Membership

Our work is driven by the collaborative efforts of urban workforce development boards (WDBs) across the Midwest, working together to strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity.

What is MUS Membership?

Midwest Urban Strategies offers a unique collaborative network that connects urban workforce development organizations across the Midwest, fostering innovative solutions and sharing best practices to enhance regional economic growth.

By joining our organization, members gain access to a wealth of resources, including expert insights, funding opportunities, and powerful partnerships, all aimed at driving meaningful change in their communities.

Together, we are dedicated to creating a more skilled and prosperous workforce, making Midwest Urban Strategies the ideal partner for organizations committed to making a difference in the urban landscape.

Member Resources

Member Categories

Affiliate Member

  • Affiliate members are organizations that share an interest in the work of the public workforce system (and/or operate local systems) and support the vision and mission of MUS. They are aligned with organizations that collaborate with workforce development boards and share the values of the membership.  

MUS Member

  • MUS members are a consortia of Midwest workforce development boards spearheading innovative practices that drive economic prosperity for all. With an intentional focus on underserved/under-resourced communities, the consortium aims to leverage resources, best practices, networking, tools, and technology to advance employment and economic opportunity.
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Our Members

Debra Bahr-Helgen

Debra Bahr-Helgen

Executive Director
,
City Of Minneapolis Employment & Training
Tammy Biery

Tammy Biery

Executive Director 
,
Career Solutions
JoAnn Breedlove

JoAnn Breedlove

Executive Director
,
Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board
Earl Buford

Earl Buford

President
,
CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning)
Julie Cayo

Julie Cayo

Interim CEO
,
Employ Milwaukee
Lisa M Daugherty

Lisa M Daugherty

President & CEO
,
Center of Workforce Innovations
Stacey Fowler

Stacey Fowler

SLDC, SVP of Minority & Small Business Empowerment
,
St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
Stacy E. Johnson

Stacy E. Johnson

YWCA St. Louis Chief Program Officer/ Head Start Director
,
YWCA Metro St. Louis
Connie Johnson

Connie Johnson

Executive Director, SLATE Missouri Job Center
,
St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)
Robert King

Robert King

Executive Director
,
South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, Inc.
Marie Mackintosh

Marie Mackintosh

President & CEO
,
EmployIndy
Ken Mall

Ken Mall

Managing Partner, Innovative Learning Solutions
,
Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI)
Clyde McQueen

Clyde McQueen

President & CEO
,
The Full Employment Council (FEC)
Jim McShane

Jim McShane

CEO
,
The Workforce Alliance
Sandy Mead

Sandy Mead

Vice President of Workforce Development, Skilltrade
,
Skilltrade
Lisa Patt-McDaniel

Lisa Patt-McDaniel

,
Aspire Workforce Initiative
Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers

CEO
,
Visionz | Support Education Empowerment
Keely J. Schneider

Keely J. Schneider

Executive Director
,
Workforce Partnership
Katie Thomas

Katie Thomas

Executive Director
,
Southeast Alabama Workforce Board
Robert Shimkoski

Robert Shimkoski

Director of Planning and Resource Development
,
DESC - Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Tera West

Tera West

Deputy Director
,
Kentuckiana Works
Dana L. Williams

Dana L. Williams

President & CEO
,
DESC - Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation
Sara Worstell

Sara Worstell

Executive Director
,
Southwest Indiana Workforce Board
George Wright

George Wright

CEO
,
Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership
Beth Yoke

Beth Yoke

Executive Director
,
Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio

Our Member Organizations

DESC - Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation

Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation (DESC) became the city of Detroit’s workforce agency in 2012. DESC is part of the Michigan Works! Association anda proud partner of the American Job Center network. DESC regularly partners with political and community leaders, employers, community-based organizations, and stakeholders to raise awareness regarding education and workforce issues facing Detroit residents. DESC serves as the fiscal and administrative entity that provides workforce employment and training services for the City of Detroit. DESC reports to the Mayor’s Workforce Development Board (MWDB), which was appointed by the Mayor of the City of Detroit and is responsible for developing the strategy for Detroit’s workforce development service delivery system.

