About MUS
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) serves as a trusted intermediary for urban workforce development boards (WDBs), working to support their local communities by connecting and aligning the key stakeholders of the workforce ecosystem.
Our Vision
Midwest Urban Strategies is committed to ensuring fair and equitable access for all populations across the Midwest who are seeking a better life through the services and supports of the public workforce ecosystem.
Our Mission
Midwest Urban Strategies works to improve the economic conditions of the Midwest, with a targeted focus on urban areas. Our mission is to serve and advance the needs of the region’s populations, employers, workers, job seekers, and workforce development professionals—creating inclusive, sustainable opportunities for all.
Our Values
Through intentional collaboration, Midwest Urban Strategies engages regional and national stakeholders to efficiently and creatively leverage resources—shortening the learning curve in reaching and serving our local communities. Together, we design, test, and implement innovative workforce strategies that empower both workers and employers to achieve their goals and build lasting success.
Our Team
Tracey Carey
Tracey Carey
Tracey Carey leads Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), a consortium of 13 of the largest urban workforce boards in the Midwest. With more than $20 million in federal and philanthropic investment and a growing portfolio of business and service partners, MUS delivers high value resource to its members. The consortium’s mission is to grow business investment and expand and diversify talent in the Midwest. Prior to her tenure with MUS, Ms. Carey enjoyed nearly two decades of service developing and supporting workforce development programs and strategies. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Tracey facilitated the summer youth employment program that provided first jobs for more than 500 young people annually. She also developed and facilitated training programs for opportunity youth that reengaged them in school and/or work. In 2014 she joined Employ Milwaukee, the workforce development board for Milwaukee County (WI) as the Director of Fund Development & Strategic Initiatives. While serving in that capacity, Ms. Carey raised an additional $13 million dollars and supported the startup of MUS. Then, in 2018, she left Milwaukee to join the staff at Partner4Work, the workforce development board for the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, PA. As the Chief Strategy Officer. At P4W, Tracey led a team of innovators working to improve workforce development practice, including the restart of the area’s workforce funding collaborative. Through her leadership, P4W brought more than $10 million dollars to the region in her first year. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Certificate in Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Summa cum laude, Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the Center for Non-Profit Management, and Business and Economic Development Finance Professional Certification from the National Development Council.
William Clay
William Clay
William Clay brings over 40 years of expertise in workforce development, nonprofit capacity building, economic development, and youth programs, with a strong focus on community impact and family-strengthening initiatives. As Board Liaison and Corporate Advisor for Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), William provides strategic guidance and technical assistance, serving as a project liaison to the Board of Directors in the development and ongoing maintenance of its strategic plan and board committees.
Throughout his career, William has played a pivotal role in advancing workforce solutions and economic mobility. He has worked extensively in Milwaukee and beyond, collaborating with nonprofit leadership to design services that address holistic family needs. His leadership experience includes serving as:
- Executive Vice President & Chief Operations Officer at the Opportunities Industrialization Center of Greater Milwaukee (OIC-GM), where he led the largest welfare reform program in Wisconsin.
- Director of Economic Development & Community Programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where he advised the president on community affairs, employment strategies, and minority workforce development in specialized careers.
- Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at North Carolina A&T State University, where he managed strategic initiatives, budget oversight, and sustainability programs, including energy conservation and green technology.
- Project Liaison for AMTC, where he supported the launch and implementation of nine Department of Labor workforce and reentry projects.
Now retired from full-time executive roles, William focuses on executive coaching, project evaluation, and strategic planning for workforce and nonprofit organizations. His expertise spans welfare reform, workforce development, green jobs, weatherization, youth programming, and capacity building.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and remains dedicated to advancing workforce equity, strengthening community partnerships, and mentoring future leaders.
David Eft
David Eft
David Eft is a seasoned Financial Director with a robust track record of elevating business performance and delivering strategic financial insights that empower informed decision-making. As the Finance Director at Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), he spearheads critical budgetary planning and cost management initiatives to ensure the organization's financial stability and alignment with strategic goals. Engaging actively with the board finance committee, David addresses key issues and operational changes, fostering transparency and ensuring organizational alignment.
Previously, David served as Accounting Director at Jigsaw, LLC a marketing and public relations firm in Milwaukee, WI where he oversaw all accounting functions, including A/R, A/P, payroll, and HR, implementing best practices to enhance financial efficiency and compliance.
David’s nonprofit background also includes significant roles as Business Director at City on a Hill in Milwaukee, WI and Grants Manager at Health Care for the Homeless of Milwaukee (Now known as Outreach Community Health Center). Throughout David’s non-profit roles he has demonstrated his passion for helping people in need.
David’s background also includes various contracted accounting positions in the Milwaukee area that provided a broad spectrum of financial experience. In the early part of his career, David worked as a Financial Analyst & Accountant at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC) and as an Accountant for Nordberg Inc. (Now known as Metso).
David holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his dedication to fostering professional growth, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards of financial accuracy and integrity.
