History of the Job Forum
History of the Job Forum
The Job Forum began in September 1951. This community service has continued uninterrupted every Wednesday evening (except holidays) since then.
Bill Cobaugh
For 41 years, the guiding light of the Job Forum was Bill Cobaugh (a personnel executive of Fireman's Fund Co. Insurance). Bill managed and led the Job Forum by personally counseling and advising literally thousands of Bay Area job seekers. He built the current Job Forum process that we still use.
Conley Baker
At the time of Bill's death in 1992, Conley Baker (a longtime volunteer on the Job Forum Panel and Executive with The Employers Group) took over the Chairmanship and leadership of the Job Forum. Conley has been associated with the Job Forum for more than 25 years.
Janet Beach
In 1997, Janet Beach became Chairman of the Job Forum. Janet is a longtime supporter of the Job Forum. She has volunteered her service since 1982. Throughout the years, she has regularly promoted the Job Forum through her book How to Get a Job in the San Francisco Bay Area, in radio interviews, in networking with other job search organizations, and through her active recruitment of volunteers to the Job Forum.
Long Term Panel Participation
The Job Forum could not have continued as successfully as it has without the commitment and "staying power" of its panel members. Many volunteers have 8 or more years of volunteer experience. They stay with the Job Forum throughout their own career transitions. As a group of advisors, they are unique in dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm for the opportunity to guide and encourage others.