FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to All Past Award Winners

Advancements in workforce development don’t happen without true excellence in action. For the past several decades, Michigan Works! has recognized its top leaders, partners, and advocates through its Challenge of Excellence awards. Our list of winners is now in the hundreds—and our state’s talent pipeline is stronger for their collective efforts.

  • 2023
    Joseph Billig
    Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

    2022
    Ben Damerow
    Michigan Works! Southwest/W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research

    2021
    John Bierbusse
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Luann Dunsford
    Michigan Works! Association

    William "Bill" Sleight
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    2020
    Janet Bloomfield
    Michigan Works! Association

    Edythe Copeland
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    2019
    Paul Griffith
    Michigan Works! West Central

    2018
    Ed Oberski
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Craig Coney
    GST Michigan Works!

    2017
    Elaine Wood
    Networks Northwest

    2016
    Christine Quinn
    WDA/SOM

    John Almstadt
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Will Carne
    UPWARD Talent Council

    2015
    Gwen Worley
    Eastern Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    2014
    Marv Pichla
    Thumbworks!, A Michigan Works Agency

    2013
    Bob Straits
    Kalamazoo - St. Joseph Michigan Works!

    Doug Stites
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    2012
    Kurt Riles
    Northeast Michigan Consortium

    2011
    Beverly Drake
    Area Community Services Employment and Training (ACSET) Council Michigan Works!

    Craig Schreuder
    Kalamazoo - St. Joseph Michigan Works!

    Trenda Rushner
    Washtenaw County Michigan Works!

    James Saari
    Western Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Paul Roy, Jr.
    Muskegon/Oceana Consortium

    Bud Shipstead
    Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

    Vicki Enright
    Department of Labor & Economic Growth

    Elaine Furu-Baker
    Barry/Branch/Calhoun Michigan Works!

    Thomas Husband
    Thomas Husband & Associates

    Jack O’Reilly, Jr.
    Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works!

    Raph Loeschner
    Central Area Michigan Works! Consortium

    Dennis Brieske
    Saginaw Midland Bay Michigan Works!

    Robert Pendleton
    Michigan Department of Career Development

  • 2023
    Jakki Bungart-Bibb
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    2022
    Greg Pitoniak
    SEMCA Michigan Works! CEO

    2020
    Edythe "Edee" Copeland

  • 2023
    MediLodge

    2022
    Lyons Industries

    2021
    Bronson Healthcare Group

    2020
    DHT Group

    International Building Products, Inc.

    2019
    Firekeepers Casino Hotel

    2018
    Kalita Air, LLC

    Springs Window Fashions LLC

    2017
    Mercy Health

    2016
    UAW-Ford Technical Training Center

    Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

    2015
    Meijer (Manistee, Cadillac, Acme locations)

    2014
    Detroit Manufacturing Systems

    2013
    Vantage Plastics

    2012
    Toda America, Inc.

    2011
    Kellogg Company

    MAHLE Engine Components

    2010
    Northern Wings Repair, Inc.

  • 2023
    U.S. Senator Gary Peters

    State Senator Mary Cavanagh

    State Representative Will Snyder

    2022
    Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

    State Senator Mallory McMorrow

    State Rep. Greg VanWoerkom

    2021
    Representative Beth Griffin

    2020
    Representative Sarah Anthony

    2019
    Senator Ken Horn

    2017
    Senator Jim Stamas

    2016
    Senator Tom Casperson

    2015
    Representative Joel Johnson

    2014
    Representative Andy Schor

    2011
    Senator Bruce Caswell

    2010
    Representative Joan Bauer

    Representative Kate Segal

  • 2023
    Abdul (Al) Haidous
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    2022
    Robert Showers
    Clinton County Board of Commissioners

    2021
    Edith Suttles
    Diversified Environmental Services

    2020
    Charlie Mahoney
    Four-M Associates Communications Group / SEMCA Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board

    2019
    Chris Holman
    Michigan Business Network

    2018
    Frank Lopez
    Aztec Manufacturing Corporation

    2017
    Jane Doty
    CAMW! Workforce Development Board / H&H Restaurants, Inc.

    2016
    Tom Begin
    Consumers Energy

    2015
    Rob Neering
    Roll Rite LLC

    2014
    David R. Adams
    Northwest Michigan Workforce Development Board

    2013
    Jim Kettinger
    Urban(e) Development Services

    2012
    Steve Pontbriand
    System's Control

    2011
    Lisa Wiley Parker
    Recruiter Uncensored

    2010
    David R. Adams
    Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

    2008
    Randall Yagiela
    Regional Solutions Center

    2007
    Mike King
    WILX-TV 10

  • 2023
    Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Workforce Development Board

    2018
    Kinexus Board of Directors

    2017
    Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board

    2016
    Networks Northwest Workforce Development Board

    2015
    Kent/Allegan/Barry Workforce Development Board

    2014
    Michigan Works! the Job Force Board

    2013
    Detroit Workforce Development Board

    2012
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    2011
    South Central Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board

    2010
    Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren Workforce Development Board

  • 2023
    Amirika Richardson
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Brandise Tyler
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    Mary Avila
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Amanda Osborn
    GST Michigan Works!