Carolyn Harper
Carolyn Harper
Carolyn C. Harper is a goal-driven and results-oriented professional with over 40 years of executive-level management expertise across many sectors, including corporate, government, consulting, and community relations. She has a proven track record in organizational leadership, business development, program design, training and technical assistance, and integrated service delivery process development. Her major strengths include strategic planning, project management, strong leadership, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Carolyn started her own consulting business, Harper & Associates, LLC in 2007. She was most recently a consultant and senior project manager for the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration, where she provided technical assistance, project coaching, and training development. For the last 12 years, she has provided these services through a contract with Coffey Consulting, LLC. In her time working with Coffey, she has worked with over 80 public, for-profit, and non-profit organizations in the US that have received millions of dollars in grant funding from the DOL, DOJ, and SAMSHA. Carolyn served as the DOL’s subject matter expert, providing guidance and strategic support to clients, sub-awardees, and colleagues in the fields of social justice, workforce development, labor sector strategies, and leadership development to shape program design and development.
Prior to working with Coffey, Carolyn served in Mayor Nutter’s Administration as the Chief of Staff for Public Safety for the City of Philadelphia under Deputy Mayor Gillison. In this role, she developed and implemented strategic alliances and partnerships in public, private, and non-profit sectors throughout Philadelphia. She provided oversight coordination of city officials, judicial representatives, corporate entities, and supportive service providers to ensure interagency collaboration. While in this position, Carolyn developed and implemented a unique reentry concept called Managed Reintegration Network (MRN). This new, nationally recognized concept set the foundation for a sustainable, effective reentry system with the goal of aiding formerly incarcerated individuals returning to life in Philadelphia. The MRN resulted in an evidence-based practice model of effective reintegration services for ex-offenders that lowered recidivism by 80% over 2 years and increased public safety. During the implementation of the MRN, Carolyn also helped shape Philadelphia’s “Ban the Box” legislative efforts and Philadelphia’s first employer tax credit plan for businesses hiring the formerly incarcerated population (PREP).
Kellie Landaker
Kellie Landaker
Kellie Landaker is the Membership Director for Midwest Urban Strategies. She comes to M.U.S. after retiring from a 42-year career in human services. She retired as the Director of the juvenile detention center in St Louis County, Missouri. She is the founder and owner of Fortified Wellbeing LLC, a coaching and consulting firm. Kellie holds a B.A. in Sociology, an Academic Certificate in counseling with juvenile offenders, and an M.S. in Management and Leadership. She is certified to provide training in Mental Health for Juvenile Justice Workers, Law of Attraction, crisis prevention, Girls’ Circle (One Circle) and is a Life Coach certified through American Union of Neurolinguistics. She has done extensive collaboration and has presented workshops on trauma, group work, leadership, law of attraction, manifesting, case planning, community engagement, among many other topics. Kellie joined MUS and built her business by doing what she loves to do the most, teaching, program development, conducting workshops, coaching, and consulting. Kellie lives in St Louis and has two grown sons, a tiny canine companion, and a beautiful chosen family.
Melanie Martin
Melanie Martin
Melanie Martin – Regional Workforce Connector
Melanie Martin is the Regional Workforce Connector for Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), where she develops strategic partnerships, leads fund development, and designs marketing opportunities that connect employers, workforce boards, and community organizations. She also spearheads the MUS Connector newsletter, a platform showcasing workforce innovation and sponsorship engagement across the Midwest.
With over seven years in regional and national workforce development and two decades in strategic partnerships and business development, Melanie has helped organizations expand their reach through impact-driven marketing programs.
Melanie has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to education and employment. Her expertise in WIOA compliance and program development has helped individuals access the training and career pathways they need to thrive.
Melanie’s commitment to WIOA led to the development of digital literacy training programs that help individuals overcome technology barriers in their job search and career advancement. She has also worked extensively with American Job Centers, non-profits, and employers to bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness.
Passionate about creating meaningful connections, Melanie thrives on crafting marketing strategies that elevate workforce initiatives, generate revenue, and create lasting solutions that uplift people and strengthen economies. Her work at MUS continues to strengthen regional collaboration, investment, and program innovation in workforce development.
Eileen M. McMahon
Eileen M. McMahon
Originally from Chicago, Illinois with a career spanning over 30 plus years in government, accounting, advertising, manufacturing, communications, and insurance in various administrative roles, Ms. McMahon brings her broad experience in various industries to the fore in her new role at Midwest Urban Strategies. She has also called Monterey, CA and Cleveland, OH home before relocating to Milwaukee in 2001 for a role with General Electric Medical Systems. She most recently assisted executives at Employ Milwaukee.
Her daughter Erin resides in Chicago and is a writer and business owner. Her son Kevin is a commercial painter and musician and lives in Milwaukee. She loves hiking and history.
Robyn M. Minton-Holmes
Robyn M. Minton-Holmes
With over 30 years of nonprofit work experience, Robyn currently serves as Senior Director for Operations and Grants Administration with Midwest Urban Strategies. Prior to joining MUS, Robyn was Vice President of Workforce Initiatives at the Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI). During her 13-year tenure at CWI, she was responsible for the integration, alignment, partnering, and innovation of the State’s Northwest Indiana regional WorkOne (Career Services and One Stop) Centers. She also shared her expertise as a School of Business Faculty Member at the University of Phoenix for ten years.
Robyn’s tenure in the nonprofit world led her to positions where she developed model programs and quality initiatives, set strategic direction in areas where change and crisis management were required, and stood as a human capital expert and coach while managing multi-site operations. She is a results-driven and business-oriented leader.
