2020 Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County
The goals of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) align with Ramsey County’s goals of well-being, prosperity, opportunity and accountability. The WIB supports the mission and services of Workforce Solutions and the business community’s need for qualified job seekers by championing Ramsey County’s goals for a vibrant community where everyone is valued and prosperous.
WIB members are appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the Mayor of Saint Paul. Their work is key to workforce success and economic prosperity in Ramsey County. The WIB uses its collective power and influence to drive policy that will fulfill our area employers’ needs for a skilled workforce.
Workforce Innovation Board Members
- Becky Degendorfer, Mustad Hoofcare
- Brooke Walker, Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties
- Butch Howard, HMSHost
- Camila Mercado Michelli, CLUES
- Carly Voshell, ISD 622
- Chad Kulas (Chair), Midway Chamber of Commerce
- Chris Duffy, Goff Public
- Chris Tolbert, Saint Paul City Council
- Cindy Larson, DEED Job Service
- Dillon Donnelly, DAC Industries
- Donald Mullin, Saint Paul Building and Construction Trades Council
- Elena Gaarder, Nexus Community Partners
- Elisa Rasmussen, Xcel Energy
- Gaye Adams Massey, YWCA Saint Paul
- Hyon Kim, MN Best Inc.
- James McClean, Regions Hospital
- Jennifer Germain, DEED Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Jim McDonough, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
- Julie Thiel, Schwan’s Company
- Karin McCabe, McGough Construction
- Koami Pedado, ElieSys Computer Services
- Kristin Guild, City of Saint Paul Planning & Economic Development
- Larry Gilbertson, Ironworkers Local 512
- Lisa Guetzkow, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions
- Paul Nikstad, Hubert Humphrey Job Corps Center
- Ramona Wilson (Chair-elect), Knutson Construction
- Robert Blake, Solar Bear
- Sean Mullan, 3M
- Shannon Watson, Saint Paul Area Chamber
- Sheila Olson, Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota
- Sheri Riemers, Ain Dah Yung Center
- Susan Jambor, Spire Credit Union
- Tanya Velishek, Fairview Health Services
- Tom Aasheim, Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest
- Tony Lusiba, Upvant
- Tracy Wilson, Saint Paul College
- Trish Stevens, Hospitality Minnesota
- Yolanda McIntosh, Associated General Contractors
Workforce Innovation Board Executive Committee
Executive Committee: Top Row - Butch Howard, Chad Kulas, Councilmember Chris Tolbert, Elisa Rasmussen, Commissioner Jim McDonough, Karin McCabe Bottom Row - Ling Becker, Mary Russell, Paul Nikstad, Ramona Wilson, Sean Mullan
Featured WIB Member
Ramona Wilson, Knutson Construction
Ramona Wilson has fond memories of growing up in the Rondo Community of Saint Paul. She was an avid softball player, ran track and was in the last graduating class of Mechanical Arts High School, located near the State Capitol. Ramona continued her college education in Saint Paul, graduating from Concordia University with a degree in Marketing.
Ramona went on to work for Xcel Energy for over two decades before being named Executive Director of Freeport West, a non-profit serving homeless and at-risk youth. In 2013, she joined Knutson Construction as the Diversity Manager where she has developed a diversity program and implemented a business development/mentoring program that supports women and minority owned small businesses.
With roots in Saint Paul and a passion for community service, it's no surprise that when Mayor Chris Coleman asked Ramona to serve on the WIB in 2015, she enthusiastically agreed. “The mission of the WIB is so rewarding. I truly believe there are good paying jobs for everyone.” As the WIB Chair-elect, Ramona is committed to putting the policies and practices in place to seriously open the doors to employment for every Ramsey County job seeker.