Dr. Nerita Hughes

ESCANABA –Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Dr. Nerita Hughes to the Michigan Workforce Development Board.

Dr. Hughes, a resident of Escanaba, serves as president of Bay de Noc Community College and is also president of JG Consulting. She previously held the role of interim associate vice president of academic affairs and workforce innovation at North Hennepin Community College. Prior to that, she served as the organizational effectiveness and development manager for Ramsey County, Minnesota, where she also led as workforce innovation and opportunity manager.

Dr. Hughes earned a bachelor of science in business administration from National American University and both her master of business administration and doctor of education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has been appointed to represent community college presidents for a term beginning July 10, 2025, and ending May 29, 2028, succeeding Russ Kavalhuna following his resignation.

The Michigan Workforce Development Board is responsible for the development and continuous improvement of the workforce development system in Michigan. The board will act as an advisory body and will assist the Governor with the development, implementation, and modification of Michigan’s four-year state plan under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and advance the Governor’s 60 by 30 goal of helping 60% of our workforce achieve a post-secondary degree or certification by 2030. Also appointed to the Michigan Workforce Development Board on July 10 was Larry Brinker, Jr., of Northville, chief executive officer of Brinker and president of Brinker Group and L.S. Brinker Company.

In addition to the Michigan Workforce Development Board appointments on July 10, the Governor announced appointments to the following commissions: MEDC Executive Committee; Michigan Education Trust Board of Directors; Natural Resources Commission; Michigan Indigent Defense Commission; Michigan Truck Safety Commission; Michigan Board of Dentistry; Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee; Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness; Public Health Advisory Council; Electronic Recording Commission; Farm Produce Insurance Authority; Michigan Wheat Promotion Committee; Commission on Services to the Aging; Michigan Municipal Services Authority Executive Committee; Michigan Wildlife Council; Michigan Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons; Michigan Board of Counseling; Michigan Board of Accountancy; Electrical Administrative Board; Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs; Michigan Corn Marketing Program Committee; Michigan Potato Industry Commission; Mental Health Diversion Council; State Fire Safety Board; and Michigan Board of Nursing.