Before moving to the Midwest, Robyn was a Program Director at the Nashville, Tennessee YWCA where she managed day-to-day operations of the state’s largest domestic violence services program. Her role included program development and expansion, human capital management, (capacity building, community awareness, grants management, volunteer management and quality improvement initiatives. She oversaw this $1.7 million program with proven success and is proud to say that the programs initiated under her direction are still in existence and continue to grow and evolve. While at the YWCA, Robyn worked on initiatives with the United States Department of Justice and the Violence Against Women division in creating and evaluating best practice models.
Prior to the YWCA, Robyn’s social services work in Tennessee included her position as Associate Director at Omni Residential Treatment Service where she managed operations, personnel, and the design and oversight of therapeutic protocols. She also served for ten plus years as a Program Coordinator within the children and youth division of Centerstone, Inc.. Her position with Centerstone involved program development, managing grants, volunteer coordination, and fiscal oversight.
Robyn has an MBA from Vanderbilt University-Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her M.A. in Counseling from Trevecca Nazarene University, and a B.A. in Sociology from Kentucky Wesleyen College. She is a member of Leadership Northwest Indiana (LNI, 27) and is a commissioned Honorable Kentucky Colonel (’85).
She was a recipient of the Non-Profit Management Scholarship from Nashville’s Center for Non-Profit Management & Vanderbilt University. In addition, her leadership of volunteer recruitment and retention strategies for a school based HIV education program, garnered her recognition on a national level when she was recognized with the Golden Rule Award for Volunteer Management.
Our Members
Debra Bahr-Helgen
Debra Bahr-Helgen
Debra Bahr-Helgen has led the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training Program for more than 11 years. Prior to holding the Director position, Bahr-Helgen served as Program Manager. Debra is a highly engaged leader in workforce and economic development. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University and completed graduate studies at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Tammy Biery
Tammy Biery
Tammy Biery is the executive director at Career Solutions, a partner agency in CareerForce St. Cloud. Career Solutions' focus is workforce development initiatives, primarily in Stearns and Benton Counties. Services provided include dislocated worker programs, career and job-related programs for at-risk youth in the community (CareerONE, Youthbuild, Youth At Work), as well as assisting employers with their workforce needs. Tammy works with multiple programs and partners to use resources to encourage joint participation and collaboration to achieve needed outcomes.
JoAnn Breedlove
JoAnn Breedlove
JoAnn Breedlove serves as executive director to the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board located in Ohio. Prior to her appointment as executive director in March 2022, JoAnn began her employment with Workforce Initiative Association in 2008 as an Employer Account Representative and has served as the organization’s Business Services Manager, Business Resource Network Project Director and Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the programmatic aspects of the Workforce Initiative Association which include OhioMeansJobs Stark and Tuscarawas County Center operations, programs funded through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act and Ohio’s youth Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program.
JoAnn views the workforce system as perfectly poised to strengthen communities by supporting businesses with strategies that serve their workforce needs while ultimately improving the lives of its citizens through employment and training resources.
Prior to her service with the public workforce system, JoAnn worked for the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Contract Procurement Specialist and in sales and management with Kimberly Clark Corporation. JoAnn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration/Marketing and Human Resource Management from The Ohio State University, and a Master of Science degree in Management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Julie Cayo
Julie Cayo
Julie Cayo, AICP is a seasoned urban planning professional with 25 years of experience in redevelopment, economic development, and workforce development. Specialties include workforce development, project management, brownfield redevelopment, economic development, tax incremental financing, labor market information analysis, and the development of small and large federal, state, and local grant proposals.
Julie currently serves as the Interim CEO and Chief Planning Officer at Employ Milwaukee. She has a robust background in urban planning and workforce development, with over 25 years of experience in various leadership roles within the field.
Lisa M Daugherty
Lisa M Daugherty
Lisa Daugherty is serving as the new President & CEO of Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI), which provides solutions to meet the workforce-related needs of customers in Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke and Pulaski counties in Northwest Indiana.
Prior to coming to CWI, Lisa served as President and CEO for Lake Area United Way (LAUW), leading the organization through a significant transition to a new community impact model, focused on strengthening low-income working families by helping them access financial education resources, child care and better paying jobs. While in that role, she earned NIPSCO’s Luminary Award for Outstanding Community Leadership.
Before LAUW, Lisa entered the nonprofit sector as the Director of Marketing & Development for TradeWinds Services, Inc., an organization serving children and adults with disabilities. She also managed the Employment Services Department which connected clients with job opportunities and provided supportive services to retain employment.
Prior to her roles in nonprofits, Lisa enjoyed a diverse career in media with The TIMES Media Company serving lastly as the Advertising Director and General Manager. Throughout her career at The TIMES, she held various sales, management and director level positions in circulation, marketing, human resources and advertising.
Lisa earned a Bachelor of Arts as well as a Master of Arts in Communication and Creative Arts from Purdue Northwest.
Outside of her work priorities, Lisa works really hard to pamper her four rescues.
Robert King
Robert King
Twenty-plus years of progressive experience and responsibility in the Workforce Development and Community Services field to include: executive leadership, performance assessment/evaluation, operational monitoring, budgeting, contracting, community outreach, team development and grant policy implementation. * Outstanding communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.* Major strengths in planning, problem-solving and public relations.* Provide operational strategic guidance and develop regional long-term planning goals. * Ability to interpret and convey complex policies, procedures and guidelines.* Promote professionalism and success.