    Evylon Hubbard
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Josh Cosner
    Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works!

    Jeanie Flory
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    Heidi Keith
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    Mona Diegel
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Jean Hollenbeck
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    Kathleen Newton
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    Maggie Flaherty
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    Barb Travis
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    Stacey Ringler
    Michigan Works! West Central

    Tonya Heikkinen
    Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Linda Fonger
    West Michigan Works!

    2022
    Joe Winkiel
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Emily Bergt
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    Sandy Gallagher
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Sharis Reaves
    GST Michigan Works!

    Mary Beth Bradford
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Diane Young
    Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works!

    Edie Kerr
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    Brenda Lake
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    Jillian Geyman
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Marty Roberts
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    Michelle Matney
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    Pam Gosla
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    Stefanie Peters
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    Vanessa Wolgamot
    Michigan Works! West Central

    Melinda Fleming
    Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Eddie Solis
    West Michigan Works!

    2021
    Genell Dorty
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Ayonda Grant
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    Sheril Tarrant
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    JulAnn Kuenzli
    GST Michigan Works!

    Lori Hampton
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Kelly Wilson
    Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works!

    Yolanda Romel
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    Pam Anderson
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    Denise VanHee
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Anna Hetherington
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    Justin Skibin
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    Stacy Reese
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    Blaine Farr
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    Renee Pickard
    Michigan Works! West Central

    Russell Utych
    Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Wave Burns
    West Michigan Works!

    2020
    Elaine Eikenberry
    Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Julie DeRose
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Tania Diaz
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    Thomas Luck
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Scott Beattie
    GST Michigan Works!

    Roy Taylor
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Karla Grady-Walker
    Berrien, Cass, Van Buren Michigan Works!

    Alicia Wallace
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    Brenda Lake
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    Shanell Shelby
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Vicky Stickler
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    Iman Shami
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    Sunshine Plato
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    Dawn Millar
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    Don Palmer
    Michigan Works! West Central

    Kesha Sain
    West Michigan Works!

    2019
    Linda Webb
    ACSET West Michigan Works!

    Teri Sand
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Carla Phelps
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    George Wright
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Wanda Bigelow
    GST Michigan Works!

    John Babcock
    Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

    Rick VanIttersum
    Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren

    Jessie Trumble
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    Ed Baldwin
    Michigan Works! Southeast

    Jennifer Kempnow
    Michigan Works! Southwest

    Cassie Smith
    Michigan Works! West Central

    Mary Szwed
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    Mona DeFrancesco
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Robert Balzer
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    Paulette Marshall
    SEMCA Michigan Works!

    Amy Kraatz
    UPward Talent Council Michigan Works!

    2018
    Alayne Hansen
    Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium

    2017
    Lester Gayden
    Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

    2016
    Devin Gray
    Southgate Michigan Works!

    2015
    Michelle Socha
    Northwest Michigan Works!

    2014
    Steve Finch
    Northwest Michigan Works! Beaver Island Lighthouse School

    2013
    Dianne Peterson
    Michigan Works! Region 7B

    2012
    Jill Carter
    Ingham Intermediate School District

    2011
    Beverly Silver
    Detroit One-Stop Service Center - East

    2010
    Sharron Elliot
    South Central Michigan Works!

    2009
    Gail Granville
    Calhoun Intermediate School District

    Cathy Wilhm
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    Jerry Williams
    Central Area Michigan Works! Consortium

    Cerell Golden
    Detroit Workforce Development Department, A Michigan Works! Agency

    D. Raymond Cook
    Eastern Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

    Brittany Lenertz
    Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works!

    Jo Ann Alexander
    Michigan Works! The Job Force Board/Six County Employment Alliance

    Cincy Sullivan
    Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works!

    Judy Buchholz
    Livingston County Michigan Works!

    Catherine Pomaville
    Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board

    Sonya Barrett
    Muskegon/Oceana Consortium

    Tamara Ward
    Northeast Michigan Consortium

    Mary Rose Farrington
    Northwest Michigan Council of Government

    Dorothy Kaltz
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    Judy Walters
    Ottawa County Michigan Works!

    Teresa Sheltrown
    Michigan Works! Region 7B Employment and Training Consortium

    Alvie Dungy
    South Central Michigan Works!

