Workforce Development Working Group

Purpose

The Workforce Development Working Group aims to create a best-in-class workforce system to engage and support the long-term unemployed, job seekers, and employers.

2024 Objectives

Improve postsecondary attainment and reduce poverty in West Michigan while incentivizing work and advancement by partnering with the Federal Reserve.
Enhance Michigan’s adult basic education system by accelerating the implementation, evaluation, and scaling of effective practices.
Improve employability and retention of justice-involved individuals by partnering with Calvin University to develop and pilot a microcredential program with best practices for second chance hiring.

Purpose

The Workforce Development Working Group aims to create a best-in-class workforce system to engage and support the long-term unemployed, job seekers, and employers.

2024 Objectives

Improve postsecondary attainment and reduce poverty in West Michigan while incentivizing work and advancement by partnering with the Federal Reserve.
Enhance Michigan’s adult basic education system by accelerating the implementation, evaluation, and scaling of effective practices.
Improve employability and retention of justice-involved individuals by partnering with Calvin University to develop and pilot a microcredential program with best practices for second chance hiring.

Leadership

Director of Business Intelligence & Workforce Innovation

TalentFirst

President & CEO

Western Land Services, Inc.

Senior Vice President/West Michigan Department Manager

Comerica Bank

Membership

Erica Armstrong
Root Functional Medicine

Tony Calcagno
Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids

Jay Dunwell
Wolverine Coil Spring Company

Gene Ford
GW Ford Consulting

Frances Hogsten
Haworth Inc.

Jeanette Hoyer
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan

Peter Hungerford
ADAC Automotive

Shelly Keene
Michigan Works! – West Central

Jason Kehr
Valley City Electronic Recycling

Stephanie Kempa
Herbruck’s

Sara Knoester
Mixed Staffing & Recruiting

Valarie Krause
YWCA West Central Michigan

Mark Lancaster
EG Workforce Solutions

Jacob Maas
West Michigan Works!

Jeff McMartin
Pliant Plastics

Julie Parks
Grand Rapids Community College

Janis Petrini
Express Employment Professionals

Dan Rinsema-Sybenga
Muskegon Community College

Randi Roehling
DISHER

Joanne Roehm
Western Michigan University

Mary Rosser
Trinity Health Grand Rapids

Mylène Sage
Paramelt

Stephanie Schoenherr
Cascade Engineering

Monica Schuyler
Pennies from Heaven Foundation

Wendy Wells
West Shore Community College

Kristy White
Autocam Medical

Crystal Young
West Shore Community College

Related Publications

November 2022

Michigan’s Shrinking Workforce

This report identifies possible explanations for declining labor force participation in Michigan and provides a roadmap of reforms to promote employment and economic mobility.