Did you know NORTHFORCE is a community-led program? We’re guided by an advisory committee that combines perspectives from many different parts of the workforce development ecosystem of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. It includes representatives from:
- Major Northland employers in health care, energy, manufacturing, trade, transport, and other key sectors
- The higher education system
- Area chambers of commerce
- State and city governments
- And other entities
The committee meets quarterly and works with the technical team to inform and steer the program.
“The combined knowledge of the advisory committee allows NORTHFORCE to function like a think tank,” shares NORTHFORCE Program Manager Ali Bilden Camps. “Advisory committee members provide the insights and the impetus to keep NORTHFORCE charged as a workforce development engine. They help us decide where to focus our efforts. They also help us stay responsive to the evolving needs of candidates and employers in real time.”
Current Advisory Committee Members
Ali Bilden Camps, Northspan
Amber Lewis, Northspan
Andrea Chartier, Essentia Health
Arik Forsman, Minnesota Power
Ash Luna, Northspan
Barb Lundberg, Northland College
Betsy Hill, City of Duluth Workforce Development
Cary Breitlow, Douglas County
Chris Fleege, City of Duluth
Claire Peterlin, Minnesota Power
Dan Miller, Northwoods Technical College
David Wierzba, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Elena Foshay, City of Duluth Workforce Development
Elissa Hansen, Northspan
Ian Vincent, APEX
Janelle Greschner, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
Jason Serck, City of Superior
Jim Caesar, Development Association
Julie Winter, Northland College
Kate Ferguson, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
Mark Rudolph, Grand Rapids Chamber
Martha Bremer, Duluth Chamber
Matt Shermoen, APEX
Melissa Goodson, The College of St. Scholastica
Michael Raich, Minnesota North College
Michelle Ufford, Essentia Health
Randy Back, JET
Rebecca Shane, Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Shawn Herhusky, Essentia Health
Shayla Drake, CareerForce
Taylor Pederson, Superior Chamber
Whitney Ridlon, Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation
