Jakki Bungart-Bibb Named New Director for Michigan Works! Southwest

The W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and the Michigan Works! Southwest Workforce Development Board recently announced Jakki Bungart-Bibb as the new Director for Michigan Works! Southwest. Her predecessor, Ben Damerow, will transition to the role of Senior Director of the W.E. Upjohn Institute’s Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions.

With over 25 years of diverse workforce development experience, most recently serving as Deputy Director of Operations at Michigan Works! Southwest, Bungart-Bibb is well-positioned to continue to scale the success of Michigan Works! Southwest – looking for new opportunities to serve customers in the four-county service area of Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph, and strengthening relationships with local and state partners.

“Jakki brings extensive experience and knowledge of workforce development to this role, and her commitment to Michigan Works! Southwest is evident through her passion. I am confident she will continue to create innovative solutions in assisting job seekers and employers,” said Damerow.

In her role as Director, Bungart-Bibb will lead the work of Michigan Works! Southwest programs and services.

“It is an honor to lead the continued efforts of Michigan Works! Southwest by assisting local employers and job seekers, and meeting the evolving needs of our community,” said Bungart-Bibb.  “In this critical time of recovery, as talent continues to be a top priority, I look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to advance our workforce development priorities and ensure economic success in Southwest Michigan.”

Michigan Works! Southwest is part of a statewide network of organizations that contributes to the economic prosperity of our communities by developing a strong, talented workforce. The agency serves employers and job seekers in Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties.