Midwest Urban Strategies continues its exciting growth, welcoming six new members whose expertise and leadership further strengthen our collective ability to innovate, collaborate, and shape the future of workforce development. Each new member brings unique insight, partnerships, and energy to the MUS network, expanding our shared capacity to support workers, employers, and communities across the country.
CareerSource Northeast Florida, representing a six-county region and bringing valuable perspective from outside the Midwest. Their work connecting employers with talent and supporting job seekers across Northeast Florida expands cross-regional learning and collaboration within the MUS network. CareerSource Northeast Florida previously participated through The Workforce Alliance and has now established its own membership, reflecting a strong commitment to deeper engagement with the consortium. The organization is led by President Cheryl Taylor, with Melissa Terbrueggen, Vice President of Economic Development, serving as the primary MUS contact.
Ohio Valley Employment Resource (O.V.E.R.), serving four rural counties in southeastern Ohio, strengthens MUS’s commitment to representing both urban and rural workforce systems across DOL Region 5. O.V.E.R.’s work connecting rural communities with training and employment opportunities brings an important perspective to the MUS consortium. The organization is led by Executive Director Janell Comstock.
The Machinists Institute contributes deep expertise in industry-driven training and apprenticeship programs that support careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and other high-demand sectors. Their work helps ensure the workforce system continues to evolve alongside the needs of modern industry. Ryan Davis, Senior Director of Education, serves as the MUS point of contact.
OkaySo provides professional development and training designed for youth-serving professionals. Their work equips workforce practitioners with tools to better support young people facing crisis, trauma, and mental health challenges, strengthening the ability of organizations to respond with empathy, care, and effectiveness. OkaySo is led by Co-Founder Elise Shuster.
MUS is also pleased to welcome Opportunity Bridges Workforce Development Consulting Services, LLC, led by Founder Karla Coleman. Opportunity Bridges brings strategic consulting expertise focused on strengthening workforce partnerships, advancing innovative program design, and helping organizations navigate the evolving workforce landscape.
Finally, MUS welcomes the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), a national organization dedicated to advancing workforce professionals through training, certification, and leadership development. Under the leadership of CEO Melissa Robbins, and with Alexis Franks serving as Director of Membership, NAWDP plays a vital role in strengthening the professional capacity of the workforce field nationwide.
Together, these new members reflect the growing reach and influence of Midwest Urban Strategies. Their commitment to collaboration and shared learning strengthens our collective ability to drive innovation, elevate best practices, and expand opportunities for workers and communities.
We are grateful for their trust in the MUS vision and proud to welcome them into the MUS ecosystem.
By bringing together leaders across regions, sectors, and specialties, MUS continues to build a collaborative workforce ecosystem where shared knowledge, innovation, and partnership create pathways to thriving communities, demonstrating that it is true when we say, Workforce Works!!
Welcome aboard!
