Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors represents best-in-class leaders from across Michigan’s private and public sectors. Each member is committed to developing an emerging workforce that Michigan employers can be proud to hire.
Jeff Swears
Chair
Jeff Swears is a performance-driven, strategic leader with significant financial acumen and proven success in complex, international and highly competitive business environments. Jeff started his...
Elaine Wood
Vice Chair
Elaine Wood has 42 years of experience in education, management and strategic leadership in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Networks Northwest...
Chris Harkins
Treasurer
Chris Harkins brings more than fourteen (14) years of experience in the areas of public policy, legislative relations, state appropriations, budgeting, public administration...
Barbara Anderson
Secretary
Barbara Anderson received a B.S. degree in biology from Cornell University in 1979 and her Juris Doctorate Degree (cum laude) from the University of Toledo in 1986. During law school, Barb was admitted to...
Orrin Bailey
Orrin Bailey joined the Kinexus team as Chief Financial Officer beginning in 2017. Prior to Kinexus, Orrin served as the CEO of the UPWARD Talent Council – the Michigan Works! for the Upper Peninsula...
Dr. Derrick Coleman
Dr. Derrick Coleman is the Superintendent of River Rouge School District, located in Wayne County. Since taking over the leadership role in 2012, the school district...
Dr. Sarah Elmouchi
Dr. Sarah Elmouchi received both her undergraduate degree and her medical degree from the University of Michigan. She completed her pediatric and chief residencies...
Todd Gustafson
Todd Gustafson, Chief Executive Officer of Kinexus, has transformed the non-profit organization into a nationally recognized, leading-edge business, workforce, and community development asset impacting...
Edythe Hatter-Williams
Edythe, "Edee," Hatter-Williams is the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Area Michigan Works!, one of 16 Michigan Works! agencies throughout the state, and recognized locally, statewide, and nationally as a model...
Vail Harding
Vail Harding currently serves as Director of Operations for Vail Rubber Works, Inc., a fifth-generation family corporation located in St. Joseph, Michigan. In his role, Vail...
Jim Heath
Jim Heath served as President of Stryker’s Instruments Division and recently retired after 27 years of service with the company. Prior to joining Stryker, Jim was a teacher and coach for 10 years. His...
Greg Pitoniak
Mr. Pitoniak is a lifetime Michigan resident and has been deeply committed to public service, particularly in Southeast Michigan. He joined Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) as...
George Saleeby
George Saleeby is Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Swing-Lo Suspended Scaffold Company in Covert, Michigan. Prior to taking over the helm...
Kevin Stotts
Kevin Stotts serves as President of Talent 2025, an organization driven to ensuring a diverse and talented workforce for West Michigan...