Manufacturing leader recognized with Lifetime of Service Award
Jay Dunwell | Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works!
West Michigan Works! honored Jay Dunwell, president, Wolverine Coil Spring with its Lifetime of Service Award for his contributions to regional workforce development during its year-end Industry Talent Council event. Six additional volunteers, representing each of West Michigan Works!’ Industry Talent Councils, were also recognized for their service. Across the councils, their work has inspired 61,780 students, engaged 588 businesses and trained 3,951 employees in 2026.
West Michigan Works!’ Industry Talent Councils represent agribusiness, construction, manufacturing, hospitality, health care and technology sectors. The councils connect employers, educators, workforce partners and students to address the region’s talent needs.
Dunwell was presented with a Lifetime of Service Award for his more than two decades of involvement in regional manufacturing and workforce development efforts. Dunwell’s involvement predates the current Industry Talent Council structure. Discover Manufacturing began as a committee of The Right Place and when convening responsibility transferred to West Michigan Works! in 2016, Dunwell served as council chair and helped guide the transition. Throughout his service, Dunwell has participated in every MiCareerQuest and Discover Manufacturing Tours, while helping improve council processes and initiatives.
“Jay’s leadership and willingness to continually challenge us to think bigger has helped shape our Industry Talent Councils into what they are today,” said Karrie Brown, Business Solutions Manager, West Michigan Works!. “He has consistently shown up, shared his expertise and raised his hand when there was work to be done. We’re incredibly grateful for his partnership and proud to recognize the lasting impact he has made on workforce development across our seven-county region.”
Six individuals were recognized as Volunteers of the Year for their contributions to their respective councils:
Becky Huttenga, agriculture and economic resources coordinator, Ottawa County – Agribusiness Talent Council
Rachel Holliday, senior human resources business partner, Fabcon – Construction Careers Council
Kacey Regan, human resources manager, Wolverine Coil Spring – Discover Manufacturing
Qi’Shaun Coyle, workforce development manager, Experience Grand Rapids – Explore Hospitality
Steve Smith, regional manager talent acquisition, University of Michigan Health-West – West Michigan Health Careers Council
Charlie Peck, scrum master, Gordon Food Service – West Michigan Tech Talent
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