FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 “It’s been fun!” Gwen Worley retires from EUP Michigan Works! after 35 years She has been instrumental in shaping programs and services to connect people to jobs in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, but at the end of this month Michigan Works Executive Director Gwen Worley will find herself without employment. After 35 years in the job-training and employment arena, she will head into much-deserved retirement after Sept. 30. “When more than half of your life has been spent working at one organization, there are certainly some mixed feelings involved when you leave,” said Worley in a recent interview. “I really like my job, and the people I work with, but I think it’s time for a change.” That includes more time for pleasure travel, she explained. Worley first began with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Employment and Training Consortium in 1979. The organization promoted career education, workforce development training for job seekers and employers, and was a key player in many economic development initiatives over the years. Her work has been critical to people in Chippewa, Luce, and Mackinac counties in need of re-training, career change assistance, and other job-related challenges that could put individuals at a serious disadvantage. “It is so gratifying to be a part of an organization that truly changes people’s lives,” she said of her career choice. “It is heartwarming to reflect on the success stories I’ve seen over the years. Our staff realizes that sometimes people just need some encouragement and a few resources to get them over the rough spots. Then they become awesome nurses or machinists or parole agents or electricians. It’s been fun,” she commented. In 1991, Worley became the organization’s executive director – a position she has held ever since. In 1996, a statewide Michigan Works system was put into place – effectively promoting a variety of state and federal workforce development-related programs under one umbrella. The statewide-system consists of 25 regional Michigan Works agencies and is focused on the needs of job makers and developing the talents needed for today’s economy. Through her oversight and guidance, the EUP Employment and Training Consortium (EUPETC) began operating the local Michigan Works agency, which is governed by two boards. George Kinsella is the current EUPETC chairman and speaks highly of Worley. “Gwen has effectively and efficiently managed Michigan Works in the three Eastern Upper Peninsula counties through the challenges of a very tough economy and a constantly changing political environment. She has accomplished this with minimal staff, often shrinking resources and has always kept her composure and resolve. Her great results are well known throughout the UP and State of Michigan,” he said. Dave Goudreau, chairman of the EUP Workforce Development board, said Worley’s legacy as a leader is secure, thanks to the steps she’s taken to assist the organization into the future. “Gwen has over three decades of experience loaded with accomplishments but it’s more about what she has done for our future. She will depart during the most trying economic times of our generation and in the middle of the most fundamental restructuring of Michigan Works! since it began. But, she has made this monumental transition seem easy. She combined agencies to streamline operations and built the foundation for an entirely new system of organization to meet mandates from the State of Michigan. That’s how a real leader goes out in style,” Goudreau said. Worley is a graduate of Lake Superior State University and a committed community member, serving on a variety of boards and staying active in area organizations. She served on the Sault Ste. Marie Board of Education from 1984-1985 and again from 1999-2011 and is currently serving on EUP Intermediate School District Board. She is an active Rotarian, receiving the organization’s Stephen P. Youngs Award for “service above self” – something she exhibited as a dedicated member of a variety of community committees too numerous to mention. Community members are invited to wish Worley well at an open house to take place on Friday, Sept. 26, from 2-4pm at the Michigan Works Service Center, located at 1118 E. Easterday Ave. in Sault Ste. Marie. # # #
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:56:28 +0000
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