Manufacturing talent council adds two new members
From left to right: Emily Mace, Megan Connaghan | Photo courtesy of West Michigan Works
Discover Manufacturing, a West Michigan Works! Industry Talent Council, has appointed Emily Mace of The Right Place and Megan Connaghan of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) to its council. The new members bring additional economic development and workforce training expertise to the employer-led collaborative.
Discover Manufacturing is a regional network of hundreds of manufacturers committed to addressing the short- and long-term talent needs of West Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Together with partners in education, workforce development and economic development, the council promotes manufacturing careers, develops training opportunities and shares best practices across the region.
“Emily and Megan each bring valuable perspectives and strong connections to our council,” said Paul Sischo, industry council lead, West Michigan Works!. “Their experience working directly with employers and developing workforce solutions will strengthen our efforts to build the skilled talent pipeline manufacturers throughout our region need today and in the future.”
Mace serves as business development manager at The Right Place, where she works closely with manufacturers throughout West Michigan and has firsthand insight into the talent challenges facing the industry. Her interest in workforce development also has a personal connection, with family members who have built successful careers in manufacturing.
“I’ve seen firsthand the opportunities a career in manufacturing can provide, both through my work with employers and through my own family,” Mace said. “I’m excited to help connect businesses with resources while creating greater awareness of manufacturing careers and introducing more students to the opportunities available in our region.”
Connaghan serves as customized training manager in the School of Workforce Training at GRCC, where she works with West Michigan employers, particularly manufacturers, to develop workforce and customized training solutions that support business growth and talent development. Her work includes apprenticeships, job training, adult education, open enrollment courses and the Michigan New Jobs Training Program.
“Since joining GRCC in 2023, I’ve been an active participant in Discover Manufacturing meetings and have seen firsthand the council’s collaborative approach to addressing workforce needs,” Connaghan said. “As a council member, I look forward to helping advance efforts to strengthen the manufacturing workforce and expand access to training opportunities across the region.”
Mace and Connaghan join representatives from manufacturing, education and workforce development organizations serving on the Discover Manufacturing council. Council members collaborate on initiatives designed to promote manufacturing careers, connect employers with talent and training resources and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers throughout West Michigan. Learn more at https://www.discover-manufacturing.com/.
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