Committees

Executive Committee

  • Updated member list coming soon

The composition of the Executive Committee of the WIB includes the Officers of the WIB, the Immediate Past Chairperson, the Chairpersons of all standing committees and a Member At-Large.

The Executive Committee works closely with city, county, and state economic development agencies, as well as business leadership, to develop policy recommendations, which will coordinate and strengthen all economic development in the WIB. In the event issues arise between WIB meetings, the Executive Committee can act on behalf of the whole WIB to resolve and ratify agreements. Any actions taken by the Executive Committee must be ratified by the WIB at the next regular meeting or at a special meeting called for that purpose.

The goals and objectives of the Executive Committee include:

  • Leadership and planning functions including the development of policy recommendations for overall workforce strategic planning.
  • Ensure the continuity of the WIB’s mission in all areas.
  • Discussing and developing strategies for cultivating a strong relationship with the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
  • Identifying and cultivating relationships with key leaders in the community.
  • Reviewing periodic reports.
  • Developing an annual budget for approval by the Chief Elected Official with ratification by the Board and monitoring fiscal expenditures against the adopted annual budget.
  • Reviewing and negotiating with the State on annual performance measures; reviewing performance reports on a frequent basis.
  • Attending local and State meetings that support the work of the Board and enhance the leadership of the WIB.

Youth Investment Council

  • Scott Kuchinsky, Plainfield Public Library (Chair)
  • Antonio Rivera, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Lisa Bonanno, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Meredith Barracato, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Perle Almieda, American Job Centers
  • Robert Croom, American Job Centers
  • Nasrene Mondol, American Job Centers
  • Isaias Rivera, Union County College
  • Jas Verem, International Rescue Committee
  • Veronicah Mwaniki, International Rescue Committee
  • Alison Milan, International Rescue Committee
  • Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Melissa Lespinasse, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Hawa Bonds, Union County Division of Youth Services
  • Latoya Bennet, Union County Division of Youth Services
  • Juanito Chiluisa, NJ Department of Labor
  • David Moskowitz, NJ Department of Labor
  • Alisha Capicchioni, Job Corps
  • Victoria McCormick, Job Corps
  • Julia Gibson, Job Corps
  • Barbara Johnson, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • LaChelle Thompson, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • Catherine J Hart, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • Merlis Miranda, United Way of Greater Union County
  • Juanita Vargas, United Way of Greater Union County
  • Gwen Ryan, UC Vocational-Technical Schools
  • Lisa Tauscher, UC Vocational-Technical Schools
  • Syreeta V. McClain, UC Vocational – Technical School Simon Youth Academy
  • Jasmine Lee, UC Vocational – Technical School Simon Youth Academy
  • Crystal Ahearn, Elizabeth Public Schools
  • Bruce Elfein, Elizabeth Public Schools
  • John Markowitz, Elizabeth Public Schools
  • Donald Stewart, Elizabeth Public Schools
  • Zelda Spence, Plainfield Public Schools
  • Ayesha Howard, Plainfield Public Schools
  • Evenide Fanfan Vilcean, Roselle Public School
  • GeorgeAnn Reyes, NJ COURTS
  • Agnes Ekama, NJ COURTS
  • Edward Steed, NJ COURTS
  • Marshall Christie, CAU
  • Emelie Towens, CAU
  • Josh Bornstein, UC Educational Services Commission
  • Michael Kowalski, UC Educational Services Commission
  • Dr. Rashara Fuller, Plainfield Action Corp
  • jensine Wright, Plainfield Action Corp
  • Susana Mateo, Elizabeth Public Schools K-8
  • Marie Thelusma, Chase Boxwood Learning Center
  • Laura Desiderio, Boxwood Learning Center
  • Dr. Elizabeth Ramos, Ed.D., Union County College
  • Nedia Morsy, Make the Road New Jersey
  • Barbara Ziobro, Youth Services Commision

The role of the Youth Investment Council is to establish and implement a strategic plan for developing a system of youth services capable of preparing youth for further education and future employment.

The Youth Investment Council is responsible for developing a comprehensive, integrated and coordinated system of youth services that effectively prepares young people for higher education and future employment. Goals and objectives include:

  • Developing and communicating a strategic vision for how the local area will ensure that its targeted youth are adequately prepared for education and employment opportunities. This vision is comprehensive and integrates all educational, employment and supportive service resources.
  • Developing policies grounded in best practices for youth that support the State and local vision.
  • Setting standards of service that clearly communicate high expectations, accountability and a focus on youth customers. These standards integrate best practices in youth and workforce development and focus specifically on ensuring that youth have the opportunity to develop career plans that will engage them in life-long learning and future employment.
  • Development of a Youth Investment Strategic Plan.
  • Engaging in ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders—businesses, schools, youth providers, parents and youth themselves—to identify needs, possible gaps in service and to map available resources.
  • Forging strong partnerships with the K-12 system, providing resources about careers and labor market information and ensuring that youth and parents have the information they need to make informed choices about their education and future employment.
  • Setting service priorities and determining how resources can best be used to meet the needs of young people.
  • Coordinating local resources, programs and policies with Federal, State and Regional initiatives to make the most effective use of funds.