    Lisa Kurtzhals & Lisa Wayne
    Southwest Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) Michigan Works!
    Employment Builders Alliance (EBA), ThumbWorks!, A Michigan Works! Agency

    Marie Hall
    Michigan Works! West Central
    Western Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! Staff, Western Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!

  • 2020
    Jennifer Llewellyn

    2019
    Anisa Mazuca

    2018
    Edyth Hatter-Williams

    2017
    Stephanie Beckhorn

    2016
    Jody Kerbyson

    2015
    Jacob Maas

    2014
    Ben Damerow

    2013
    Orrin Bailey

    2012
    Christine Quinn

    2011
    Elaine Wood

    2010
    Robert Straits

    2009
    Stanley Stewart

    2008
    Elane Furu-Baker

    2007
    Doug Stites

    2006
    Janet Howard

    2005
    J.Michael Zelley

    2004
    Will Carne

    2003
    Juanita Pierman

    2002
    Vicki Enright

    2001
    William Stanek

    2000
    Rich Wombach

    1999
    Ralph Loeschner

    1998
    Don Lesniowski

    1997
    Steve Cleland

    1996
    John Weimer

    1995
    Bob Pendleton

    1994
    Marvin Pichla

    1993
    Lynwood Roe

    1992
    Trenda Rusher

    1991
    Paul Griffith

    1990
    Kay Penner

    1989
    Win Rowe

    1988
    Bud Shipstead

    1987
    Weldon Burden

  • 2020
    Christine Quinn

    2017
    Orrin Bailey
    UPWARD Talent Council

    2016
    John Almstadt
    Oakland County Michigan Works!

    2015
    John H. Bierbusse
    Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board

    2014
    Elaine Wood
    Northwest Michigan Council of Governments

    2013
    Dr. Lynne Haley
    LHJ Services, Inc.

    2012
    Will Carne
    Michigan Works! The Job Force Board

    2011
    Christine Quinn
    South Central Michigan Works!

    2010
    Arnie Redsicker
    Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren

    2009
    Paul Arsenault
    Six County Employment Alliance

    2007
    Michael Jones
    Consumers Energy

    2006
    Sen. Valde Garcia

    2005
    Doug Stites
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    2004
    Frank Lopez
    SEMCA

  • 2019
    Stephanie Beckhorn
    Labor and Economic Opportunity -- WD

    2018
    Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency

  • 2019
    Rey Guzman
    Labor and Economic Opportunity -- WD

  • 2008
    Sharon Reed
    Saginaw Midland Bay Michigan Works!

    Vickie Micheau
    Michigan Works! the Job Force Board/Six County Alliance

    2007
    Wilma Widler
    Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works!

    Connie Miller
    Eaton Intermediate School District

    2006
    Sara Butler
    Greenville (Gratiot-Isabella RESD)

    Andrea Fisher
    Princing & Ewend

    2005
    Anna Marie Gonzales
    Livingston County Michigan Works!

    Youth Advisory Council
    Sanilac County Community Foundation

    Tammy Halsey
    Capital Area Michigan Works!

    2004
    Kathy Salow
    Michigan Works! the Job Force/Six County Employment Alliance

    Carol Wilson-Marlow
    Thumb Area Michigan Works!

    Southgate Michigan Works! Service Center

    2003
    Lorraine Day
    Michigan Works! Berrien-Cass-Van Buren

    Jackie Earle
    Michigan Works! The Job Board/Six County Employment Alliance

    HI-TECH/Amerimedia, Inc.

  • 2008
    Mason County Manufacturers Association

    Anthony Retaskie
    Upper Peninsula Construction Council

  • 2008
    Joel Schultx
    Region 1 - Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center

    2007
    Pat Caruso
    Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC)

    2006
    Chris Holman
    Greater Lansing Business Monthly (GLBM)

    2005
    Dorothy Quinn
    Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth/Rehabilitation Services

    2004
    Midwest Skills Development Center

  • 2007
    Dave Hansen
    Magna Powertrain

    2006
    Lena Barkley
    CVS/pharmacy

    Deborah Darcy
    Community Mental Health

    2005
    Iron Mountain Records Management

    Charlotte Goodwill Retail Store

    2004
    Symmetry Medical, Inc. - Jet

    Barnard Manufacturing, Inc.

    2003
    Jalayne Bennett

    Anne Gogel

  • 2006
    Alfred J. Hendra
    Marquette General Healthcare System

    2005
    John Nagy

    2004
    Lynn Matzen

    2003
    Charlie Mahoney

  • 2003
    Lake Michigan College

    Williamston Community Schools

  • 2003
    Roger Gustafson