City Of Minneapolis Employment & Training

Minneapolis Employment and Training administers a variety of employment and training programs under the direction of the Mayor, City Council, and Minneapolis Workforce Council. Minneapolis Employment and Training is the administrative entity and staff to the Minneapolis Workforce Council. City programs under the oversight of the Workforce Council include services for low-income adults, dislocated workers, and youth. In Minneapolis, these services are delivered to job seekers and businesses by community-based organizations that have been competitively evaluated and selected based on their ability to effectively serve target groups and achieve employment-related outcomes, including both placement and support for retention in employment.

The Full Employment Council (FEC)

The Full Employment Council Inc. (FEC) is the administrative entity and fiscal agent for two workforce development boards: Kansas City & Vicinity Workforce Development Board and Eastern Jackson County Workforce Development Board. FEC is a business-led private nonprofit corporation whose mission is to obtain public and private sector employment for the unemployed and underemployed residents of the greater Kansas City area. FEC accomplishes this goal by working in collaboration with businesses, local units of government, educational institutions, labor organizations, and community-based organizations. This partnership responds to employer needs while reducing unemployment and underemployment of area residents.

The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board

The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board is a 27-member business member led board representing seven counties of Northwest Indiana including Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski counties. The board incorporated in 2005 as a non-profit board working in partnership with Local Elected Officials covering each of the seven counties. As part of its infrastructure, the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board has contracted with the Center of Workforce Innovations, Inc. to serve as the board staff, as the One Stop Operator, and to provide some services of Title 1 of WIOA.

EmployIndy

EmployIndy has transitioned to focus on target impact areas to create a more community-driven initiative, becoming a hub for targeted populations and those who have given up hope in the possibility of entering or re-entering the workforce. Establishing a more neighborhood-focused form of workforce development will be designed by both increasing the implementation of resources in local community centers and reducing barriers for residents so they may have access to career pathways and gain the necessary skills to excel in the workforce. This strategy presents employers with qualified candidates to fulfill their hiring needs. This ABC (Any Job, Better Job, Career) Approach exemplifies the transitional goal for both workers and employers, realizing that having access to a career and skilled workers is a journey, not just a destination.

Employ Milwaukee

Employ Milwaukee (EMI) was established in 1989 and is the largest Workforce Development Board in Wisconsin, serving the most diverse racial and economic area in the state. Governed by a board of 36 leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, EMI employs 72 workforce development professionals, coordinates industry leaders across five sector-based advisory boards, and administers an annual budget of over $20 million. The board conducts data tracking and case management for its monthly quantitative and narrative reports to its 20+ funding and government partners. EMI has established an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) operating model around key industry sectors and occupations. Employer and industry representatives drive the alignment of EMI’s talent sourcing and skill development strategies to respond to the current workforce and labor market needs.

Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

Created in 2012, The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) is an umbrella organization operating the public workforce system in the City of Chicago and Cook County. The Partnership combines federal and philanthropic resources to broaden the reach and impact of workforce development services for both employers and job seekers. As the largest non-profit workforce development system in the nation, The Partnership has helped place more than 70,000 individuals in employment, collaborated with more than 2,000 employers, and administers more than $300 million in federal and philanthropic funds. The Partnership’s network of more than 50 community-based organizations, 10 American Job Centers, and sector-driven workforce centers serve 132 municipalities.

https://chicookworks.org/

Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board

The mission of the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board is to assist area businesses in meeting their workforce needs by coordinating the workforce development activities of the numerous employment, education, and economic development entities in the region. The OhioMeansJobs One-Stop System strives to act as a consolidated employment resource for all partner programs, employers, and job seeker customers while supporting the mission of the Workforce Development Board. These platforms provide free services made possible through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and operated locally by the Stark Tuscarawas Workforce Development Board and the Stark and Tuscarawas Boards of County Commissioners.

Aspire Workforce Initiative

The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio serves the city of Columbus and Franklin county. The Board serves the residents and employers in their workforce region, connecting them to training and supportive services and coordinating the planning and convening of workforce system partners from throughout the region. Operating in a collaborative service delivery model, the Board contracts with ResCare to convene three trusted workforce system partners to deliver services to job seekers and incumbent workers. Those system partners include the Urban League, Goodwill, and Jewish Family Services.

St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost employment services, including job training and career counseling. It is the City of St. Louis government agency that offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost services related to employment, training, and career advancement. SLATE, in coordination with the Missouri State Department of Economic Development (DED), Division of Workforce Development (DWD), the City of St. Louis Mayor's office and several partners, operates SLATE Missouri Career Centers, which connect employers to a skilled workforce and provide training and placement services to the City's adult workforce.

Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio

The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio is a 501c3 Ohio chartered nonprofit organization. The Workforce Council of Southwest Ohio implements the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The board is responsible for developing strategies to engage employers, employees, government, education, organized labor and community-based organizations in a partnership to strengthen and expand the workforce resources of the region for the benefit of all the participants and communities where we live, work and raise our families. The SWORWIB sets the vision, policy, and performance expectations for the regional OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) workforce development system In Cincinnati-Hamilton County.

Center of Workforce Innovations

Center of Workforce Innovations is a multi-management nonprofit workforce development organization with its finger on the pulse of employment, education, and economic development. They are a catalyst for community and business investment in workforce, education, and economic development building and enhancing collective capacity to succeed in a new global economy.

Understanding challenges associated with aligning workforce skills to meet the needs of employers, and elevating talent for emerging next generation jobs, CWI is poised and ready to provide solutions and implementation processes.

Consider this.  As an organization CWI has a dual purpose.

They serve as an intermediary which is known for its convening community and industry groups to facilitate solutions, providing data and labor market information, offering information about resources, and seeding best practices that help in formulating the solutions. They also directly deliver services such as career advising, provide credit recovery programming, have community learning centers for adult education services while overseeing a network of adult education providers, and they provide oversight for the American Job Centers, known as WorkOne in Indiana.

Commonly known for identifying and implementing best practices, CWI has administered more than 40 public and private ventures intended to improve the quality of the workforce, enhance the business climate, and ensure the realization of a higher quality of life.

While remaining a driver of workforce development in NW Indiana, CWI strategic priorities are on empowering its regional workforce through high quality career advising, skill building and efforts to increase post-secondary credential attainment.

The Workforce Alliance

The Workforce Alliance, initially established in 2016 among six workforce boards in North Florida and South Georgia to break down barriers for job seekers while helping employers hire and retain skilled workers, expanded in FY 2020-2021 with two additional Florida boards and Southeast AlabamaWorks.

The Workforce Alliance is now the first tri-state alliance in the southeast, with nine workforce boards serving 76 counties, thoughout North Florida, South Georgia and Southeast Alabama.

Southwest Indiana Workforce Board

,
INDIANA
in.gov/dwd

The Southwest Indiana Workforce Board is comprised of business and community organization representatives in Southwest Indiana. The Board oversees the workforce development initiatives and the WorkOne Southwest offices in Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.

South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, Inc.

The South Central Region 8 Workforce Board, Inc. (WDB) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation which has oversight of employment and training programs in the following eight counties: Brown, Daviess, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange and Owen. The WDB serves as a pass through entity providing employment and training programs in the Economic Growth Region 8 using a variety of state and federal grant resources, including those available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Re-employment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), Adult Education WorkINdiana Training Program, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Business Services.The WDB is governed by a volunteer board that will initiate program directives and provide oversight and guidance on program operations. Crowe, LLP serves as the Board's Fiscal Agent.

https://www.in.gov/dwd/workonesouthcentral/resources/

Kentuckiana Works

KentuckianaWorks is the workforce development board for the Louisville region, which includes Bullitt, Henry, Jefferson, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties. We are funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (through the Kentucky Education Workforce Development Cabinet) and Louisville Metro Government.

We operate a regional network of Kentucky Career Center services that includes job and career counseling, training, resume-building and direct referral to employers.

Our 2021 Strategic Plan lays out our priorities as an organization. We have also developed a Regional Plan for the Central Kentucky region's workforce as well as a Local Plan, both of which are required by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

In January (Indiana) and May 2021 (Kentucky), we submitted a draft Bi-State Regional Plan for review. This plan, among the first of its kind in the nation, lays out a framework for KentuckianaWorks and Southern Indiana Works to share data and collaborate across the 13 counties that comprise the Louisville region. It is designed to improve the responsiveness to the needs of the region's employers, job seekers, and students. 

