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By DUANE M. ELLING

Jack Litzenberg

For more than 25 years, Jack Litzenberg, senior program officer at the Mott Foundation, has overseen grantmaking in several key areas, including the development, study and replication of industry-focused – or sectoral – job training strategies. His ongoing efforts to expand economic opportunities for low-income, low-skilled workers were recently recognized by state of Michigan officials, who presented him with a certificate of recognition on April 27 in Lansing.

Litzenberg was specifically acknowledged for his work with the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth to help launch regional skills alliances (RSAs) beginning in 2005. Today Michigan has 32 RSAs, locally managed partnerships that focus on helping the state rethink its workforce policy approach; enhance policies to expand training opportunities; and increase employment, retention and wages among Michigan’s low-income unemployed and underemployed.

Through the years, Litzenberg has emphasized sectoral employment development because it focuses on helping workers find, keep and advance in good-paying jobs, while also strengthening regional economies by providing the trained and skilled workers that local employers need.

The certificate of tribute was signed by both Governor Jennifer Granholm and Lieutenant Governor John Cherry, Jr. The presentation was made during a state summit where attendees shared information, trends and strategies related to the RSA model.

“It is our privilege to recognize Jack Litzenberg for his exceptional commitment to Michigan Skills Alliances,” notes the certificate.

“Rarely does one demonstrate, in such a definitive manner, the dedication, leadership and integrity required to take on such an initiative, and for doing so, we commend you.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• Read an article about the April 23 summit in Michigan
• Watch a video in which Litzenberg discusses findings from a Mott-funded evaluation of sectoral employment