Your Workforce Development Experts
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
- Can directly access HUNDREDS of different programs, services and benefits for job seekers and employers.
- Regularly supports job fairs, skills training workshops and Upper Peninsula economic development events.
- Is the BEST PLACE for job seekers to find assistance to expand their skills and get a better job.
- Localizes and personalizes State and Federal job assistance programs.
- Empowers people to win on the job and at home.
No other organization in the Upper Peninsula has a stronger network of talent and resources to connect skilled job seekers and employers.
Our Mission
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! cultivates opportunities for developing a skilled workforce, helps businesses succeed, and collaborates with partners to build a strong economy.
Our Vision
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! envisions a skilled workforce, successful businesses, and collaborative partners working together to build a strong economy.
Our Leadership
Debb Brunell
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Viau
Chief Financial Officer
Beau Boden
Chief Technology Officer
Our Directors and Managers
Holly Peoples
Business Services Director
Jim Messer
Director of Talent Services
Deb Sherrill
Director of Human Resources
Darren Widder
Director of Special Initiatives
Kara Borghi
Talent Services Manager – Alger, and Marquette Counties
Mandy Lindstrom
Talent Services Manager – Delta, Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties
Andrew Bowe
Talent Services Manager – Schoolcraft, Luce, Chippewa, and Mackinac Counties
Judy Aho
Talent Services Manager – Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties
Tonya Heikkinen
Business Services Manager
Tom Autio
Communications and Training Manager
Sally Richard
Quality Assurance Manager
Betsy Erkkila
Administrative Services Manager
Jen Rogers
Policy and Programs Manager
Our Board Members
Melanie Bicigo – Upper Peninsula Health Plan
Samantha Cameron – Bay Mills Community College
Travis Cary – I.U.P.A.T. District Council 7
Roy Del Valle – MLEO – Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Joe Esbrook – Hiawatha Log Homes
David Goudreau – Northern Wings Repair, Inc.
Tammy Henry – Luce County EDC
Dr. Nerita Hughes – Bay College
Ted Johnson – UP Pilots Association
George Kinsella – EcoMarine
Meredith Labeau – Calumet Electronics
Michelle LaJoie – Community Action (Alger/Marquette)
Mark Massicotte – L’Anse Manufacturing
Meagen Morrison – Eagle Mine
JR Richardson – Production & Capital Expansion
& Environment
Chad Rowe – Aspirus Health Services
Mike Smith – UP Construction Council
Julie Wonders – Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools
Dean Seaberg – Alger
Gale Eilola – Baraga
Damon Lieurance – Chippewa
Steven Viau – Delta
Joe Stevens – Dickinson
Joe Bonovetz – Gogebic
Gretchen Janssen – Houghton
Mark Stauber – Iron
Randy Eckloff – Keweenaw
Brandon Wheeler – Luce
Mike Patrick – Mackinac
Joseph DeRocha – Marquette
Larry Schei – Menominee
Carl R. Nykanen – Ontonagon
Craig Reiter – Schoolcraft