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
Kathy Groves

Chair, William Woods University

Jessica Crum
Jessica Crum

Vice Chair, Maries County Bank

T.R. Dudley
T.R. Dudley

Treasurer, Great Mines Health Center

Matt Hurley
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

Larry Miskel - 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

Capital City Hiring Event Connects 94 Job Seekers with Employers in Jefferson City

The Capital City Hiring Event welcomed 94 job seekers and more than 20 employers to Jefferson City, creating valuable connections while highlighting workforce services available through the Jefferson City Job Center.

Episode 82: Why Job Descriptions Are Scaring Away Good Candidates

Is your job description driving away top talent? In Episode 82 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down why job descriptions are quietly scaring away good candidates and six practical things you can do right now to fix them.

Audrain County Maintains Certified Work Ready Community Status

Audrain County has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce excellence. Western District Commissioner Tracy R. Graham recently accepted the Certified Work Ready Community award for Program Year 2025, recognizing the county’s ongoing investment in a skilled, job-ready workforce.

Osage County Maintains Certified Work Ready Community Status

Osage County has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce excellence. County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer recently accepted the Certified Work Ready Community award for Program Year 2025, recognizing the county’s ongoing investment in building a skilled, job-ready workforce.

CWDB Member Tamara Tateosian Appointed to Missouri State Workforce Development Board

Congratulations to CWDB member Tamara Tateosian, CEO of the Callaway Chamber of Commerce, on her appointment to the Missouri State Workforce Development Board — confirmed by the Missouri Senate on April 15, 2026.

When the Plan Changes: Building Adaptability Into Your Work

Change is not the exception in workforce development — it is part of the job. Here is how Central Region team members can build adaptability into their work and stay grounded in the mission when circumstances shift.

From CNA to RN: How Natalie Plemmons Turned Her Dream Into a Career

When Natalie Plemmons came to the Job Center in 2024, she had a goal and a job — but needed support to get through nursing school. With help from three workforce programs, she graduated from State Fair Community College and started her RN career three days later.

From Part-Time Retail to Registered Nurse: Maria Wolfrum’s Story

With support from WIOA Adult, EDA, and Healthy Blue, Maria Wolfrum went from part-time retail work to a full-time career as a Registered Nurse — graduating from State Fair Community College and landing a position at Capital Region Medical Center.

How the Central Region Is Closing the Gap Between Employers and Job Seekers with Disabilities

The 4th annual AccessAbility Business Summit brought mid-Missouri employers, advocates, and job seekers together for a full day of education, connection, and inclusive hiring solutions. Here’s a look at what made May 7 a day worth celebrating.

Rolla Regional Spring Hiring Event Connects Job Seekers and Employers Across the Central Region

Around 80 job seekers and more than 40 employers gathered at the National Guard Armory in Rolla for the Rolla Regional Spring Hiring Event. The event created opportunities for networking, on-site interviews, and career exploration across multiple industries throughout the Central Region.

Osage County Maintains Certified Work Ready Community Status

Osage County has once again demonstrated its commitment to workforce excellence. County Clerk Brooke Dudenhoeffer recently accepted the Certified Work Ready Community award for Program Year 2025, recognizing the county’s ongoing investment in building a skilled, job-ready workforce.

read more

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.

Translate »