BREMERTON — Dr. David Mitchell, president of Olympic College, is the recipient of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance’s 2012 Economic Development Champion Award.

The award recognizes his leadership in workforce development.

“Dr. Mitchell is an exceptional leader in higher education and provides an effective voice in Olympia fighting to protect the state’s investment in higher education and workforce development,” KEDA Executive Director John Powers said.

Julie Tappero, KEDA board chairwoman and president of Westsound Workforce, praised Mitchell for his “unwavering commitment to workforce and economic development.” She said he has made Olympic College “one of the best tools we have in our economic development toolbelt.”  “This past year, Olympic College was a key player in securing a $100,000 grant that led to the creation of an advanced composites training program that provided a labor pool of manufacturing employees for our client, Profile Composites NA.”

Mitchell has been president of Olympic College since July 2002.