Visionz | Support Education Empowerment

Urban and low income youth, especially in Detroit, face a staggering, potentially life-threatening life skills and technology gap. They have lower internet connectivity, fewer computers at home, abysmal access to technology in schools, and they shoulder significant opportunity challenges outside the classroom. Acquiring the life skills that will close these gaps, unfortunately, is a luxury. The Visionz Project plans to close this gap by providing these youth with skills training, education and life support, direct work experience and mentoring relationships.The Visionz Project is a highly interactive training, experiential learning and support program that uses technology, instructor-led classroom training and career exploration activities to teach low income and at-risk youth life skills to help them succeed in life

Career Solutions

Career Solutions is an employment and training organization. For over thirty years, through career counseling, job training, and business relationships, we’ve helped entry-level to experienced workers – youth to adults – train for and gain meaningful self-sustaining employment.

Southeast Alabama Workforce Board

Skilltrade

,

Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI)

Dearborn
,
Michigan

EDSI (Educational Data Systems, Inc.) is a national workforce development, training solutions and consulting company with a passion for helping great companies and communities train and retain great people. EDSI works with regions, employers and jobseekers to overcome their most challenging obstacles. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, the company employs more than 800 people across the country. EDSI is a National Best and Brightest® Companies To Work For award winner.

CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning)

Indianapolis
,
Indiana

CAEL is a national nonprofit membership organization that aligns educators, employers, and community leaders to build inclusive systems where adult learners and workers can thrive. Through its expertise in recognizing prior learning, mapping career pathways, and fostering industry-education partnerships, CAEL supports the creation of resilient talent pipelines and sustainable economic outcomes.

Workforce Partnership

Kansas City
,
Missouri

Workforce Partnership is committed to building a workforce development system that meets the needs of both job seekers and employers throughout the Kansas City area. We operate a network of career centers in Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties offering professional expertise and funding resources to employers and eligible job seekers.

YWCA Metro St. Louis

St. Louis
,
Missouri

Founded in 1904, YWCA Metro St. Louis is the region’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to empowering women and eliminating racism. We meet people where they are, offering critical support and opportunity through programs in crisis intervention and housing, early childhood education, and economic empowerment. From helping survivors of domestic violence find safety, to preparing children for lifelong learning, to connecting women with meaningful careers, YWCA Metro St. Louis provides wrap-around services that transform lives and strengthen communities. Every year, we serve more than 10,000 women and families across the region — helping create a future where all people can thrive with dignity, equality, and hope.

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)

St. Louis
,
Missouri

SLDC is the independent economic development agency serving the City of St. Louis, Missouri. It is an action-oriented organization that exists to empower, develop and transform St. Louis through a vibrant, just and growing economy where all people can thrive.

MUS Member Spotlight: Employ Milwaukee

Organization Name: Employ Milwaukee
Executive Leader/Title: Julie Cayo, President & CEO

Website & Social Media Links:
Website: www.employmilwaukee.org
LinkedIn: Employ Milwaukee
Facebook: Employ Milwaukee
Instagram: @employmilwaukee
X (Twitter): @EmployMilwaukee
TikTok: @employmilwaukee

About Your Organization
Employ Milwaukee is the local workforce development board serving Milwaukee County. By convening leaders from business and industry, economic and workforce development, education and training as well as community partners and policy makers, our vision is to develop workforce solutions that promote regional economic growth and employment opportunities for all job seekers.

Our mission is to build a strong workforce development system by planning, coordinating, collaborating and monitoring workforce initiatives with businesses, partners and community stakeholders at the local, regional and state level to ensure a skilled and productive workforce for the 21st Century.

Our goals are to connect job seekers to employment opportunities, to provide education and training options in high-growth, high-demand sectors, and to provide a skilled and sustainable workforce to attract, retain and grow diverse businesses in our Milwaukee 7 region.

Key Services and Programs
Employ Milwaukee uses a sector-based workforce strategy to connect both the demand (employer-identified need for skilled labor) and the supply (individuals with varying levels of education, skills, and barriers to employment who desire stable and well-paid employment) sides of the workforce equation. This business-led model identifies and connects employers’ real-time hiring needs with effective programs and services to screen, match, and secure workers for those positions.

Employ Milwaukee offers 20+ programs for adults and youth serving over 11,000 job seekers annually. Recognizing the importance of aligning training with labor market demand, Employ Milwaukee leads sector partnerships in high-growth industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and information technology that lead to industry-recognized credentials and meaningful work experience. Employ Milwaukee operates several youth programs designed to engage, educate and employ young people ages 10-24 including Camp RISE, Earn & Learn and Growth Opportunities MKE.