Marie Mackintosh
Marie Mackintosh
Marie Mackintosh has served as President and CEO of EmployIndy since the fall of 2022. As a workforce development board and nonprofit intermediary in
Indianapolis, EmployIndy is focused on creating strategic partnerships, connections, and opportunities that enable all Marion County residents to grow and prosper in a career that meets employer demand for talent.
She joined EmployIndy in 2016 and guided the implementation of several pivotal initiatives that collectively work to create economic prosperity across
Indianapolis for all residents and businesses. Whether the New Skills Ready Network Collaborative, Modern Apprenticeship, Talent Bound, Rapid Re-
Employment Response, or the Good Wages Initiative, Mackintosh has led the EmployIndy team to integrate investments and to focus on ensuring that
students and workers are prepared for 21st century jobs through career-connected learning, access to career coaches, and equitable postsecondary
options. Simultaneously, her team engages businesses to ensure they are competitive in a global marketplace by offering opportunities to co-create
talent pipelines, become a choice employer with good jobs, and make connections to a diverse and well-prepared talent pool so that that the Indianapolis economy can grow and thrive.
Mackintosh brings over 20 years of relevant experience to this role, having worked immediately prior to EmployIndy in various leadership roles at the
Indiana Department of Workforce Development, in marketing at a global manufacturer, and in advising and academic affairs at Butler University,
DePauw University, and the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. She holds an MBA from Butler University and a BA from Indiana University, where
she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She was named one of Indy’s Best and Brightest in 2017 and has served on numerous committees and boards for
organizations that include the U.S. Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council, Midwest Urban Strategies Consortium, Indy Chamber,
Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Business Equity for Indy, Far Eastside Collective Impact Council, Near Eastside Innovation School Corporation, and
IndyFringe
Clyde McQueen
Clyde McQueen
Clyde R. McQueen serves as President/Chief Executive Officer, of the nationally recognized job training and placement enterprise, the Full Employment Council (FEC), Inc. Since 1987, FEC has been the strategic workforce entity and fiscal agent for two Workforce Development Boards, serving five counties, including two of the largest cities in Missouri, Kansas City and Independence, in a region that covers 2,700 square miles serving urban, suburban, and rural markets.
He previously worked as the Division Director of Training and Employment Development for the Texas Department of Community Affairs, the administrative agency for the Workforce Development system throughout the State of Texas. Clyde also served as Chairman of the Technical Review Committee for Economic Development, which oversaw the disbursement of an economic development fund for non-entitlement cities. He developed the program design and application procedure for the state’s Economic Development Grant Program, which utilized community development block grant funds for economic development.
Clyde served as Administrator of Technical Programs for the Texas Economic Development Commission where he worked with communities and various groups to develop strategies for attracting businesses and industries into specific regions of the state. He served as an Administrative Technician, working with small and minority businesses, providing management and technical assistance in securing contracts and financial assistance.
Clyde also served as an Assistant Instructor at Texas State University, and as a Field Supervisor for the City of San Antonio Nutrition Program. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Speech Communications and Political Science from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. He completed the Top State Manager’s Executive Education Program at Duke University.
As a volunteer, Clyde has served as President of Kansas City Consensus, President of U.S. Conference of Mayor’s Workforce Development Council, President of the National Association of Counties Training and Employment Professionals, President of the National Business League (Centex) Chapter, Chairman for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, and a member of the Missouri Automobile Task Force, the Community Development Advisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank/Kansas City Region, Missouri Community Service Commission, United Way of Greater Kansas City, The Starlight Theater, and the Austin/San Antonio Corridor Council.
Presently, Clyde serves as an executive committee member of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Board member of the United Services Community Action Agency, Board member of the Clay County Economic Development Corporation, member of the Personnel Committee of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, and a Board member of the Construction Workforce Development Board of the City of Kansas City, MO.
Clyde has been recognized as “Professional of the Year” by the Missouri Association of Workforce Development, “Local Hero” and “100 Most Influential Kansas Citians” by Ingram’s Magazine, “Job Training Professional of the Year” by the National Alliance of Business, “Distinguished Service Award” by the Texas Association of SDA Administrators, and “Top State Manager” by the State of Texas.
Clyde has also been awarded resolutions, sponsored and the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate on his accomplishments in workforce development. Clyde has testified before the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions Committee regarding the reauthorization of workforce development programs in the United States. Clyde also was recognized in the Congressional Record of the U.S. House of Representatives and inducted into the Missouri Walk of Fame to honor the achievements of African Americans who made significant contributions to the state of Missouri. He also received a Distinguished Service Award from the Kansas City NAACP and recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His work has also been cited in Nations Business Magazine and the New York Times.
Jim McShane
Jim McShane
Jim McShane MPA is a seasoned professional in workforce development, co-founding The Workforce Alliance, a non-profit encompassing nine workforce boards across Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. As Chief Executive Officer of CareerSource Capital Region, Jim leads a dedicated team to assist job seekers and employers, while engaging in advocacy through the US Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council. Jim's extensive experience includes previous leadership roles at organizations such as the South Shore GRANTS Center and the Crossroads Workforce Investment Board, and a solid educational foundation with a Master's in Public Administration from Indiana State University. Throughout a diverse career spanning decades, Jim has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing workforce development and community support.
