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
Debb Brunell
Debb Brunell is Interim Chief Executive Officer. 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.
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.
Beau Boden
Chief Technology Officer
More information coming soon.
Our Directors and Managers
Holly Peoples
Business Services Director
Employed with Michigan Works since 1998, Holly is a certified Business Solutions Professional and a certified Workforce Development Professional. Holly has expertise in business services, customized training, registered apprenticeships, employer hiring incentives, targeted populations, the Going Pro Talent fund, grant writing and management and much more.
Hanna Duckwall
Talent Services Director
Hanna holds an M.P.A. with a concentration in Public Management from Western Michigan University. She developed an interest in dynamic training solutions as a Peace Corp Volunteer. Hanna oversees operations and provides leadership, guidance, and support to ensure effective and compliant delivery of Talent programs and services.
Betsy Erkkila
Administrative Services Manager
Betsy holds a B.S degree in Marketing from Northern Michigan University. Betsy is the primary support person for the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Strategy Officer, along with our Boards of Directors. Betsy also leads the Grants Committee and has significant responsibility for official communications.
Darren Widder
Policy and Programs Manager
Chris Kangas
Talent Services Manager – Alger, Baraga, and Marquette Counties
Raised in Marquette, Chris graduated from Marquette High and pursued Applied Child Development at Northern Michigan University. Proudly, he became a professional in Workforce Development through UPMW’s internal career pathway. Chris’s responsibilities include managing the daily operations in our American Job Centers, building partnerships with local businesses and training institutions and the administration of State and Federal workforce development programs.
Megan Boddy
Talent Services Manager – Delta, Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties
Megan holds a B.S. in Business Administration from LSSU, is a certified Business Solutions Professional and a certified facilitator for Workplace Stability. Megan’s responsibilities include managing the daily operations in our American Job Centers, building partnerships with local businesses and training institutions and the administration of State and Federal workforce development programs.
Mari Schupp
Talent Services Manager – Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, and Schoolcraft Counties
Mari holds a Master’s degree in Leadership and Management from Western Governor’s University. Her previous experience includes advanced positions in higher education, curriculum development, and business development. Mari’s responsibilities include managing the daily operations in our American Job Centers, building partnerships with local businesses and training institutions and the administration of State and Federal workforce development programs.
Judy Aho
Talent Services Manager – Houghton, Keweenaw, Gogebic, and Ontonagon Counties
More information coming soon.
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.
John Hamm – UPRLF
Jeff Holt – SSM Economic Development Corporation
Bridget Kennedy – Systems Control
George Kinsella – EcoMarine
Michelle LaJoie – Community Action (Alger/Marquette)
Mark Massicotte – L’Anse Manufacturing
Jonathan Mead – UPCAP
Meagen Morrison – Eagle Mine
Suzanne Pazdernik – Jacquart Fabric Products
Mike Smith – UP Construction Council
Chad Rowe – Aspirus Health Services
Julie Wonders – Iron Mountain-Kingsford Community Schools
Jerry Doucette – Alger
Gale Eilola – Baraga
Scott Shackleton – Chippewa
Patrick Johnson – Delta
Joe Stevens – Dickinson
Joe Bonovetz – Gogebic
Gretchen Janssen – Houghton
Mark Stauber – Iron
Bob DeMarois – Keweenaw
Phyllis French – Luce
Paul Krause – Mackinac
Gerald O. Corkin – Marquette
Bernie Lang – Menominee
Carl R. Nykanen – Ontonagon
Alan Kilar – Schoolcraft
