MAWB

The Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (formerly Minnesota Workforce Council Association)

The Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards was incorporated in 1994 and represents the interests of workforce councils and local elected officials in Minnesota. The Association provides a central forum for the partners to discuss common interests, develop policy consensus, share successful job training strategies and maintain lines of communication with state and federal governments. It is the mission of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards to provide Minnesota with a skilled and competitive workforce through engaged and proactive local elected officials, workforce boards, and staff.

Membership

Each WDA has three voting members:

  • Chief Local Elected Official,
  • Workforce Development Board Chair, and
  • Workforce Development Area Director.

Functions of the Association

  • Represent the interests of local employment and training partners throughout the state.
  • Provide a forum to discuss common interests.
  • Develop policy consensus and share information with elected officials.
  • Share and communicate successful strategies among partners.
  • Provide training on emerging issues within the workforce system.
  • Encourage the development of members and boards.
  • Serve as a liaison to state and federal entities.

Bylaws and Policies

Bylaws of the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (Updated December 2022)
Nominations Policy (Approved by the membership August 5, 2022)

2024-2025 Board of Directors

Scott Schulte, Chair, Anoka County Commissioner
Nicole Mattson, Vice Chair, Local Workforce Board Chair
Tammy Biery, Treasurer, Local Director
Deb Bahr-Helgen, Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Local Director
Jinny Rietmann, Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Local Director
Elena Foshay, Operations Committee Chair, Local Director
Mitch Lentz, At-Large, Fillmore County Commissioner
Carol Anderson, At-Large, Local Workforce Board Chair

Staff

Cate Duin, Director
cduin@mncounties.org
(651)-789-4323
125 Charles Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103

 

Bob Libal, Project Manager
blibal@mncounties.org
(651)-789-4336
125 Charles Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103

Relationship with the Association of Minnesota Counties

MAWB is one of several affiliate organizations of the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC), a beneficial partnership as the majority of Chief Local Elected Officials in MAWB’s membership are County Commissioners (Duluth and Minneapolis are the exceptions). As an affiliate, MAWB staff is employed by AMC and works closely with the AMC policy analysts, member services and administrative staff. MAWB staff acts as the point person on behalf of AMC for workforce and economic development issues.