Michigan Works! Association Joins Statewide MIHEART Roundtable to Advance Education and Workforce Alignment

LANSING (Sep. 29, 2025) - The Michigan Works! Association announced today it has joined the Michigan Higher Education Attainment (MIHEART) Roundtable, a cross-sector collaborative convened by the Michigan College Access Network (MCAN). The Roundtable brings together leaders in business, education, and workforce development to strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline and promote long-term economic growth.

Alongside the Association, new members include the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM), and Launch Michigan. These organizations will participate in MIHEART’s next quarterly meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 30 in Lansing.

“Joining the MIHEART Roundtable underscores our commitment to connecting workforce and education policy in meaningful ways,” said Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association. “Our statewide network is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between job seekers, students, and employers, and we look forward to helping shape policies that drive both individual economic mobility and Michigan’s long-term competitiveness.”

MIHEART has worked for several years to align strategies that increase postsecondary access and completion, address equity gaps, and ensure Michigan develops and retains the skilled talent needed for the state’s future. At the heart of this effort is the 2025-26 Talent Sustainability Agenda, which outlines ten key policy priorities designed to expand opportunity and strengthen Michigan’s talent ecosystem.

The Michigan Works! Association’s participation in MIHEART reflects a growing recognition that workforce development and postsecondary education are deeply interconnected. By linking efforts across sectors, the Roundtable provides a platform for innovation, collaboration, and solutions that ensure Michigan’s residents and employers thrive together. 

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.

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Statewide Workforce Leaders Honored as 2025 Shining Stars by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 19, 2025) – Sixteen local workforce development leaders were awarded Michigan Works! ‘Shining Star’ awards by the Michigan Works! Association for going above and beyond to help job seekers and employers across the state.

The Shining Star awards celebrate Michigan Works! frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personify the Michigan Works! mission.

This year’s statewide honorees include:

• Mohibullah “Mo” Israr, New Americans Navigator at Capital Area Michigan Works!

• Patty Sudbay, Employment Counselor at Michigan Works! Southeast

• Kimberly Schultz, Business Services Assistant at Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

• Kate Stolarski, Business Success Coach within the Business Resource Network at Northwest Michigan Works!

• Allegra Hulsey, Manager of Workforce Operations at Michigan Works! Berrien Cass, Van Buren

• Kathy Olsen, Quality Assurance Coordinator and Workforce Development Board Liaison with Michigan Works! Southwest

• Sarah Micheau, Talent Specialist with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

• Andrew Middleton, Talent Specialist at Michigan Works! West Central

• Amanda Balcom, WIOA Career Coach at West Michigan Works!

• Hollie Papist, Youth Specialist at Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

• Connie Williams, Career Coach at GST Michigan Works!

• Robert Shimkoski, Director of Planning and Resource Development at Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

• David Straka is an employment training manager at Oakland County Michigan Works!

• Bridgette Harris, Employment Facilitator at Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

• Louis Sterling, career specialist at SEMCA Michigan Works! (posthumously)

The awards were presented at the association’s annual conference in Kalamazoo.

Michigan Works! Southwest honored with Board ofExcellence award

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board was honored with the Michigan Works! Association’s Board of Excellence Award.

“The board at Michigan Works! Southwest continues to exceed expectations, proactively engaging to strengthen workforce development efforts in Southwest Michigan,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “Their focus on innovation and creativity is an asset to all job seekers and employers and that is why they are the 2025 Board of Excellence.”

The Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board has a proven commitment to excellence and to the success of each employer and job seeker in the communities served as shown through workforce development outcomes. With a combined total of nearly 215 years of service, board members are engaged throughout the local board structure through participation on five different committees.

Outside of their board duties, many board members also are active in the local communities, investing additional time working on workforce and economic development initiatives. Michigan Works! Southwest received the honor at the Michigan Works! Annual Conference in Kalamazoo.

LEO Deputy Director Stephanie Beckhorn named MichiganWorks! Champion of Workforce Development (Copy)

Lansing, Mich. (Sept. X, 2025) – The Michigan Works! Association has honored the director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Employment and Training as its 2025 Champion of Workforce Development.