Beyond serving individuals, Employ Milwaukee’s Business Services team works closely with businesses to understand their needs and provide tailored talent solutions including labor market information, recruitment, job readiness training, pre-screening, specialized training, On-The-Job (OJT) training, human resource services, and retention services. Employ Milwaukee wants businesses of all sizes to thrive in Southeastern Wisconsin, whether it’s a small family-owned business, large company with specific staffing needs, or a new employer considering a move to the area.

Success Story

Employ Milwaukee’s Business Solutions team collaborates with local businesses to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities that support both employers and employees. Through OJT, businesses receive up to 75% wage reimbursement for eligible participants during training, easing financial burdens while helping workers develop essential skills. “OJT is a win-win for both businesses and job seekers,” says Jeffrey McAlister, Business Solutions Manager at Employ Milwaukee. “Employers receive financial support to develop their workforce, while participants gain hands-on experience that builds a strong foundation for long-term success.”

Emem Group, a Milwaukee-based real estate firm dedicated to building affordable rental units and homes, has partnered with Employ Milwaukee to utilize OJT services, successfully hiring three participants, two of whom, Demetrius and Rodney, are actively completing their training.

Demetrius, new to construction, is gaining hands-on experience as a Construction Laborer, learning job site safety, blueprint reading, and material handling. Rodney, an experienced carpenter and general contractor, is stepping into the role of Construction Superintendent. His OJT is allowing him to refine his leadership skills, manage complex projects, and oversee quality control. His training is particularly valuable as he serves as the Project Superintendent for Emem Group’s Midtown Duplexes project, a development of 20 affordable homes that will transition to tenant ownership after 15 years.

“Employ Milwaukee OJT funds allowed us to obtain a skilled carpenter and train him to manage a large, logistically complicated project in the heart of the city,” said Michael Emem, President & CEO of Emem Group. “We’re excited to help him grow his skill set so he can lead even larger projects and continue building our community. I would highly recommend employers utilize Employ Milwaukee’s programs!”

This partnership demonstrates the real-world impact of OJT, helping businesses build a skilled workforce while giving participants the experience needed to grow in their careers. Employ Milwaukee remains committed to connecting employers with skilled talent and promoting long-term career growth.

MUS Membership & Collaboration
Employ Milwaukee applies promising and evidence-based strategies for workforce development that are industry-driven and thrive on collaboration. MUS offers Employ Milwaukee an opportunity learn from, share with and build relationships with workforce development boards that are developing and implementing innovative solutions for workforce challenges.

How has being a part of MUS benefited your organization so far?
MUS has been a helpful resource and voice for advocating for workforce development on a regional and national level.

Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have grown from your MUS membership?
Through MUS membership, Employ Milwaukee had the opportunity to serve as the host site for the 2025 Annual Convening, Milwaukee Forward – Cream City Rising, which showcased the power of collaboration across workforce systems. The event brought national leaders to Milwaukee to experience Employ Milwaukee’s sector partnerships in action—spanning reentry, youth programming, and industry-led strategies in healthcare, construction, and technology.

Together with MUS, Employ Milwaukee convened sessions that elevated the region’s innovation, strengthened partnerships with employers and community organizations, and deepened cross-sector collaboration across the Midwest. The convening not only amplified Employ Milwaukee’s leadership in workforce innovation but also forged new connections that continue to shape regional strategies and national dialogue around equitable workforce development.

Fun Fact
The Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB) was established in 2007 when the Private Industry Council (PIC) of Milwaukee County—the agency that had previously served as the federally funded workforce development agency for Milwaukee County since the 1980s—was renamed and oversight was transferred from Milwaukee County to the City of Milwaukee. In 2014, a new President/CEO was appointed who, together with the Board of Directors, initiated a strategic transformation that resulted in a demand-driven workforce development board rebranded as Employ Milwaukee in 2016.

Julie Kayo

President and CEO, Employ Milwaukee

Apply for Membership

Is your organization ready to join us in building a more skilled, inclusive, and prosperous workforce for the communities we serve?

Membership

Midwest Urban Strategies offers a unique collaborative network that connects urban workforce development organizations across the Midwest, fostering innovative solutions and sharing best practices to enhance regional economic growth.

Our organization's members gain access to a wealth of resources, including expert insights, funding opportunities, and powerful partnerships, all aimed at driving meaningful change in their communities.