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Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County welcome new leadership and board members

On Aug. 1, the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County (WIB) welcome new leadership and board members, marking the start of the 2025–2027 term. Yolanda McIntosh will step into the role of board chair, joined by incoming chair-elect Jonathan Banks, four newly appointed members and 16 reappointed members continuing their service.

Yolanda McIntosh

Jonathan Banks

Yolanda McIntosh, Director of Organizational Wellbeing & Culture at Associated General Contractors of MN, was first appointed to the WIB by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners in 2020. She will succeed outgoing Chair Elisa Rasmussen and bring to the role a strong background in workforce equity and industry partnership.

Jonathan Banks, President of NCXT, was elected chair-elect by the WIB in June. In addition to this role, he currently chairs the WIB’s Equity Committee and serves on the Executive Committee.

“Yolanda and Jonathan bring deep expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to building a more welcoming and responsive workforce system,” said Catrice O’Neal, Director of Ramsey County Workforce Solutions. “Their leadership comes at a critical time as we work to expand access to quality careers and ensure our systems are meeting the needs of both job seekers and employers. I’m grateful for their willingness to lead and excited for what’s ahead.”

Four new members will join the WIB this term:

• Matthew Bandstra – As a Senior Account Executive at Grid Verify, Bandstra brings knowledge of the tech industry as well as national policy experience, having previously served as Associate Director of Policy at the National Association of Workforce Boards in Washington, D.C.
• Karen Gerdin – Assistant Supervisor at Saint Paul Public Schools Adult Basic Education, Gerdin is returning to the WIB after previously serving in 2017–2019 and 2021–2023. She has been actively engaged in committee work for several years.
• Ricardo Bennett Guzman – Senior Manager of the Teen Tech Center at CLUES, Guzman is passionate about helping young people overcome barriers to employment and is eager to contribute to the WIB’s efforts.
• Traci Leffner – President of Crescent Career Center and Sovran Inc., Leffner is a strong advocate for technology-driven workforce development and is committed to providing quality IT training experiences. She was appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

Bandstra was appointed by the city of Saint Paul and Gerdin, Guzman and Leffner were appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.

Other WIB members recently reappointed for another term include:

• Ismail Al, MnTech.
• Becky Degendorfer.
• Sara Garbe, DEED Job Service.
• Lisa Guetzkow, Ramsey County Workforce Solutions.
• Council Vice President HwaJeong Kim, Saint Paul City Council.
• Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce.
• Bryan Kuzel, Mississippi Market Co-op.
• James McClean, Regions Hospital.
• Yolanda McIntosh, Associated General Contractors of MN.
• Commissioner Kelly Miller, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
• Donald Mullin, Saint Paul Building and Construction Trades Council.
• Koami Pedado, ElieSys Computer Services.
• Sheri Riemers, Ain Dah Yung Center.
• Aalayha Traub, Knutson Construction.
• Tanya Velishek, Vema Staffing Partners.
• Tracy Wilson, Saint Paul College.

The WIB is one of 16 legislatively mandated local workforce boards in Minnesota. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves access to meaningful career opportunities, the WIB sets strategic direction and provides oversight for the public workforce system, CareerForce.

The board includes 33 members who are key decision-makers in their organizations, representing a broad cross-section of business, labor, education, community-based organizations, economic development, and government. At least 51 percent of WIB members are from the private sector, ensuring that employer needs remain central to the board’s work. Members are appointed by the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners or the Saint Paul City Council.

Learn more about the members of the WIB.