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
Debb Brunell is 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
Beau Boden is Chief Technology Officer. He has a B.S. in Information Technology and broad experience with Networking, Operating Systems, Security, Hardware, Software Applications, and is a Microsoft Certified Professional. Beau is leading UPMW in its efforts to use the most modern technology for connectedness and effective delivery of services to business and job seekers.
Our Directors and Managers
Holly Peoples
Business Services Director
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.
Jim Messer
Business Services Manager
More information to come.
Betsy Erkkila
Administrative Services Manager
Betsy holds a B.S 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.
Chris Kangas
Talent Services Manager – Alger, Baraga, and Marquette Counties
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
Judy is a New Hampshire native with diverse experience in finance and healthcare. Judy became a professional in Workforce Development through on the job training and UPMW’s internal career pathway. Judy’s responsibilities include managing 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.
Darren Widder
Special Initiatives Manager
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 higher education and K-12, and now in workforce development. Darren leads the planning and policy implementation of our job seeker programs across the U.P.
Tom Autio
Communications and Training Manager
Tom holds a B.A in Scientific and Technical Communication from MTU and attended NMU for Digital Cinema. Tom uses audio, video, and graphics applications, written and verbal communications, and social media management to engage the public, ensure brand quality, and train UPMW staff.
Sally Richard
Quality Assurance Manager
More information to come.
Jen Rogers
Policy and Programs Manager
More information to come.
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
Jeff Holt – SSM Economic Development Corporation
George Kinsella – EcoMarine
Meredith LaBeau – Calumet Electronics
Michelle LaJoie – Community Action (Alger/Marquette)
Dana Lalonde – U.P. Regional Labor Federation
Mark Massicotte – L’Anse Manufacturing
Meagen Morrison – Eagle Mine
J.R. Richardson – Vice President, PM Power Group
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
Bob DeMarois – Keweenaw
Brandon Wheeler – Luce
Jodi Kaiser – Mackinac
Gerald O. Corkin – Marquette
Patricia Mueller – Menominee
Carl R. Nykanen – Ontonagon
Craig Reiter – Schoolcraft