As the recently appointed Executive Director for the Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN), it is an honor and privilege to work collaboratively with an exemplary board and staff, as well as WIN’s dedicated partners from post-secondary institutions, K-12 schools, economic development organizations, employers, community-based organizations, and governmental entities to identify and respond to a growing need of talent and workforce demands.
My career includes several leadership roles in developing training programs for workforce development in southeast Michigan. I worked as the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) Quality Program Manager by facilitating over a dozen committees of subject matter experts to develop industry guidelines, white papers, and tool kits to support the implementation, upon the release, of the QS-9000 and TS 16949 automotive quality system standards. I also worked as vice president of a quality system training and consulting firm, where I conducted operational needs assessments and developed Tier 1 corporate universities for supply chain initiatives. I am the immediate past West Bloomfield Township Supervisor, where I served two 4-year terms essentially fulfilling the roles of mayor and city manager. While in this position, I achieved the eCities award by streamlining the building permit process, was presented the JCC President’s Club award for collaborating on a community-wide job fair, initiated a market study and town center ordinance amendment to transform the community gateway and business corridor, and took proactive leadership to protect the community’s natural and fiscal assets. It was a busy and successful 8 years serving the West Bloomfield Township community.
I have had several transition meetings with the former WIN Executive Director, Lisa Katz, and respectfully value her time, devotion, accomplishments, as well as her past and future dedication to WIN. Under her leadership, and the hard work of the entire greater WIN community, significant results have been achieved, as found in the new impact report which has recently been added to the WIN website at https://winintelligence.org/impactreport. I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Sincerely,
Michele Economou Ureste, M.P.A.
Executive Director, Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN)
Mobile: 313-495-5958
Email: michele.ureste@WINintelligence.org