MADISON – On July 20, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Reggie Newson announced new members of the Governor Walker’s Council on Workforce Investment (CWI), which oversees coordination of talent development activities across the state. The new members include representatives from both the private and public sector who possess the background and expertise to develop a strong, highly skilled workforce in Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin stands out among the nation for the investments we have made to develop our workforce,” Secretary Newson said. “We will look to the Council to recommend more bold and innovative strategies to ensure a robust and well-trained talent pipeline is in place to help employers stay competitive in the nation and world.”
The Council provides recommendations to the Governor and the DWD on strategic investments of federal funds. The advisory panel also reviews the workforce activities of Wisconsin’s Workforce Development Areas, ensuring that workforce development programing is efficient and effective.
The CWI was reconstituted this year in part to meet new requirements of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, which represents the most significant changes to the nation’s workforce development system since the 1990s. The council consists of members appointed in accordance with WIOA with additional members as designated by the Governor.
Examples of the Council’s duties include:
• Recommend talent development strategies that align with economic development and educational systems.
• Identify and advance best practices to strengthen delivery systems such as the Wisconsin Job Center system and equip workers with skills to meet labor market needs.
• Ensure resources are available to support all Wisconsinites who want to work, including youths and persons with disabilities.
Additional information on the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment, including a full membership list, is available at http://www.wi-cwi.org.
Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment
The following individuals will join Governor Walker as members of the Council on Workforce Investment:
| Dan Ariens | Ariens Company |
| Kurt Bauer | Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce |
| Ray Cross | University of Wisconsin System |
| Cedric Ellis | CUNA Mutual Group |
| Tony Evers | Department of Public Instruction |
| Paul Farrow | Waukesha County Executive |
| Andy Fiene | Premier Cooperative |
| Morna Foy | Wisconsin Technical College System |
| Reed Hall | Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation |
| Grailing Jones | Schneider Finance, Inc. |
| Steve Klessig | Keller, Inc. |
| Janice Lemminger | Manpower Group |
| Steve Loehr | Kwik Trip |
| Terry McGowan | International Union of Operating Engineers |
| Dan Mella | Plymouth School District |
| Michelle Mettner | Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin |
| Reggie Newson | Department of Workforce Development |
| Kent Olson | Olson Tire and Auto Service, Inc. |
| Alan Petelinsek | Power Test, Inc. |
| Vern Peterson | Wisconsin Public Service Corporation |
| Rep. Warren Petryk | Wisconsin Assembly |
| Dawn Pratt | Wisconsin Apprenticeship Advisory Council |
| Mark Reihl | Wisconsin State Council of Carpenters |
| Sen. Janis Ringhand | Wisconsin Senate |
| Lola Roeh | The Osthoff Resort |
| Sen. Roger Roth | Wisconsin Senate |
| Kathi Seifert | Karapult, LLC |
| Rep. Katrina Shankland | Wisconsin Assembly |
| Dan Steininger | BizStarts Milwaukee |
| Tom Still | Wisconsin Technology Council |
| Troy Streckenbach | Brown County Executive |
| Vicky Strobel | Marshfield Clinic |
| Mark Tyler | OEM Fabricators |
| Rolf Wegenke | Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities |
Note: Two other representatives from North Central Wisconsin were appointed: Rep. Katrina Shankland (Stevens Point) and Vicky Strobel, Marshfield Clinic (and Centery Board Chair).