Michigan Works! Recognizes Bill Sleight as Champion of Workforce Development

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 15, 2021) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Bill Sleight for his service, dedication to and long-time support of the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named a Michigan Works! Association 2021 Champion of Workforce Development, Sleight received the award at the Association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership, while recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Ryan Hundt, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “Bill is a perfect choice as he has dedicated his career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

When Sleight graduated from Michigan State University in 1977 with his master’s degree in Public Administration, he noticed an advertisement in the local newspaper for a Manpower Specialist and applied not knowing what he was applying for. Little did he know that the job he would eventually get would lead to a fulfilling career.

Over the course of his career, Sleight helped lead the merger of three different organizations – Livingston County Michigan Works!, South Central Michigan Works!, and Washtenaw County Michigan Works! – into Michigan Works! Southeast.

Receiving numerous awards from a variety of local, regional, and statewide agencies for his dedication to workforce development, Sleight committed his career to improving the lives of others.

“Bill, with 43 years of experience, was able to see the highs and lows of workforce development and this level of institutional knowledge allowed him to serve at a high capacity,” said. Shamar Herron, executive director of Michigan Works! Southeast. “Bill was a thoughtful leader in legislative affairs and helped creatively solve many programmatic issues. Bill’s knowledge will be missed and the Michigan Works! network is better because of his involvement.”

Sleight retired in June 2021 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 43 years.

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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.