Michigan Works Director Named County Manager of Workforce Development

Oakland County Troy Michigan Works! Director Named County Manager of Workforce Development

A Chesterfield Township woman who began as a summer intern in the Troy Michigan Works! office 17 years ago and eventually rose to become its director is the new manager of the Oakland County Michigan Works! workforce development program.

Jennifer Llewellyn, 38, will oversee the county’s workforce development program and the county’s eight Michigan Works! service centers, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said today. She succeeds John Almstadt, who retired on Feb. 26 after 37 years with the county.

“Jennifer has played the role of lady in waiting behind John Almstadt,” Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said. “She’s knowledgeable, trained and will hit the ground running.”

Llewellyn, who is married and has two children, begins her new position on April 11. She worked closely with Almstadt and had high praise for him. She is anxious to begin her new position.

“I love what I do every day,” Llewellyn said. “I love workforce development. Every day we transform the lives of our residents. Oakland County is first class and to be a part of Brooks’ team and the Oakland County team is a tremendous opportunity. It’s the next step in my career.”

Irene Spanos, director of the county’s Department of Economic Development & Community Affairs, said Llewellyn brings a unique perspective and vibrancy to her new position.

“Jennifer has played an important role in helping workforce development and economic development work as a united team in Oakland County,” Spanos said. “With her new positon, I see an even greater alliance and partnership between the two. I could not be more excited for the future of workforce development in Oakland County than I am now.”

In Troy, Llewellyn had administrative oversight over a $3 million budget and a staff of 19 people. She was responsible for grant management, hiring and evaluating performance, coordination of job responsibilities as well as managing and administrative compliance of more than a dozen state and federal job programs. She is a graduate of Oakland University and a member of the County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2014.

Oakland County provides free workforce services to businesses and talent at eight locations: Ferndale, Highland Township, Novi, Oak Park, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford Township. Services include talent attraction, management and retention services for businesses and career management, training and placement for job seekers. Every day, more than 1,200 people visit Oakland County Michigan Works! service centers