Workforce Development Board

The Workforce Development Board brings together leaders from business, education, government, and community organizations to help guide workforce strategies across Southeast Minnesota. The board plays a key role in planning and overseeing state and federally funded employment and training services for individuals facing economic or employment barriers.

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WDI Board Members

Our Board is composed of representatives from private business, education, nonprofit, labor, and public service sectors. Their diverse expertise helps shape effective workforce policies for our region.

State of Minnesota DEED, Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Alisha Otteson

Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA)
Armin Budimlic

Goodhue County Education District
Brian Cashman, Secretary

Three Rivers Community Action
Cindy Verdick

Rochester Community and Technical College
Dr. Jeffrey Boyd

Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
Jim Root, Treasurer

Houston County Human Services
John Pugleasa

Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Joy Watson

Harmony Enterprises, Inc.
Lane Powell, Vice President

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA)
Laurie Brownell

Laborers District Council of Minnesota & North Dakota
Lorne Lundeen

Rochester Community and Technical College
Michelle Pyfferoen

Rochester Public Schools
Nadine Holthaus

Viracon Glass
Phil Sayles, Board President

McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing
Rachel Berg, Second Vice President

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee provides leadership and strategic oversight for the full Workforce Development Board.

Fillmore County Commissioner
Mitch Lentz

Rice County Commissioner
Steve Underdahl

Joint Powers Board

The Joint Powers Board is composed of County Commissioners from each of the ten counties in Local Workforce Development Area #8. This board established Workforce Development, Inc. and provides policy oversight and guidance for the organization’s operations and services.

Houston County Commissioner
Cindy Wright

Dodge County Commissioner
Dave Kenworthy

Steele County Commissioner
Josh Prokopec

Freeborn County Commissioner
Lukas Severson

Goodhue County Commissioner
Todd Greseth

Workforce Development Board

Resources

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WDI Board Members

Aaron Benike

Benike Construction

Aaron Benike

Alisha Otteson

State of Minnesota DEED, Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Alisha Otteson

Armin Budimlic

Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA)

Armin Budimlic

Autumn Herber

State of Minnesota DEED

Autumn Herber

Brian Cashman, Secretary

Goodhue County Education District

Brian Cashman, Secretary

Cathy Lamers

Red Wing Shoe Company

Cathy Lamers

Chris Hanson

Poet Bioprocessing

Chris Hanson

Cindy Verdick

Three Rivers Community Action

Cindy Verdick

Dr. Jeffrey Boyd

Rochester Community and Technical College

Dr. Jeffrey Boyd

Jean Eaton

Granicrete Minnesota

Jean Eaton

Jim Root, Treasurer

Gundersen St. Elizabeth's Medical Center

Jim Root, Treasurer

Joann Ramaker

Hormel Foods

Joann Ramaker

John Pugleasa

Houston County Human Services

John Pugleasa

Joy Watson

Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority

Joy Watson

Lane Powell, Vice President

Harmony Enterprises, Inc.

Lane Powell, Vice President

Laurie Brownell

Southeastern Minnesota Area Agency on Aging (SEMAAA)

Laurie Brownell

Liz Henderson

New Age Tree Service

Liz Henderson

Lorne Lundeen

Laborers District Council of Minnesota & North Dakota

Lorne Lundeen

Megan Ramaker

Knobelsdorff Enterprises

Megan Ramaker

Michelle Pyfferoen

Rochester Community and Technical College

Michelle Pyfferoen

Mike Bambrick

IBEW 343 - SC MN JATC

Mike Bambrick

Misun Bormann

Mayo Clinic

Misun Bormann

Mustafa Abdille

Jennie-O-Turkey

Mustafa Abdille

Nadine Holthaus

Rochester Public Schools

Nadine Holthaus

Phil Sayles, Board President

Viracon Glass

Phil Sayles, Board President

Rachel Berg, Second Vice President