Michelle is the daughter of a career Air Force Officer. She has lived in eleven states, attended nine schools, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources from St. Leo University. Michelle has spent years working and volunteering in various fields where customer service, problem solving, and teamwork are always the highest priority.
What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Three words I would use to describe myself are attentive, willing, and encouraging.
Please tell us about your job.
I manage the Enterprise Zone Retraining Program (EZone) for the state of South Carolina in partnership with our 16 Technical Colleges and the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR). With collaboration and assistance from folks inside and outside of our agency, I am responsible for developing and maintaining all training materials, templates, tools, electronic workflows and all state reporting required for the EZone program. I provide training to designated program representatives at each technical college and serve ongoing as their program contact. I work closely with various SCDOR staff and meet regularly with Continuing Education Deans, various stakeholders, and industry leaders throughout the state to actively seek ways to promote and grow the EZone program.
What is something you like about your job?
There are many things I really enjoy about my job. I am surrounded by amazing people who bring unique skills and creativity to the table every day. The thing I love most is the collaborative effort between teammates and knowing that what we do makes a positive impact for our state!
What drew you to the economic development field/Technical College System/etc.?
It was really by accident that I became involved in the field of Economic Development. I had been a stay at home mom since 2005 with my two girls, only working part time as a teacher’s assistant and volunteer when the recession hit. After a few years, my husband decided he needed to make a career change, one he hoped would keep him employed and his family provided for even through economic downturns. He enrolled at Central Carolina Technical College to earn a degree in Engineering Graphics Design (and has been working in that field ever since). While he was in school full time, I officially reentered the workforce in order to provide for our family. Through an acquaintance I heard that a readySC project was looking to hire in Sumter. I had never heard of readySC but was intrigued when I realized the role would be to support training and recruitment efforts for the new Continental Tire plant. I learned there was a connection between readySC and the Technical College System which was providing a new career path for my husband. I was amazed at how much we were able to help the company and our community. I was hooked! Four years later I was hired to manage EZone and I am still living the dream.
What are some innovative and impressive workforce development programs currently emerging around the state?
I am always amazed at the level of commitment our state has for community, philanthropy, and innovation. I have to say, the EZone Retraining Program, even though it has been around since 1995 is experiencing a resurgence of applicability, especially in the current pandemic. So many companies have answered the call for help by adjusting processes and creating new products to produce materials and equipment needed during these desperate times. Through this program we can step along side of our existing industry and help them stay competitive. We can really make a difference with those making a difference!
