Gwen L. Wood is the Chief Operating Officer for Michigan Works! The Job Force Board in the Central Upper Peninsula of Michigan

The Board is also the host site of the Small Business and Technology Development Center for the Upper Peninsula Region.  In her role of Chief Operating Officer she is responsible for the coordination of workforce, education and economic development services across the region.   Ms. Wood has been active in various organizations such as the Masonville Township Planning Commission, the Upper Michigan Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development, the Upper Peninsula Construction Regional Skills Alliance, Delta County Tourism Regional Skills Alliance, the Upper Peninsula Healthcare Roundtable, the Upper Peninsula Economic Developer Alliance and Michigan Economic Developers Association. Ms. Wood is also a graduate of Northern Michigan University and of the Western Michigan University and MEDA Economic Development Course.

Jeff Higbie – Vice President

Jeff Higbie has been a dedicated staff member of Michigan Works! since April of 2003. 

He joined the team as a Field Operations Manager for the Service Centers throughout the Central Upper Peninsula.  In July of 2005, Jeff’s role changed to Workshop Coordinator.  Jeff now assists in the creation, preparation, maintenance of schedules, marketing and facilitation of all workshops in the Delta County Service Center. Outside of his role at Michigan Works!, Jeff plays an active part in his community by serving as a Board Member for the William Bonifas Fine Art Center.

Beau Boden – Treasurer

Beau Boden, Chief Information Officer for Michigan Works! The Job Force Board has been with the Job Force Board for over 10 years. Beau holds CompTIA certifications in A+, Network+, Security+, Inet+ as well as being a Microsoft Certified Professional.

Holly Peoples – Secretary

Holly Peoples, Director of Business Services, Michigan Works! The Job Force Board.

Holly has been working in the workforce and economic development arenas since 1998.  She is a certified economic development practitioner and is a member of the inaugural class of Michigan Business Services Professionals.  Holly has worked at all levels of the workforce investment system in Michigan from the board staff level to the direct service provision.   Holly is also a certified national workforce development professional.

Sue Roll – Board Member At Large

Susan Roll is the founder of Coaching for Results, a coaching and training resource for business teams, executives and individuals.  Sue graduated from the University of Michigan and, after a brief time working in automotive manufacturing, she worked in the electronics industry for over 20 years (primarily with Intel Corporation).  Sue has working and managing experience in engineering, marketing and human resources and over 25 years of training experience. 

Christie Carlson –  Board Member At Large

Christie Carlson, Human Resource Specialist, Michigan Works! The Job Force.

Christie has a background in Secondary Education as a high school English and Spanish teacher. While working in the education field, she was actively involved in providing technology training for other educators throughout the local area. Christie is now working as a Human Resource Specialist, with an emphasis on providing training for area businesses and jobseekers in the areas of customer service, employment preparation and retention services.

We currently have one vacancy.  If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Holly Peoples at hpeoples@jobforce.org.