May 12, 2015
May 12, 2015
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the first appointments to the new Talent Investment Board.
Under Executive Order 2015-11, the Governor’s Talent Investment Board will be charged with advising and assisting the governor regarding compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The board will bring together employers, organized labor and community-based organizations, including apprenticeship programs, to make recommendations on how to best develop workforce talent across the state.
"This talented group will be essential in our efforts to lead in the nation in talent development and I’m confident that their experiences will make them an asset on this board,” Snyder said.
Two year terms to expire April 15, 2017:
Helen Dietrich, of Conklin, will represent the private sector. Dietrich is the owner of Ridgeview Orchards. Dietrich attended Michigan State University and Aquinas College.
Jodi Gibson, of Kalamazoo, will represent the private sector. Gibson is vice president of corporate responsibility for Kellogg Company and previously served as divisional vice president of jcpcares at JCPenny. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ripon College.
Al Haidous, of Wayne, will represent elected officials. Haidous is a Wayne County Commissioner and served as Mayor of the City of Wayne from 2001-2014. He has served on Wayne’s City Council and Board of Zoning Appeals.
Marcus James, of Jackson, will represent the private sector. James retired from The Dow Chemical Company as the global engineering manager after 31 years of service. James holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University.
Donald O’Connell, of Beverly Hills, will represent organized labor. O’Connell is the executive director of Operating Engineers Local 324 Labor Management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Douglas Parkes, of Manistee, will represent the private sector. Parkes is a real estate appraiser at Manistee Appraisal Service, Inc. and previously served as vice president and commercial lender at Honor Bank. Parkes holds a real estate license, an appraisal license, and a bachelor’s degree from Alma College.
Tauzzari Robinson, of Grand Blanc, will represent youth providers. Robinson is the director of programs and operations for The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint. Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Toledo and an MPA in non-profit administration from the University of Michigan – Flint.
Brad Rusthoven, of DeWitt, will represent the private sector. Rusthoven is the human resources manager at Franchino Mold & Engineering. Rusthoven holds an associate’s degree from Lansing Community College and a BSBA from Drake University.
Three year terms to expire April 15, 2018:
Dennis Argyle, of Saginaw, will represent the private sector. Argyle is vice president and chief financial officer of Knight Facilities Management, Inc. Argyle holds a BBA in accounting and management information systems from Central Michigan University. Argyle will serve as vice chair of the Talent Investment Board.
Thomas Begin, of Fenton will represent the private sector. Begin is the public affairs east regional manager at Consumer's Energy. Begin holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Saginaw Valley State University, a BBA from Northwood University, and an MBA from the University of Michigan-Flint.
Darcy Kerr, of Sunfield, will represent the private sector. Kerr is the senior vice president of human resources at Accident Fund Holdings Inc. Kerr holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in labor relations and human resources from Michigan State University.
Bill Peterson, of Harrison Township, will represent organized labor. Peterson is the assistant to secretary treasurer for the UAW. He is a member of the State and local Workforce Investment Act Boards.
Tony Retaskie, of Marquette, will represent organized labor. Retaskie is the executive director of the Upper Peninsula Construction Council. He serves as co-chair of the Michigan Works! The Job Force Board’s Career Connection Group.
Gregory Winter, of Alpena, will represent the private sector. Winter is president of Omni Metalcraft Corp which he co-founded in 1976. He is a past board member of Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce and Target Alpena Economic Development Corporation.
Elaine Wood, of Traverse City, will represent Michigan’s workforce. Wood is chief executive officer of Networks Northwest. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Albion College and a master’s degree in organizational development from Spring Arbor University.
Four year terms to expire April 15, 2018:
Mark Alyea, of Jackson, will represent the private sector. Alyea was recently named president emeritus of Alro Steel Corp. after serving as president and chief operating officer of Alro Steel Corporation. He holds an associate’s degree from Oakland Community College. Alyea will serve as chair of the Talent Investment Board.
Paul Arsenault, of Ishpeming, will represent the private sector. Arsenault is president of Concepts Consulting and is a licensed residential builder. He serves as a member of K.I. Sawyer Economic Development Committee, Six-County Employment Alliance, and Michigan Works! Job Force Board.
Kenyatta Brame, of Grand Rapids, will represent the private sector. Brame is executive vice president of Cascade Engineering and previously served as an adjunct professor for the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Brame holds a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College, an MBA from Michigan State University, and a JD from the University of Michigan.
Tony Day, of Athens, will represent the private sector. Day is the Tribal Council Sergeant of Arms for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBPI) and previously served as the director of facilities for the NHBPI.
Suzanne Howell will represent core programs. Howell is the director of Michigan Rehabilitation Serves (MRS) and has been with MRS for 29 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from Michigan State University.
John Moll, of North Branch, will represent the private sector. Moll is chief executive officer of Gemini Group, Inc. Moll holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University and an MBA from Oakland University.
Christine Quinn will represent core programs. Quinn is the director of the Michigan Workforce Development Agency and previously served as president of South Central Michigan Works! Quinn holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation leadership and management from Ferris State University.
Conan Smith, of Ann Arbor, will represent elected officials. Smith is the executive director of the Michigan Suburbs Alliance as well as a Washtenaw County Commissioner. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and master’s degree from Wayne State University.
Zane Walker, of North Branch, will represent organized labor. Walker is president of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council. Walker served in the United States Marines from 1985-1992 as well in Operation Desert Storm and attended Lansing Community College.
Other Members:
After the expiration of initial terms, members serve three-year terms. Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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