Stephanie Beckhorn, who has 24 years of experience in workforce development, was recognized for her deep commitment to strengthening the Michigan Works! statewide network and making a meaningful difference for the people it serves.

“Stephanie Beckhorn’s unwavering belief and advocacy for the Michigan’s workforce system is unmatched. Through her dedication and leadership, she has helped elevate our entire workforce ecosystem and strengthened pathways for individuals across our state,” said Michigan Works! CEO Ryan Hundt. “She is a workforce champion in every sense of the word and we are proud to honor her.”

The Champion of Workforce Development award is presented annually to a workforce champion who exemplifies the highest standards of leadership and who has made significant contributions to the public workforce system in Michigan.

The award was presented at the Michigan Works! annual conference in Kalamazoo.

Michigan Works! Association names State Sen. Mary Cavanagh 2025 Legislator of the Year

LANSING (Sept. 17, 2025) — Michigan State Sen. Mary Cavanagh was honored this week as Michigan Works! Association’s (MWA) 2025 Legislator of the Year.

“Strong leaders like Sen. Cavanagh are critical to the success of the Michigan Works! system and our workforce,” said Michigan Works! CEO Ryan Hundt. “Her unwavering commitment has ensured that Michigan workers, jobseekers, and employers have access to the resources, training, and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Cavanagh, who also received this award in 2023, was honored for consistently prioritizing and advancing critical investments in workforce development through her role chairing the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s Appropriations Subcommittee. Her leadership has been instrumental in proposing and passing budgets that safeguarded funding for short-term training, upskilling, and helping Michigan residents access high-growth career pathways at a time when external pressures threatened these initiatives.

“I am honored to once again receive this recognition from Michigan Works!,” said Senator Cavanagh, “l’ll continue to be a fighter for programs like Michigan Works! that provide a wide array of workforce and employment opportunities for everyone across our state.”

Sen. Cavanagh is serving her first term serving the 5th Senate District, which includes Northwest Detroit, Redford, Livonia, Farmington, and Farmington Hills. The award was presented at the 2025 Michigan Works! conference in Kalamazoo.

Michigan Works! Association names State Rep. NancyJenkins-Arno as 2025 Legislator of the Year

LANSING (Sept. 17. 2025) — State Rep. Nancy Jenkins-Arno was honored last week as Michigan Works! Association’s (MWA) 2025 Legislator of the Year.

“Rep. Jenkins-Arno’s dedication to education and economic opportunity has been instrumental to the success of our workforce development programs,” said Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works! Association CEO. “She is a vocal leader and advocate for our network and her work is making a huge difference for job seekers and employers across the state.”

Jenkins-Arno was honored for being a vocal champion for short-term training programs and supporting key workforce development tools such as the Going PRO Talent Fund and registered apprenticeship expansion. Her advocacy has helped equip Michigan employers with the skilled talent they need, while expanding access to quality jobs and training opportunities for workers across the state.

“I want to thank each of you at Michigan Works! for what you do for the state of Michigan for our workforce and for our future,” Jenkins-Arno said. “Your impact is so vital, and your efforts are invaluable for making sure that Michigan is a truly competitive state where we can build careers and build families. Thank you for this award. I’m humbled and honored.”

Rep. Jenkins-Arno represents the 34th District in the Michigan House of Representatives and is serving her fourth term as a House lawmaker. She is the chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor and Economic Opportunity, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping policy and securing funding for essential workforce initiatives.

The award was presented at the 2025 Michigan Works! conference in Kalamazoo.

Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department Recognized as Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The Michigan Works! Association last week honored the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department for going beyond the call of duty – not only in public safety but also in workforce development.

Named the association’s 2025 Employer of the Year, the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department was recognized for working with Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium to implement a registered apprenticeship program. The program creates clear, hands-on pathways in corrections and public safety, addressing both regional workforce shortages and barriers to employment.

“The Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department’s commitment to innovation and opportunity has transformed their hiring practices and strengthened public safety in the region,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “They are a standout partner who always goes above and beyond and we are honored to recognize them as this year’s Employer of the Year.”

