Christine Quinn named to lead MI Workforce Development Agency

The Michigan Strategic Fund today announced that Christine Quinn has been named the Director of the Michigan Workforce Development Agency.

LANSING – The Michigan Strategic Fund today announced that Christine Quinn has been named the Director of the Michigan Workforce Development Agency.

“Christine is widely considered one of the top workforce development professionals in the state, and we are fortunate to have her at the helm of the WDA at this pivotal point in our history,” said Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chairman Michael A. Finney. “Job creation and a strong workforce are at the core of Michigan’s economic future, and it is crucial that we have a leader who will drive efficiency and effectiveness in the state’s workforce development and adult education programs.”  

In her role as WDA Director, Quinn will oversee the WDA staff and programs, including the state's workforce initiatives, adult education, the Veterans' Services Division, and programs related to migrant and seasonal workers.

Quinn comes to WDA from South Central Michigan Works! where she has served as President since 2002. At SCMW, she was responsible for a $20 million workforce development budget and the management and oversight of offices in three counties. She has earned national recognition for establishing business solutions processes within the MWA system, and for partnering with Michigan State University to create a curriculum leading to Business Solutions Professional certification.

Prior to leading SCMW, Quinn served for three years as Executive Director of the Clinton County Task Force on Employment.  Earlier in her career, she held leadership positions at several Michigan advocacy and community organizations including the Arthritis Foundation of Central Michigan, the North Ottawa Council on Aging, and the Oceana County Council on Aging.  

Quinn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Leadership and Management from Ferris State University, and holds a number of specialized certifications in business services and workforce development.  She is a member of Michigan Economic Developers Association, the American Society of Employers, the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, the National Association of Workforce Boards, and the National Workforce Association.  

Christine’s contractual obligations to SCMW will keep her in that position for several months. In the interim, Michael Pohnl, fund manager, Michigan Strategic Fund, has agreed to serve as Director of WDA. 

Pohnl has been with the Michigan Strategic Fund since 1984 in several economic and community development roles. As Fund Manager for the Michigan Strategic Fund, he oversees state and federal funding for economic development, workforce development and energy office programs. 

Pohnl has an MBA in materials and logistics management and an undergraduate degree in construction management with an emphasis on business aspects of the construction industry.  

Pohnl will take on his new temporary assignment on March 5.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.