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.

Jessica Crum
Jessica Crum

Chair, Maries County Bank

T.R. Dudley
T.R. Dudley

Vice Chair, Great Mines Health Center

Matt Hurley
Matt Hurley

Officer, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Councilr

Elizabeth Perkins
Elizabeth Perkins

Officer, Vocational Rehabilitation - Missouri-DESE

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

Amy Skyles

Phelps County. Bank

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

Ryan 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

Jackie Barndollar

Lakeside Book Company

Board Members – One-Stop Partners

Heather Shortell - 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

Michael Howard

Missouri Laborers – Employers Cooperation & Education Trust

At Large Members

John D. Butz - Rolla

Former Rolla City Administrator

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

Charles Sederburg Takes the Wheel of His Future

With help from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Charles Sederburg overcame the financial barrier to CDL training and earned his commercial driver’s license. His determination and hard work are helping him build a path toward a more stable future.

Nine COTY Graduates Earn Professional Certificates and Prepare for Careers in Columbia

Nine students from Extended Hair Academy in Columbia, Missouri, earned professional certificates through the Career Opportunity Training for Youth (COTY) program. Graduates will now complete 120 hours of paid work experience as they prepare for careers in the beauty industry.

From Program Participant to Workforce Leader: Trish Rogers Reflects on 42 Years of Service

From workforce program participant to longtime COPIC Executive Director, Trish Rogers spent 42 years helping others overcome barriers and build brighter futures. As she retires, she reflects on her career, the people who inspired her, and the impact of workforce development in Central Missouri.

Central Workforce Development Board Welcomes Mike Howard

The Central Workforce Development Board welcomes Mike Howard of Missouri LECET. His experience in skilled trades recruitment, apprenticeships, and business leadership will support workforce development efforts across Central Missouri.

Central Missouri Workforce Projected to Outpace Statewide Job Growth Through 2034

Central Missouri employment is projected to grow 4.85% through 2034, exceeding the statewide average. New MERIC data highlights expanding career opportunities, health care demand, and workforce trends across the 19-county Central Region.

Central Workforce Development Board Recognizes Dedicated Service, Highlights Regional Progress at Annual Meeting

The Central Workforce Development Board and local elected officials gathered October 21 in Camdenton to recognize dedicated service, review regional accomplishments, and discuss Central Missouri’s workforce outlook.

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, But Annual Growth Continues

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has released Strategic Plan 2027: Building Missouri’s Future, a roadmap to prepare Missourians for high demand careers and help employers facing talent shortages. The plan sets statewide goals of 60 percent postsecondary attainment and 70 percent labor force participation.

Missouri Employment Drops 10,600 Jobs in September, but Annual Growth Continues

Missouri employment declined by 10,600 jobs in September 2026, while the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.6%. Despite the monthly decrease, the state added 28,400 jobs over the past year, with leisure and hospitality leading annual growth.

MDHEWD Recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Highlighting Accessibility and Workforce Opportunities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Learn how Missouri is recognizing the contributions of individuals with disabilities and expanding access to apprenticeships, STEM careers, and workforce training opportunities.

Jeffrey Tubbs Was Looking for More Than a Job. A CDL Helped Him Find a New Direction.

Jeffrey Tubbs wanted more than another job. Through WIOA Adult and EDA assistance, he completed CDL training, earned his Class A license, and opened doors to new career opportunities.

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.

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