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 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