Lisa Patt-McDaniel
Lisa Patt-McDaniel
Lisa Patt-McDaniel joined the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio as the first President and CEO in November 2016. The Board develops strategies for placing jobseekers on the path to family sustaining careers and works with employers to identify talent pipelines for their businesses. The Board works through its Ohio Means Jobs Center Columbus Franklin County (OMJCFC) and other partner agencies to create innovative workforce solutions for the Central Ohio Business Community.
Previous to this position, Ms. Patt-McDaniel was an Executive on Loan to the Affordable Housing Trust for Columbus & Franklin County to stand up a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with the capacity to lend on housing and mixed-use developments in Franklin County.
Ms. Patt-McDaniel spent over 20 years at the Ohio Department of Development working in the areas of economic, workforce and community development, completing her career there as the Director of the Department and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. While she was Director, Ohio claimed its third Governor's Cup from Site Selection Magazine by focusing on taking the steps necessary to be competitive, even in a challenging economic environment. McDaniel joined Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing (OCCH) in 2011 as Director of Community Development where she was responsible for developing relationships and services related to community development, including working with cities and in rural areas to address vacant land and housing, leveraging resources for development, and convening local officials around common development issues.
Ms. Patt-McDaniel is a Certified Economic Development Professional (EDP) through the National Development Council. She is an officer on the boards of the Ohio Workforce Association, Midwest Urban Strategies, the Columbus Next Generation Corporation, and Heritage Ohio. She is also on the Board of the US Conference of Mayors Workforce Development Council. Ms. Patt-McDaniel is a lecturer at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs where she has taught classes in public policy and strategic management. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Miami University and a Master of Public Administration from the John Glenn College of Public Policy at The Ohio State University. Ms. Patt-McDaniel is married to Dana McDaniel, City Manager of the city of Dublin, and they are the proud parents of two daughters, Caitlyn and Colleen.
Chris Rivers
Chris Rivers
For more than 20 years, Chris has worked with established companies, startups and offshore environments to help them maximize revenue, develop distribution strategies, and deliver unparalleled customer service. When he worked at Time Warner alone, he launched five major, national sales campaigns, raising the bar for sales performance for thousands of employees.
Despite his success at Fortune 500 companies, it was his passion for helping young people that drove his development of the Visionz Group. Since 2001, Chris has mentored at-risk youth, partnering with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and providing engaging and interactive educational training.
In 2016, Chris founded the Visionz Group to help youth and young adults learn the skills to be successful learners and earners as they progress through life. His experience as an educator and mentor has proven invaluable to the Visionz organization.
Currently, Chris has positioned the Visionz Group as a leader in the soft skills development space. The company boasts such clients as Health Management Systems of America, the Michigan Department of Corrections, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, and Dallas County Juvenile Detention, where it provides individuals with the tools to “Get the Job,” “Keep the Job,” and “Transition to New Opportunities.” using fun and interactive techniques to engage their audiences.
Michelle Rose
Michelle Rose
In June 2022, Mayor Justin M. Bibb appointed Michelle Rose as the Executive Director for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Workforce Development Board. In this role, she leads public sector workforce development programming and strategy for the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.
Previously, Rose served as Acting Assistant Secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs under U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “From day one, Michelle Rose has been a trusted advisor and strong leader as Acting Assistant Secretary for Congressional & Intergovernmental Affairs,” Secretary Walsh said. “As a former mayor, I'm thrilled she is bringing her expertise to drive change at a local level.” As Acting Assistant Secretary, Rose directed the Department of Labor’s strategy for interacting with Congress and advancing legislative priorities, successfully led ten Senate confirmations, served as the primary staff liaison to Capitol Hill on behalf of the Department of Labor, and managed all operations of the Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Rose’s prior experience includes serving as chief of staff to U.S. Deputy Labor Secretary Chris Lu, nearly six years as a senior legislative officer in the Office of Congressional Affairs, and work with advance teams for both the White House and the Obama for America Presidential Inaugural Committee.
Locally, Rose was Director of Talent Initiatives for the Cleveland Innovation Project, a non-profit collaborative of foundations and economic development organizations working to create a blueprint for regional growth through high-tech jobs in Northeast Ohio. Rose has also worked in constituency services for the Democratic National Committee and holds a B.A. in Political Science from Miami University. Her first role in Washington was as a summer intern for Ohio’s Senior Senator, The Honorable Sherrod Brown. She is a Northeast Ohio native and grew up in Painesville Township. She and her husband are happy to be raising three daughters in Shaker Heights.
Katie Thomas
Katie Thomas
Katie Thomas, Executive Director for Southeast AlabamaWorks, is a long-time resident of southeast Alabama and a local expert on Workforce Development specific to the 10-county region they serve. Katie was a 2005 third-generation graduate of Troy University and worked in business and industry for 13 years before transitioning to a Workforce Development role in 2018. Katie remains dedicated to helping our local economy grow through workforce development and remains active on several Boards and Leadership Councils across Southeast Alabama.
