PONTIAC, Mich. — The Michigan Works! Association (MWA) has bestowed its coveted Board of Excellence Award upon the Oakland County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) in recognition of its exceptional leadership and impact on Michigan’s talent development efforts. The award highlights the board’s collaborative efforts with partners, programming, quality customer service and organizational excellence.

The board, appointed by Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, oversees Oakland County Michigan Works! (OCMW), which serves 105,000 job seekers and 1,000 employers annually.

“Helping residents find and qualify for high-paying jobs and companies find the talent they need to grow is an economic priority for Oakland County,” Coulter said. “This award recognizes how OCMW has built strong, long-term partnerships within our community that ensure Oakland County remains a place where both talent and employers can thrive.”

Presenting the award, MWA CEO Ryan Hundt recognized the OCWDB as a model of what collaborative and innovative governance can achieve.

“The board’s work on Clean Slate, American Rescue Plan Act investments and regional talent initiatives has opened doors for residents and strengthened businesses across one of Michigan’s largest economies,” Hundt said. “We’re proud to honor it with the 2026 Board of Excellence Award.”

During his acceptance remarks, OCWDB Chairman Dr. Hernando Flowers acknowledged Coulter’s ongoing support for the board, as well as the efforts of his fellow board members and work of the staff at OCMW.

“This recognition truly belongs to the professionals who do the work every day,” Flowers said. “Thank you to our center directors, business services representatives, career coaches, workforce specialists and support staff on the front lines. They are the faces of hope, opportunity and possibility for the individuals and businesses we serve.”

OCMW Director Jennifer Llewellyn expressed her appreciation for the work the volunteer board accomplishes each year.

“I want to acknowledge just how much time this board commits to helping ensure our success,” she said. “I’m very grateful to have such an engaged, dynamic group of leaders in place to guide our efforts in supporting Oakland County employers and residents.”

OCMW operates centers in Novi, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford, offering services that include career coaching, interviewing and job search workshops, placement assistance, training courses and job trend information.

The centers also assist employers seeking help with talent recruitment, apprenticeship programs, job fairs, candidate prescreening, hiring and training support, layoff support and labor market data.