Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett recently appointed Gwen Washington (Dansby), community affairs/CRA officer from Associated Bank, to the Milwaukee Area Workforce Investment Board (MAWIB).

He shared this note of appreciation: “Thank you for your willingness to serve in this important capacity. Chairman of the Board John Kissinger and I share a common vision for workforce realignment and investment for this organization. With your work and contributions, we will achieve our goals.”

MAWIB is a nonprofit with a mission is to create a thriving economy, by ensuring the workforce has the skills that match employer needs. It helps adults and youth make informed career decisions and gain skills to find work, move up in their careers and become taxpayers.

“Employment continues to be a major topic of concern for job seekers, as well as employers in the Milwaukee area,” said Washington. “MAWIB is the premier workforce development organization, so it’s an honor and a privilege to be appointed to this role. I look forward to deepening my understanding of issues surrounding workforce development and cultivating relationships with an array of community partners.

From 2011 to 2013, MAWIB invested $63 million to support 128 partner organizations and fund employment and training. Workforce programs funded by MAWIB touched more than 50,000 lives from 2011 to 2013 through job assistance, resume building, job searching, education and training. Over 1,600 businesses benefited from MAWIB in southeast Wisconsin.

“Most importantly, I’m looking forward to being part of the decision-making process and oversight for MAWIB that will positively impact the lives of individuals, families and the community,” said Washington.