Robert Shimkoski
Robert Shimkoski
Robert Shimkoski Jr. lives in Detroit Michigan and is the Director of Planning and Resource Development for the Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), a Michigan Works! Agency that administers Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) Programs in the city of Detroit. He holds a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Scranton and a M.A in English from Wayne State University. He has served as a volunteer with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and worked for the city of Detroit’s Workforce Development and Housing Departments and several non-profits. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the United Community Housing Coalition, President of the Board of Directors for the Mary Turner Center for Advocacy and is a board member for several other organizations. He has also completed a fellowship with the Aspen Institute’s Detroit Workforce System Leadership Development Academy.
Tera West
Tera West
Tera N. West has dedicated over 25 years to being a servant leader in workforce development. She is an Elyria, Ohio native who moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 2005—shortly after earning her Master of Business Administration from Kent State University.
Over the course of her professional career, Tera has served in leadership positions for the Louisville Urban League, the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Apprenticeship Division, and of course, KentuckianaWorks. One of Tera’s most notable accomplishments is spearheading the Mayor’s SummerWorks program in Louisville, Kentucky. Additionally, she led, coordinated, and/or managed a cadre of other local, state, and federally funded programs in the Midwest and Atlantic South regions.
Before returning to KentuckianaWorks as Deputy Director, Tera provided leadership to Equus’ U.S. Department of Labor Industry Intermediary contract for Registered Apprenticeship Expansion. She worked alongside partners and stakeholders to create opportunities for career seekers—especially those from underserved and underrepresented populations—as they endeavored to increase their skill levels and earning potential.
Other notable experience for Tera includes more than 10 years of service as an Algebra Teacher for the Whitney M. Young Scholars Program run by the Lincoln Foundation. Tera’s community service activities include serving on the Metro United Way Program Review Team and Community Impact Cabinet (through June 2015), membership on the Board for the Community Action Partnership, and ministry service at the Canaan Christian Church Family Life Center— where she is also a parishioner.
Dana L. Williams
Dana L. Williams
Dana L. Williams is President & CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC), the fiscal and administrative agent for the workforce in the city of Detroit. She is responsible for overseeing system operations, representing the workforce perspective in various settings, and providing a data-based foundation upon which the system operates for the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board.
Dana’s progressive career includes experience in Human Resources, Corporate Social Responsibility, Foundation Giving, Legislative Advocacy, Community Outreach, Education, Sales, Marketing, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. She has successfully led strategic initiatives in various industries, including energy & utilities, aerospace & defense, professional services, nonprofit, and public education.
Dana is a graduate of the University of Michigan, Walsh College, and the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit Class XLI. She believes in serving the community, especially Detroiters, as evidenced by her leadership in The Links, Inc., United Way of Southeastern Michigan, City of Detroit Civil Service Commission, Detroit Society of Human Resource Management, Michigan Diversity Council, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and New Paradigm Loving Glazer Academies Charter School Board.
Sara Worstell
Sara Worstell
Sara Worstell serves the Southwest Indiana Workforce Board as the Executive Director. Throughout the 9 counties in the region, Sara helps to break down barriers to employment. Sara’s passion is to connect resources to people to help them reach self-sufficiency. With 18 years of experience in workforce development, Sara leads the organization by bringing awareness through re-branding, increased collaboration, and funding diversification. One result of Sara’s leadership is the Neighborhood Navigator program which meets people throughout the community right where they are. Sara’s education includes an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Vincennes University; Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and a Master in Science in Leadership both from the University of Evansville.
George Wright
George Wright
George Wright became the CEO of The Chicago Cook Workforce (The Partnership) in June 2023. Wright comes to the role after a distinguished career in banking and community investment and after serving as the co-chair of The Partnership’s Board of Directors since 2015. In April, he stepped down from The Partnership Board and retired as director of community relations for Citibank’s Global Consumer Group. As director of community relations, Wright led all aspects of Citi’s community development portfolio in Illinois and across the Central Region.
Previously, Wright served as national director of emerging markets for Washington Mutual, where he was responsible for national home loan sales and operations to emerging market consumers and oversaw a team of more than 200 employees. Earlier in his career, Wright was a senior vice president at GMAC Bank where he was one of the six senior founding bank managers and was responsible for all areas of the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act initiatives, as well as customer service and philanthropy. He began his career at Citicorp / Citibank in Illinois as a management associate and was progressively promoted throughout his 30 years there, ultimately rising to
become community investment officer where he managed all aspects of community development for the Central Region and national manager of planning and integration.
In addition to his service on The Partnership Board, Wright has also served as Board Chair of Acciόn Chicago and the Center for Economic Progress, as well as the Greater Englewood CDC. In addition, he is the recipient of numerous community leadership awards including the James Sills Community Reinvestment Act Leadership Award, the YMCA Black / Hispanic Achiever in Industry Award, Englewood “Maker of Men” Award, 100 Black Men Leadership Award, Chicago Defender “Man of Excellence” Award, Executive of the Year for AFP and Chicago “Community Change Maker” Award.
Wright received his BS degree in Psychology from St. Joseph’s College and did his graduate studies at Illinois Institute of Technology.
