Talent Investment Agency restructuring will help agency become more effective, responsive to residents

Plan will expand number of staff in field, working with residents and employers

LANSING, Mich. – The Talent Investment Agency today announced a restructuring to help the agency become more effective and responsive in providing better customer service to Michigan residents and employers, Director Wanda M. Stokes said.

Stokes today announced changes to the Workforce Development and Unemployment Insurance agencies aimed at improving customer service by aligning the agencies to expand the number of experienced people working in the field directly with its customers.

“TIA plays a vitally important role in building a talented workforce that will help Michigan’s economy continue to grow stronger,” Stokes said. “Residents turn to TIA programs during the difficult time between jobs and to gain training for new careers. Employers reach out to us to help them find people with in-demand skills to fill openings that will allow them to grow and create even more jobs. Our new structure will help the agency better carry out those tasks while putting our customers first.”

Stokes, appointed to lead the agency by Gov. Rick Snyder in July, made the restructuring as part of a top-to-bottom review of the agency.

The restructuring is expected to affect 21 management positions and other positions may be affected as employees exercise seniority rights. The agency has 828 employees overall, working across the state.

“TIA employees have a deep commitment to our customers,” Stokes said. “We must always strive for improvement and look for ways to be better serve Michigan residents and employers because that is our primary mission.”