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 B.

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

Headshot of Holly P.

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.

Headshot of Hanna D.

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 E.

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.

A headshot of Chris Kangas.

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.

Headshot of Megan Boddy, LiftUP Manager.

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.

A headshot of Mari Schupp.

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 A.

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.

Headshot of Darren Widder, WSM.

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