Michigan Works! Executive Paul Griffith Recognized as Champion of Workforce Development
SEPTEMBER 9, 2019
Contact: Steph Willis
p: 517.371.1100 ext. 204
cell: 517.420.5137
communications@michiganworks.org
Michigan Works! Executive Paul Griffith Recognized as Champion of Workforce Development
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (Sep. 9, 2019) – The Michigan Works! Association honored Paul Griffith, Monday for his service, dedication to and long-time support of, the state’s talent and economic development efforts. Named the Michigan Works! Association 2019 Champion of Workforce Development, Griffith received the award at the association’s annual conference in Kalamazoo
this afternoon.
“Champions of Workforce Development are honored agency leaders who 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.
“Paul is a perfect choice as he has dedicated his career to helping others better their lives through Michigan Works! programs.”
In his role as executive director of Michigan Works! West Central, Griffith spent more than four decades overseeing programs to help employers utilize training opportunities, using federal and
state funds to better prepare the unemployed to find jobs, while watching the entire system consolidate for different degrees of efficiency through five different governors.
“Notable successes under Paul’s leadership include expanding the local Michigan Works! region to include a sixth county and serving as the administrative agency under contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections for the Prisoner Reentry program,” said Dunsford. “Initially based in a rural nine-county area, and serving about 400 parolees a year, the renamed Offender Success program has grown to cover an urban/rural 13-county area, serving 1,400 parolees a year.”
Griffith retired in March 2019 after serving Michigan’s workforce system for 44 years.
“Paul is truly impassioned about workforce development and helping his fellow citizens, especially veterans and ex-offenders, in West Central Michigan find the right opportunities to build their careers,” said Dunsford. “Our Michigan Works! network is stronger for having Paul as a part of it and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize him today as a Champion of Workforce Development.”
Michigan Works! West Central offers services to Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana and Osceola counties.
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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.