Michigan Works! Association honors Edythe Copeland with two awards at Annual Conference

LANSING, Mich. (Sep. 17, 2020) – The Michigan Works! Association recently honored Edythe Copeland, for her service, dedication to and long-time support of, the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Copeland received a 2020 Champion of Workforce Development Award, as well as the inaugural Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award, at the association’s annual conference.

“Champions of Workforce Development exemplify the highest standards of leadership and who have made significant contributions to workforce development in Michigan,” said Luann Dunsford, chief executive officer of the Michigan Works! Association. “The Christine Quinn Excellence in Leadership Award recognizes individuals who exhibit exemplary leadership skills as well as promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This award was created this year to commemorate Christine Quinn after her untimely passing in August 2020. Edythe is a perfect choice for both of these awards as she has dedicated her career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”

Copeland began her career operating employment and training programs for at-risk youth in the Flint Community Schools in Flint, MI before retiring from the district in August 1996. She joined Capital Area Michigan Works! in October 1997 as a planning specialist. In June 2000, she was promoted to chief operating officer where she provided oversight for all workforce programs. In July 2012, she was promoted to president and chief operating officer, and in November 2013 she became chief executive officer, making her the first African American and female to lead the organization.

“Edythe is a tireless advocate for Michigan’s workforce system and has held numerous state and regional leadership positions,” Dunsford said. “Her dedication to achieving diversity and inclusion has helped make the Michigan Works! system a model for others across the nation. Our Michigan Works! network is stronger for having Edythe as part of it and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize her with both of these important awards.”

Copeland retired in July 2020 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 40 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.