Beth Yoke
Beth Yoke
Prior to joining the Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio as Executive Director, Beth Yoke served as Chief Strategy Officer for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library from 2018 - 2024. From 2004 - 2018 she served as Executive Director of the Young Adult Library Services Association, and has also worked as a university and a high school librarian, and an elementary school teacher. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College and her master’s degree from Louisiana State University. You can find her on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn. Yoke is a resident of the Northside neighborhood in Cincinnati, OH.
Our Member Organizations
The Workforce Alliance
The Workforce Alliance, initially established in 2016 among six workforce boards in North Florida and South Georgia to break down barriers for job seekers while helping employers hire and retain skilled workers, expanded in FY 2020-2021 with two additional Florida boards and Southeast AlabamaWorks.
The Workforce Alliance is now the first tri-state alliance in the southeast, with nine workforce boards serving 76 counties, thoughout North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama.
Southwest Indiana Workforce Board
The Southwest Indiana Workforce Board is comprised of business and community organization representatives in Southwest Indiana. The Board oversees the workforce development initiatives and the WorkOne Southwest offices in Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, Inc.
The South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, Inc. (WDB) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation which has oversight of employment and training programs in the following eight counties: Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Owen. The WDB serves as a pass through entity providing employment and training programs in the Economic Growth Region 8 using a variety of state and federal grant resources, including those available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), Adult Education WorkINdiana Training Program, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Business Services.The WDB is governed by a volunteer board that will initiate program directives and provide oversight and guidance on program operations. Crowe, LLP serves as the Board's Fiscal Agent.
Kentuckiana Works
KentuckianaWorks is the workforce development board for the Louisville region, which includes Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties. We are funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (through the Kentucky Education Workforce Development Cabinet) and Louisville Metro Government.
We operate a regional network of Kentucky Career Center services that includes job and career counseling, training, resume-building and direct referral to employers.
Our 2021 Strategic Plan lays out our priorities as an organization. We have also developed a Regional Plan for the Central Kentucky region's workforce as well as a Local Plan, both of which are required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
In January (Indiana) and May 2021 (Kentucky), we submitted a draft Bi-State Regional Plan for review. This plan, among the first of its kind in the nation, lays out a framework for KentuckianaWorks and Southern Indiana Works to share data and collaborate across the 13 counties that comprise the Louisville region. It is designed to improve the responsiveness to the needs of the region's employers, job seekers, and students.
Visionz | Support Education Empowerment
Urban and low income youth, especially in Detroit, face a staggering, potentially life-threatening life skills and technology gap. They have lower internet connectivity, fewer computers at home, abysmal access to technology in schools, and they shoulder significant opportunity challenges outside the classroom. Acquiring the life skills that will close these gaps, unfortunately, is a luxury. The Visionz Project plans to close this gap by providing these youth with skills training, education and life support, direct work experience and mentoring relationships.The Visionz Project is a highly interactive training, experiential learning and support program that uses technology, instructor-led classroom training and career exploration activities to teach low income and at-risk youth life skills to help them succeed in life
Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board
The mission of the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board is to assist area businesses in meeting their workforce needs by coordinating the workforce development activities of the numerous employment, education, and economic development entities in the region. The OhioMeansJobs One-Stop System strives to act as a consolidated employment resource for all partner programs, employers, and job seeker customers while supporting the mission of the Workforce Development Board. These platforms provide free services made possible through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and operated locally by the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board and the Stark and Tuscarawas Boards of County Commissioners.
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Created in 2012, The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is an umbrella organization operating the public workforce system in the City of Chicago and Cook County. The Partnership combines federal and philanthropic resources to broaden the reach and impact of workforce development services for both employers and job seekers. As the largest non-profit workforce development system in the nation, The Partnership has helped place more than 70,000 individuals in employment, collaborated with more than 2,000 employers, and administers more than $300 million in federal and philanthropic funds. The Partnership’s network of more than 50 community-based organizations, 10 American Job Centers, and sector-driven workforce centers serve 132 municipalities.
Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio
The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio is a 501c3 Ohio chartered nonprofit organization. The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio implements the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The board is responsible for developing strategies to engage employers, employees, government, education, organized labor and community-based organizations in a partnership to strengthen and expand the workforce resources of the region for the benefit of all the participants and communities where we live, work and raise our families. The SWORWIB sets the vision, policy, and performance expectations for the regional OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) workforce development system In Cincinnati-Hamilton County.
Greater Cleveland Works
As the workforce development board for Cleveland and Cuyahoga County, we connect people to jobs and employers to talent, raise and distribute funding to strengthen the system, and collaborate with partners to improve job quality, reduce racial disparities, and grow the regional economy. We operate the OhioMeansJobs center at 1910 Carnegie Avenue in Cleveland.
Aspire Workforce Initiative
The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio serves the city of Columbus and Franklin county. The Board serves the residents and employers in their workforce region, connecting them to training and supportive services and coordinating the planning and convening of workforce system partners from throughout the region. Operating in a collaborative service delivery model, the Board contracts with ResCare to convene three trusted workforce system partners to deliver services to job seekers and incumbent workers. Those system partners include the Urban League, Goodwill, and Jewish Family Services.
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DESC - Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became the city of Detroit’s workforce agency in 2012. DESC is part of the Michigan Works! Association anda proud partner of the American Job Center network. DESC regularly partners with political and community leaders, employers, community-based organizations, and stakeholders to raise awareness regarding education and workforce issues facing Detroit residents. DESC serves as the fiscal and administrative entity that provides workforce employment and training services for the City of Detroit. DESC reports to the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB), which was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Detroit and is responsible for developing the strategy for Detroit’s workforce development service delivery system.
