Our Mission
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! promotes and addresses the needs of businesses for current and future work-ready talent, in support of a strong and resilient economy.
Our Vision
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! envisions a healthy, resilient, and globally competitive regional economy, with a workforce that has the knowledge and skills to strengthen and support business success.
Our Leadership
Bill Raymond
Bill Raymond is Chief Executive Officer of Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Prior to this position he was Executive Director of Ottawa County Michigan Works/Community Action Agency in Holland, MI. He is especially interested in the intersection of workforce/economic development and developing nimble and creative talent for the 21st century economy.
Bill holds a Master of Social Work Degree from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Tennessee Temple University, Chattanooga, TN.
Michelle Viau
Michelle Viau is Chief Financial Officer. A graduate of Northern Michigan University, Michelle is a Certified Public Accountant and has been with UP Michigan Works! for more than eighteen years. The employee with the longest tenure, Michelle leads financial stewardship and lends her expertise to ensure UPMW’s responsible and impactful use of resources.
Debb Brunell
Debb Brunell is Director of Workforce Services. In the field since 2005, Debb has significant experience and training. Her credentials include a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and Communication, Certified Program Planner (CPP), Certified Instructor, former Administrator at Macomb Community College, and member of the National Association of Workforce Boards.
Debb is leading UPMW’s teams to new heights with integrity, innovation and collaborative relationships. She is aligning UPMW solutions to meet employer demand and the changing needs of the UP workforce.
Our Managers
Karen Dugdale
Workforce Services Manager – Houghton, Keweenaw, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties
Karen holds a B.A. and M.A. in Organizational Management and has over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, Employee Relations, and Training. Karen’s responsibilities include managing daily operations in our American Job Centers, building local relationships, and the administration of State and Federal workforce development initiatives. Karen leads the collection and management of data such as Labor Market Information and performance metrics to ensure our success.
Jim Huff
Workforce Services Manager – Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties
Jim holds a B.S. in Business Administration and has 30 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with positions in Sales, Engineering, and Project Management. Jim has held leadership roles in Sales Management, Operations, Manufacturing, and as President. His responsibilities include managing daily operations in our American Job Centers, building local relationships, and the administration of State and Federal workforce development initiatives. Jim leads a team of UP-wide, Employer Specialists who work with our partners and local businesses to fulfill their talent needs and meet business objectives.
Tim Hyde
Workforce Services Manager – Alger, Baraga, and Marquette Counties
A 21-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Tim holds a B.A. in Advertising from Michigan State, M.B.A. from Webster University, and M.A. in Corporate Communications and Public Relations from Georgetown University. Tim’s responsibilities include managing daily operations in our American Job Centers, building local relationships, and the administration of State and Federal workforce development initiatives. Tim leads a team in planning and resourcing training for UPMW participants and coordinating training programs with educational institutes and training providers.
Darren Widder
Workforce Services Manager – Delta, Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties
Darren holds a B.S. in Economics, Political Science/Pre-Law, and Philosophy and an M.P.A. in Public Management from NMU. Darren’s passion is for helping others, previously in roles in higher education and K-12. Darren’s responsibilities include managing daily operations in our American Job Centers, building local relationships, and the administration of State and Federal workforce development initiatives. Additionally, Darren leads efforts to maximize workforce resources, improving our programs and services offered to job seekers.
Megan Boddy
Lift UP, Business Resource Network Manager
Megan holds a B.S. in Business Administration from LSSU, is a certified Business Solutions Professional and a certified facilitator for Workplace Stability. Megan champions a unique program called Lift UP, a collaborative network of employers aimed at improving employee retention, sharing innovative ideas, pooling resources, and increasing ROI through increased productivity and reduced turnover. Megan’s responsibilities include establishing networks of employers across the region, enhancing community partnerships and managing a team of Success Coaches that provide employee supports for member companies.
Our Board Members
Dave Anthony – Northern Sun Winery
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 – MDHHS Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Joe Esbrook – Hiawatha Log Homes
David Goudreau – Northern Wings Repair, Inc.
John Hamm – UPRLF
Jeff Holt – SSM Economic Development Corporation
Bridget Kennedy – Systems Control
George Kinsella – EcoMarine
Michelle LaJoie – Community Action (Alger/Marquette)
Dave Lord – OSF St. Francis Hospital
Mark Massicotte – L’Anse Manufacturing
Jonathan Mead – UPCAP
Meagen Morrison – Eagle Mine
Suzanne Pazdernik – Jacquart Fabric Products
Anthony Retaskie – UP Construction Council
Chad Rowe – Aspirus Health Services
Julie Wonders – Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools
Jerry Doucette – Alger
Gale Eilola – Baraga
Don Mclean – Chippewa
Patrick Johnson – Delta
Joe Stevens – Dickinson
Joe Bonovetz – Gogebic
Tom Tikkanen – Houghton
Tim Aho – Iron
Bob DeMarois – Keweenaw
Kevin Erickson – Luce
Paul Krause – Mackinac
Gerald O. Corkin – Marquette
Bernie Lang – Menominee
Carl R. Nykanen – Ontonagon
Craig Reiter – Schoolcraft
