ commitment to innovation, employee development, and strengthening of Tampa Bay’s tech community, while delivering solutions that impact millions of people nationwide.

Founded in 1992, Geographic Solutions provides workforce technology used across more than 40 states and U.S. territories, supporting more than 1,100 American Job Centers and reaching more than 211 million people.

“We’re honored to be recognized alongside the innovative companies helping shape Tampa Bay’s technology community,” said Paul Toomey, Founder and President of Geographic Solutions. “For more than three decades, we’ve focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and developing technology that creates opportunities for people and communities.”

Driving Workforce Technology Forward

Geographic Solutions continues to advance its flagship VOS Sapphire platform through AI-powered capabilities designed to improve the delivery of workforce services.

VOS Sapphire AI incorporates generative AI and redesigned user experiences to help workforce professionals streamline administrative tasks, improve job matching, and deliver more personalized services. Developed using Geographic Solutions technology, alongside Microsoft and OpenAI capabilities, the platform continues to gain adoption among state workforce agencies nationwide.

In 2026, VOS Sapphire AI was named the Best AI/ML Solution in the Tech Ascension Awards and was also recognized as a finalist in multiple SaaS Awards categories.

Investing in People and Tampa Bay

Geographic Solutions’ commitment to innovation extends beyond its technology to its employees and future of Tampa Bay’s technology workforce.

The company reported an 87.53% employee retention rate in 2025, with average employee tenure reaching six years and eight months. As a founding member of the Tampa Bay Tech Apprenticeship Network, Geographic Solutions currently has five apprentices participating in the program. The company also hosted 15 interns over the past year, six of whom transitioned into full-time positions.

Through the Paul Toomey IT Scholarship, now in its ninth year, Geographic Solutions has awarded more than 25 scholarships and invested more than $80,000 in technology-focused high school seniors across Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

The company also supports the region's technology ecosystem through the quarterly Pinellas Tech Network Meetup, hosted by Toomey, which brings technology professionals together to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the local tech community.

In 2026, Geographic Solutions was also named one of the Top 100 organizations in North America in the Inspiring Workplaces Awards, marking its third consecutive year of recognition.

The Tampa Bay Tech Awards recognize technology companies and professionals making an impact across the region. Geographic Solutions is a finalist for Tech Company of the Year, with winners to be announced November 13 at the Tampa Bay Tech Awards at Armature Works in Tampa.
 

In an ongoing Expert Insights series from Fast Company Impact Council, Geographic Solutions' own President and Founder, Paul Toomey, shared his outlook on the how to measure the ROI of artificial intelligence. Here is Paul's excerpt from the article:

"I measure the ROI of AI against the process it’s meant to improve and not the novelty of the model. I establish a baseline for time, accuracy, cost, and user outcomes, then determine whether AI reduces administrative work, improves service delivery, and helps people reach better decisions faster. For workforce and benefits systems, outcomes must be balanced against security, fairness, and human oversight."

Leaders across several organizations, including Twilio, UNICEF USA, and ServiceNow, shared their insights, too. From measuring outcomes and not activities, looking beyond time savings, and accounting for quality and trust, these leaders provide important thought leadership for workers in any industry.

Read the entire article by visiting the Fast Company Impact Council Expert Insights series.

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how public workforce systems connect job seekers, employers, and workforce professionals with services and opportunities.

In a recent Fast Company Impact Council article, Geographic Solutions' President and Founder, Paul Toomey, explored how AI can make workforce services more proactive, personalized, and accessible. AI-powered tools can support job matching, resume development, interview preparation, career pathway recommendations, and around-the-clock assistance, while also helping employers identify qualified candidates more efficiently.

Toomey highlights the growing importance of AI literacy as workers prepare for an evolving labor market. Federal initiatives and partnerships are expanding access to AI training, helping job seekers, workforce staff, and agency leaders build practical skills for using and governing the technology responsibly.

The article points to WorkSource Georgia as an example of AI integrated workforce service delivery. Through AI-enabled tools, job seekers receive tailored employment support, employers streamline recruiting tasks, and workforce professionals reduce administrative workloads.

Toomey emphasizes that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise. With strong governance and oversight, AI can help workforce agencies expand access, improve responsiveness, and create a more connected experience for the people and businesses they serve, while better preparing communities for changing skill needs and economic conditions nationwide.

Read the entire article at Fast Company.

Palm Harbor, FL – September 22, 2026 – Geographic Solutions has been named a finalist in The 2026 A.I. Awards in three categories: Best AI Platform, Best Use of AI in Public Sector or Government Services, and the AI for Good Award. 

Operated by The Cloud Awards, a global awards program recognizing excellence in cloud computing and technology, The A.I. Awards celebrate international leaders driving the next generation of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Now in its third year, the program received entries from organizations around the world, ranging from established technology companies to disruptive startups across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific region.

The awards recognize transformative advances across the entire AI ecosystem: from core infrastructure and governance to emerging agentic workflows and AI assistants. Special emphasis is placed on practical implementations that deliver measurable value within dedicated operational units and specific vertical markets.
 
“Unveiling the finalists for the 2026 A.I. Awards is a significant moment,” said James Williams, CEO of The Cloud Awards. “With the sheer volume of entry submissions this year, the competition is fierce, and the quality of work on display is extraordinary.” 

“Being named a finalist across three categories in The 2026 A.I. Awards is meaningful recognition of the work our teams are doing to apply artificial intelligence in ways that create real value for our clients,” said Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey. “Our focus has always been on building practical, responsible AI solutions that help workforce agencies operate more efficiently while improving the experience for the people and the communities they serve.”
  
The program will now begin its final round of judging, where The Cloud Awards judges will select a winner in each category. A.I. Awards winners will be revealed on October 13.

To view the full list of finalists, please visit: https://www.cloud-awards.com/ai-awards/2026-finalists

Press release first distributed via PR Newswire.

Geographic Solutions President and Founder Paul Toomey was recently featured in Fast Company’s article, “15 Leaders on the Economic Indicators Companies Should Watch,” which explores the data business leaders should monitor to better understand changing economic conditions.

In his contribution, Toomey highlighted the importance of labor force participation rates as a valuable complement to traditional unemployment data. His perspective underscores the value of comprehensive labor market data in helping organizations better understand workforce availability and respond to evolving economic conditions.

Read the full article here.