The Employer of the Year award highlights an employer that works in partnership with a Michigan Works! agency and goes above and beyond to contribute to local job placement, while promoting education to maintain a skilled workforce. It was presented at the Michigan Works! Annual Conference in Kalamazoo.

Established in 1987, the Michigan Works! Association fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and workers by providing support activities and a forum for information exchange for Michigan's talent development system. For more information, visit http://www.michiganworks.org, or call (517) 371-1100.

Mid-Michigan workforce leader receives statewide leadership award from Michigan Works! Association

Lansing, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2025) – Capital Area Michigan Works! Chief Financial Officer Becky Powers was honored last week with the Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award by the Michigan Works! Association.

“Becky’s dedication, mentorship and lifelong leadership in the Michigan Works! system embodies exactly the kind of leadership this award and its namesake stand for,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “Her extraordinary influence on our network over the past 40 years is immeasurable and we are proud to recognize her impact with this award.”

Powers, a seasoned workforce development professional, has served an impressive 40 years at Capital Area Michigan Works! (CAMW!), where she has held several roles, including her current role of CFO for nearly 25 years. She is often described as being the heartbeat of the team, steady, reliable and resilient. Throughout her career, she has served as a mentor and resource to countless financial professionals across the Michigan Works! network, sharing her guidance and expertise in fiscal management, policy development and audit preparedness.

“Becky is not only a pillar of CAMW! and trusted partner, she’s a singular example of workforce development at work — earning three degrees during her time with the agency and advancing from accounting assistant all the way to CFO,” said CAMW! CEO Carrie Rosingana. “Her knowledge and expertise have been nothing short of priceless, and her incredible tenure will leave an impression that will last for decades to come.”

The award is named in memory of Christine Quinn, a workforce development leader who passed away in 2020, who was a champion in the U.S. Department of Labor and a longtime advocate of the Michigan Works! system.

The award was presented at the association’s annual conference in Kalamazoo.

Upper Peninsula leader earns “Above and Beyond Award” from the Michigan Works! Association

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The Michigan Works! Association last week honored Mark Massicotte of L’Anse Manufacturing with its Above and Beyond Award at its annual conference in Kalamazoo.

The Doug Stites Above and Beyond Award pays tribute to a leader who goes the extra mile to ensure success for our workforce development network. It is named in memory of Doug Stites, a former Michigan Works! CEO who was a staple in the Michigan Works! network who led with clarity, compassion and conviction.

“Mark is a tireless advocate for workforce development in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and across the whole state,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “His leadership, advocacy, and dedication exemplify the spirit of the Doug Stites Above and Beyond Award.”

Since taking the helm of L’Anse Manufacturing in 2006, Mark has combined more than three decades of engineering, manufacturing, and leadership experience with a steadfast commitment to his community and employees. His collaborative work with Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! has strengthened pathways for talent development, expanded opportunities for jobseekers, and supported the long-term vitality of the Upper Peninsula.

Mark consistently champions an effective and responsive workforce system —showing up, speaking out, and investing in efforts that help individuals and businesses thrive.

Michigan Works! Association honors Upper Peninsula Education Champion as 2025 Volunteer of the Year

LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 17, 2025) – The Michigan Works! Association last week honored MiSTEM Network Central Upper Peninsula Director Chris Standerford as its 2025 Volunteer of the Year.

“Chris Standerford is an outstanding ambassador for workforce development and education, bringing together partnerships that strengthen student learning opportunities across the Upper Peninsula,” said Michigan Works! Association CEO Ryan Hundt. “His insight and advocacy have been invaluable and that is why he is our 2025 Volunteer of the Year.”

Standerford was honored for being a long-time champion of education and workforce development, particularly related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math careers. As Director of Seaborg Mathematics and Science Center at Northern Michigan University, Chris leads efforts to leverage partnerships, both at the university and across the region.

Standerford oversees region 15 of MiSTEM Network, which covers Menominee, Marquette, Alger, Delta, Schoolcraft, Dickinson and Iron counties. He coordinates and oversees the progress of STEM education in the region and works to align efforts with the state’s overall needs and goals.

The Volunteer of the Year award pays tribute to an individual from the private sector who is dedicated to the growth and promotion of Michigan Works! The award was presented on Sept. 9 during the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference.