We are under the direction of trusted community leaders.
The Central Workforce Development Board, guided by a diverse board of community leaders, implements Workforce Investment Act principles to provide local residents with career opportunities and help employers build a successful workforce.
Our Mission
Strengthening communities through workforce development efforts.
At Central Workforce Development Region, we are dedicated to operating with transparency, integrity, and ethical standards. Our mission is to support job seekers and businesses by fostering a skilled workforce and promoting economic growth throughout Central Missouri. We take pride in our commitment to doing what is right, earning the trust of those we serve, and setting a positive example in our community.
Central Workforce Development board members are appointed by local officials and work in tandem with the State of Missouri to develop policies and guidelines, and to provide oversight of the local workforce investment system. Board membership includes individuals representing business and industry, economic development agencies, community-based organizations, education, organized labor, public assistance agencies and more.
Who We Serve
Counties Covered
We proudly serve the following counties in Central Missouri: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, and Washington.
Job Seeker Services
We offer a range of services for job seekers, including career counseling, job search assistance, resume building, and skills training programs to help you achieve your employment goals.
Business Services
Our business services are designed to support local employers by providing recruitment assistance, workforce training, and resources to help you find and retain skilled employees.
Community Engagement
We actively engage with the community through various programs and initiatives aimed at improving the overall economic health and quality of life in Central Missouri.
Meet Our Officers
Our team is composed of passionate professionals committed to advancing workforce development in Central Missouri. Together, we strive to create opportunities and foster economic growth within our community.
Kathy Groves
Chair, William Woods University
Jessica Crum
Vice Chair, Maries County Bank
T.R. Dudley
Treasurer, Great Mines Health Center
Matt Hurley
Secretary, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Councilr
Board Members – Private Sector
Counties Represented:
Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Howard, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski, Washington
T.R. Dudley
Great Mines Health Center, Potosi
Tyler Reyes
EquipmentShare
Kathy Groves
Williams Wood University, Fulton
Curtis Lilly - Columbia
University of Missouri Health Care
Jeremy Porter - Potosi
SomethingCool.com
John D. Butz - Rolla
Rolla City Administrator
Patrick Kelly - Mexico
Missouri American Water Company
Betty Jo Sydenstricker - Mexico
RE/MAX on the Move
Krista Grayson - Rolla
MO-SCI Corporation
Mark Maasen - Sunrise Beach
Poly Lift
Kavita Grewal - Columbia
Veterans United Home Loans
Paula Benne - Jefferson City
C&S Employment Services
Jessica Crum - Vienna
Maries County Bank
Charisa Lee - Lebanon
Brunswick – Lowe Boats
Board Members – One-Stop Partners
David Miller - Richland
Community Based Organization – Missouri Ozarks Community Action Inc
Tamara Tateosian - Fulton
Economic Development – Callaway Chamber of Commerce
Jerrell Morton
Job Point – YouthBuild
Alice Whalen
Adult Education Program Director – East Central College – AEL
Jimmy Rogers - Fulton
Director of Marketing – SMART Local 36
Matt Hurley - Jefferson City
Organized Labor – Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Jennifer Taylor - Jefferson City
OWD/Wagner Peyser/Core/Vet
Elizabeth Perkins - Jefferson City
Vocational Rehabilitation – Missouri-DESE
Suzanne Absheer - Jefferson City
Department of Social Services
Dewey Thompson - Columbia
Missouri Training Institute
Jason Verslues - Jefferson City
Organized Labor – Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council
Caucus of Chief Elected Officials
Gary Jungermann - Callaway County
Caucus Chairman
Gary Larson - Dent County
Alan Winders - Audrain County
Kip Kendrick - Boone County
Victor Stratman - Maries County
Ike Skelton - Camden County
Sam Bushman - Cole County
George Monk - Cooper County
Steve Black - Crawford County
Joe Lutz - Moniteau County
Tim Schulte - Gasconade County
Jerimiah Johnmeyer - Howard County
Randy Angst - Laclede County
Kevin Cardwell - Miller County
Tony Stephens - Morgan County
Darryl Griffin - Osage County
Joey Auxier - Phelps County
Gene Newkirk - Pulaski County
Dave Sansegraw - Washington County
Meet Our Dedicated Staff
Our team is composed of professionals who are passionate about workforce development and committed to serving the Central Missouri community. Each member brings unique skills and experiences to help us achieve our mission.
Amy Sublett
Executive Director
Lisa Elrod
Assistant Director
Donna Smith
Financial Officer
Korin Thurman
EO Officer & Program Compliance Specialist
Winona Cotner
Administrative Assistance & Compliance
Sundi Jo Graham
Communications Coordinator
What We Offer
Job Seeker Services
Explore numerous opportunities with the Central Workforce Development Region! Our Job Centers offer free services to help you prepare for, find, and secure jobs that match your strengths and goals.
Employer Services
Available at NO cost to you, we offer a variety of employer services, including job matching, consulting, work opportunity tax credits, on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transition assistance, and more. See full details below.
Central Region News
Missouri Education Agencies Partner with Google to Provide Free AI Training
Missouri is partnering with Google to expand free access to AI training, Google Career Certificates and education tools for job seekers, students and educators across the state.
A Move, a Job Search, and a New Chapter in Social Work for Antoinette Agosto
When veteran Eddie Agosto walked into the Columbia Job Center looking for direction, he found more than a resume review. Through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant program, he landed a role that puts his social work background to meaningful use.
Missouri Jobs Report: July 2026 — Nearly 30,000 Jobs Added Year-Over-Year as Unemployment Falls to 3.6%
Missouri added 8,100 jobs in July 2026, unemployment fell to 3.6 percent, and year-over-year job growth reached nearly 30,000 positions. Here’s a breakdown of the latest labor market data and what it means for workers and employers across mid-Missouri.
Tune into the podcast
The Workforce Link Podcast with Sundi Jo Graham
The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow.
Hosted by Sundi Jo Graham from the Central Workforce Development Board, The Workforce Link covers job searching, resume and interview tips, leadership, personal development, and features interviews with industry leaders from the private and public sectors.
Episode 83: How to Make a Great Impression in Your First 90 Days on the Job
You got the job — now what? The first 90 days on a new job are more important than most people realize. Tune in to Episode 83 of The Workforce Link Podcast to find out how to make a great impression, build the right relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success from day one.