American Job Center Committee

  • Krystal Canady, Chair, The Gateway FAMILY YMCA (Chair)
  • Colleen Clayton , THE GATEWAY FAMILY YMCA
  • Julio Sabater, Workforce Advantage
  • Yunia Labaut, Workforce Advantage
  • Antonio Rivera, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Carolina Marin, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Lisa Bonanno, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Meredith Barracato, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Perle Almieda, Union County American Job Center
  • Robert Croom, Union County American Job Center
  • Nasrene Mondol, Union County American Job Center
  • Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Melissa Lespinasse, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Barbara Bagger, Literacy New Jersey
  • Dr. Lisa Hiscano, Union County College
  • Isaias Rivera, Union County College
  • Marlene Loff, Union County College
  • Scott Kuchinsky, Plainfield Public Library
  • Debbie Walter, Union Public Library
  • MaryFaith Chmiel, Elizabeth Public Library
  • Jeff Cupo, Elizabeth Public Library
  • Nancy Berkenfeld, Elizabeth Public Library
  • Veronicah Mwaniki, International Rescue Committee
  • Alison Milan, International Rescue Committee
  • Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Melissa Lespinasse, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Hawa Bonds, Union County Division of Youth Services
  • Latoya Bennet, Union County Division of Youth Services
  • Valerie Hendon, Elizabeth Public School
  • Dr. Lyle Moseley, Elizabeth Public School
  • Juanito Chiluisa, NJ Department of Labor
  • David Moskowitz, NJ Department of Labor
  • Alisha Capicchioni, Job Corps
  • Julia Gibson, Job Corps
  • Dolores Makrogiannis, Easter Seals
  • Alma Wilson- Ward, Easter Seals
  • LaChelle Thompson, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • Marissa Caponera, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • Catherine J Hart, Elizabeth Housing Authority
  • Cathy Waters, Urban League
  • Nicole DeAugustine, Office on the Homeless & Housing C of C
  • Elizabeth Paskewich, Division of Individual and Family Support Services
  • Eva Altidor, Division of Individual and Family Support Services
  • Christina Topolosky, Division of Individual and Family Support Services
  • Christine Backiel, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • Edgar Lopez, Elizabeth Developmental Corporation
  • Elizabeth Granovsky, NJ Renetry Corp
  • Edward Faver, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Hector Smith, The Family Resource Network
  • Herb Cesar, America’s Small Business Development Center
  • James Horne, United Way of Greater Union County
  • Juanita Vargas, United Way of Greater Union County
  • Syreeta V. McClain, Simon Youth Academy
  • Jasmine Lee, Simon Youth Academy
  • Kamili Williams, Department of Social Service
  • Tina Lopez, Department of Social Service
  • Diana Calle, MPA, Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs
  • Nedia Morsy, Make the Road New Jersey

The One-Stop Committee is charged with oversight of the One-Stop System including monitoring performance and program enrollments, ensuring WIB Plans are being carried out as they relate to One-Stop System services, and mediating disagreements among the Partners. Because of its oversight role, this Committee must be comprised of Board members who do not represent providers of One-Stop services such as private sector and labor organization members.

Adult Education and Literacy Committee

  • Julio Sabater, Workforce Advantage (Chair)
  • Yunia Labaut, Workforce Advantage
  • Antonio Rivera, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Lisa Bonanno, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Meredith Barracato, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Perle Almieda,  Union County American Job Centers
  • Robert Croom, Union County American Job Centers
  • Nasrene Mondol, Union County American Job Centers
  • Barbara Bagger, Literacy New Jersey
  • Dr. Lisa Hiscano, Union County College
  • Marlene Loff,  Union County College
  • Scott Kuchinsky, Plainfield Public Library
  • Debbie Walter, Union Public Library
  • Jeff Cupo, Elizabeth Public Library
  • Nancy Berkenfeld, Elizabeth Public Library
  • Alison Milan, International Rescue Committee
  • Jas Verem, International Rescue Committee
  • Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Melissa Lespinasse, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Hawa Bonds, Union County Division of Youth Services 
  • Latoya Bennet, Union County Division of Youth Services 
  • Valerie Hendon, Elizabeth Public School
  • Dr. Lyle Moseley, Elizabeth Public School
  • Juanito Chiluisa, NJ Department of Labor
  • David Moskowitz, NJ Department of Labor
  • Diana Calle, UC Office for People w/Disability & Special Needs

Its primary mission is to provide active leadership engaging community stakeholders around local needs and priorities for literacy services. The Literacy Committee provides strategic direction and works in collaboration with other programs and initiatives in the local community to develop a comprehensive system of supports for developing the basic literacy skills of local residents.

The Committee’s role is to lead the development of a literacy service system by working with stakeholders from the community. The Committee and its partners identify need, provide strategic direction, and establish priorities and overall plans for improving adult literacy.

Disabilities Issues Committee

  • Cyndy Walsh Rintzler, In Roads to opportunities (Chair)
  • Antonio Rivera, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Carolina Marin, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Lisa Bonanno, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Meredith Barracato, Union County Workforce Development Board
  • Perle Almieda, American Job Centers
  • Robert Croom, American Job Centers
  • Nasrene Mondol, American Job Centers
  • Debbie Ann Anderson, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Melissa Lespinasse, Union County Department of Human Services
  • Juanito Chiluisa, NJ Department of Labor
  • David Moskowitz, NJ Department of Labor
  • Christine Backiel, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services
  • Edward Faver, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
  • Nicole Warren, The Family Resource Network
  • Hector Smith, The Family Resource Network
  • Adam Kubler, Arc of NJ
  • Josh Bornstein, Union County ESC
  • Brandon Phelps, Arc of Union County
  • Rebecca Micial, Arc of Union County
  • Manny Ramirez, Bureau of ADA Compliance
  • Sandra Lynch, CAU
  • Diana Calle, UC Office for People w/Disability & Special Needs
  • Zinnia Johnson, Goodwill
  • Alicia Mc Grath, Goodwilll
  • Karen Cimorelli, Union County College

The Disabilities Committee is charged with ensuring that all services, including those at the comprehensive One-Stop Career Center, and external training sites, are accessible to persons with disabilities and that outreach efforts effectively reach this population.