Minneapolis Workforce Development Board
The Minneapolis Workforce Development Board (MWDB) is one of Minnesota's 16 local workforce boards, designated by the Governor under authorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. The MWDB guides the design of local workforce development in the City of Minneapolis, including operational oversight of CareerForce Minneapolis North, CareerForce Minneapolis South, and the Cedar Riverside Opportunity Center. Priorities include pathways initiatives in youth internships, healthcare, information technology, and place-based strategies. In addition, MWDB seeks to increase awareness of high-demand occupations and to connect employers with resources to recruit and retain a competitive workforce.
The MWDB is comprised of 21 members who are appointed to three-year terms. Members represent various sectors of the workforce system, including business, workforce, education and training, government, and economic development. In accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, members must have decision-making authority within the organizations they represent.
Applicants are nominated by the Mayor using the Open Appointments policy and are appointed by the City Council and Mayor.
Seat # | Name | Term End | Status | Membership Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rosemary Ugboajah | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative business |
2 | Jennifer Gilbert | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative business |
3 | Ryan Berreth | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative business |
4 | Jamie Mailer | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative business |
5 | Tara Watson | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative business |
6 | Ken McCraley | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative business |
7 | Jonathan Jankowski | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative business |
8 | Hilary Marden-Resnik | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative business |
9 | Kyle Punton | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative business |
10 | Thakurdyal Singh | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative business |
11 | Vacant | Jun 30, 2026 | Vacant | Representative business |
12 | Daniel McConnell | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative from workforce: labor organization |
13 | Aaron Hill | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative of workforce: Joint Labor-Management Apprenticeship Program |
14 | Douglas Flateau | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative of workforce: Labor; Apprenticeship; Community Based Organization addressing barriers to employment; or an organization providing employment, training, or education services for youth |
15 | Marcus Pope | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative of workforce: Labor; Apprenticeship; Community Based Organization addressing barriers to employment; or an organization providing employment, training, or education services for youth |
16 | Sharon Pierce | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative of higher education institution |
17 | Cavan Gahagan | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative of Provider of Adult Education and Literacy Activities under Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II |
18 | Clarence Hightower | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative of economic and community development organization |
19 | Leona Martin | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative of State of Minnesota employment service office under the Wagner-Peyser Act |
20 | Thant Pearson | Jun 30, 2026 | Member | Representative of an entity providing programs carried out under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title I, other than section 112 or part C of that title serving Minneapolis |
21 | Rich Melzer | Jun 30, 2027 | Member | Representative of an organization administering programs related to transportation, housing, or public assistance |