The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board
The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board is a 27-member business member led board representing seven counties of Northwest Indiana including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski counties. The board incorporated in 2005 as a non-profit board working in partnership with Local Elected Officials covering each of the seven counties. As part of its infrastructure, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board has contracted with the Center of Workforce Innovations, Inc. to serve as the board staff, as the One Stop Operator, and to provide some services of Title 1 of WIOA.
EmployIndy
EmployIndy has transitioned to focus on target impact areas to create a more community-driven initiative, becoming a hub for targeted populations and those who have given up hope in the possibility of entering or re-entering the workforce. Establishing a more neighborhood-focused form of workforce development will be designed by both increasing the implementation of resources in local community centers and reducing barriers for residents so they may have access to career pathways and gain the necessary skills to excel in the workforce. This strategy presents employers with qualified candidates to fulfill their hiring needs. This ABC (Any Job, Better Job, Career) Approach exemplifies the transitional goal for both workers and employers, realizing that having access to a career and skilled workers is a journey, not just a destination.
The Full Employment Council (FEC)
The Full Employment Council Inc. (FEC) is the administrative entity and fiscal agent for two workforce development boards: Kansas City & Vicinity Workforce Development Board and Eastern Jackson County Workforce Development Board. FEC is a business-led private nonprofit corporation whose mission is to obtain public and private sector employment for the unemployed and underemployed residents of the greater Kansas City area. FEC accomplishes this goal by working in collaboration with businesses, local units of government, educational institutions, labor organizations, and community-based organizations. This partnership responds to employer needs while reducing unemployment and underemployment of area residents.
Employ Milwaukee
Employ Milwaukee (EMI) was established in 1989 and is the largest Workforce Development Board in Wisconsin, serving the most diverse racial and economic area in the state. Governed by a board of 36 leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, EMI employs 72 workforce development professionals, coordinates industry leaders across five sector-based advisory boards, and administers an annual budget of over $20 million. The board conducts data tracking and case management for its monthly quantitative and narrative reports to its 20+ funding and government partners. EMI has established an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) operating model around key industry sectors and occupations. Employer and industry representatives drive the alignment of EMI’s talent sourcing and skill development strategies to respond to the current workforce and labor market needs.
City Of Minneapolis Employment & Training
Minneapolis Employment and Training administers a variety of employment and training programs under the direction of the Mayor, City Council, and Minneapolis Workforce Council. Minneapolis Employment and Training is the administrative entity and staff to the Minneapolis Workforce Council. City programs under the oversight of the Workforce Council include services for low-income adults, dislocated workers, and youth. In Minneapolis, these services are delivered to job seekers and businesses by community-based organizations that have been competitively evaluated and selected based on their ability to effectively serve target groups and achieve employment-related outcomes, including both placement and support for retention in employment.
St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)
The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost employment services, including job training and career counseling. It is the City of St. Louis government agency that offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost services related to employment, training, and career advancement. SLATE, in coordination with the Missouri State Department of Economic Development (DED), Division of Workforce Development (DWD), the City of St. Louis Mayor's office and several partners, operates SLATE Missouri Career Centers, which connect employers to a skilled workforce and provide training and placement services to the City's adult workforce.
Center of Workforce Innovations
Center of Workforce Innovations is a multi-management nonprofit workforce development organization with its finger on the pulse of employment, education, and economic development. They are a catalyst for community and business investment in workforce, education, and economic development building and enhancing collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy.
Understanding challenges associated with aligning workforce skills to meet the needs of employers, and elevating talent for emerging next generation jobs, CWI is poised and ready to provide solutions and implementation processes.
Consider this. As an organization CWI has a dual purpose.
They serve as an intermediary which is known for its convening community and industry groups to facilitate solutions, providing data and labor market information, offering information about resources, and seeding best practices that help in formulating the solutions. They also directly deliver services such as career advising, provide credit recovery programming, have community learning centers for adult education services while overseeing a network of adult education providers, and they provide oversight for the American Job Centers, known as WorkOne in Indiana.
Commonly known for identifying and implementing best practices, CWI has administered more than 40 public and private ventures intended to improve the quality of the workforce, enhance the business climate, and ensure the realization of a higher quality of life.
While remaining a driver of workforce development in NW Indiana, CWI strategic priorities are on empowering its regional workforce through high quality career advising, skill building and efforts to increase post-secondary credential attainment.
Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas
The Workforce Alliance is the Local Workforce Development Board, Administrative Entity and Program Administrator for US Department of Labor Education and Training programs in Local Area IV of Kansas, which includes Butler, Cowley, Harper, Kingman, Sedgwick and Sumner counties. It is a proud partner of America’s Job Center Network and Kansansworks.com. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in 2014 and is comprised of multiple titles that provide federal job training programs and adult education programs into block grants. The Local Workforce Development Board (LWDB) assures WIOA funds and operations are invested in workforce development activities that address the needs of employers and job seekers in South Central Kansas. Currently, the LWDB operates One Stop Workforce Centers in El Dorado, Winfield, Wellington, and Wichita.