Our Leadership
Jennifer Deamud, Executive Vice President of Workforce
Jennifer Deamud serves as the Executive Vice President of Workforce at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, where she leads the services that connect individuals of all ages to education, training, and employment.
Deamud is an accomplished authentic and humble executive with over twenty years’ experience leading teams, establishing strategic direction and achieving operational excellence. Respected for helping organizations innovate, thrive and grow. Known for optimizing resources to achieve goals while satisfying stakeholders. Well-known throughout Michigan and nation as a forward-thinking leader who has a passion to serve.
Deamud earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a second master’s degree in Communications from Grand Valley State University (GVSU). She has participated on a number of national, state and community boards including the America’s SBDC Board, America’s SBDC Accreditation Committee, Michigan ATHENA Board, Michigan Main Street Council, Grand Rapids Chamber’s ATHENA Council, Women's Resource Center Board and Vice President of the Byron Days Festival Board. Deamud also spends time as a Girl Scout troop leader and as a mentor to women exiting jail.
Deamud has received recognition for her leadership and community involvement throughout her career including being selected as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, YWCA Tribute Award for Community Service, Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under Forty” award, the LeAnne Moss Service award from Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women and the National Association of Small Business Development Center’s Michigan State Star Award.
“Look to the past to learn, look to the future to succeed..” - Anonymous
Mark O’Reilly, Director of Business Solutions
Mark O’Reilly serves as the Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien Cass Van Buren, where he leads a dynamic team that serves local employers, working in partnership to develop workforce solutions that sustain and grow their business operations in the tri-county region. Originally from Belfast, Ireland, Mark joined our organization in February 2017 and has served in a variety of roles in both workforce and economic development, helping to positively impact the communities we serve.
Before relocating to Southwest Michigan, Mark had previously lived in South Korea for 5 years. Mark worked at the University of Suwon as a Business faculty member and led workforce training programs for a variety of multi-nationals including SAP, Samsung and Hyundai.
Mark holds a Masters in Business from the University of Ulster, Ireland and a Bachelors in Marketing from University College Dublin, Ireland. He has experience working across many industries, but his passion for public service led him to focus on a career in economic and workforce development. He has over 10 years experience in the field working across multiple continents.
On a personal level, Mark now resides in SW Michigan with his wife, dog Keano and son. As a family they love to travel, and upon leaving South Korea, Mark and his wife took a 12 month vacation backpacking around SE Asia, touring Europe and living in Ireland. It was an amazing experience and one which they often dream of recreating. In his spare time Mark is often watching his beloved Manchester United and is an avid football (soccer) fan.
“Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” - Samuel Beckett
Maxwell Schmitt, Director of Offender Services
Maxwell Schmitt serves as the Director of Offender Services at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, where he leads multiple programs that support parole and probation populations and other justice-involved individuals. He joined the organization in 2017 and has served in a variety of roles, including Data Analyst, Operations Manager, and Program Manager for the Offender Success program. With more than a decade of experience, Maxwell continues to grow and expand Offender Services to positively impact communities across Southwest Michigan.
Maxwell holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Western Michigan University, along with several professional certifications. Growing up in scouting and attaining the rank of Eagle Scout instilled in him a lifelong commitment to community service. His passion for helping others and making the world a better place continues to fuel his work each day.
An avid outdoorsman and conservationist, Maxwell enjoys finding new ways to experience everything the great state of Michigan (and the country) has to offer. He spends his free time hiking, kayaking, and exploring the many disc golf and traditional golf courses in the region. When he’s not outdoors, Maxwell enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering in his community, or participating in soccer and bowling leagues.
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them” – Henry David Thoreau
Jim Oostdyk, Manager of Program Systems and Performance
Jim Oostdyk serves as the Manager of Program Systems and Performance at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren, where he oversees operational systems, implements grant-funded projects and program performance to ensure services effectively meet the needs of job seekers and employers. He fosters strong cross-functional collaboration, aligning operations, data, and leadership.
With more than two decades of experience in project management, Jim brings deep expertise in leading complex initiatives, improving systems, and driving results. He holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) through Scrum Alliance, and is ADKAR Change Management certified through Prosci. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Cornerstone University.
Outside of work, Jim enjoys spending time with his two grandsons, riding motorcycles, playing guitar, and relaxing around backyard bonfires.
“Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire.” - Gustav Mahler
Allegra Hulsey, Customer Experience Manager
Allegra Hulsey is the Manager of Customer Experience at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren, where she plays a key role in overseeing the Service Center staff and the Talent Team with a focus on delivering exceptional front-line service and obtaining positive outcomes. In this role, Allegra ensures that jobseekers receive personalized and comprehensive assistance, working closely with other teams in the organization to match individuals with services that address their unique needs. Her leadership is instrumental in creating a seamless and responsive experience for all jobseekers, promoting positive engagement and successful outcomes.
With 12 years of Customer Experience (CX) and operational leadership, and a passion for helping others, Allegra brings a wealth of expertise in optimizing service delivery and enhancing client interactions. Her background spans across small business, corporate, and private equity environments. She specializes in process implementation, service excellence, and fostering a strong company culture. Allegra's ability to develop and implement efficient processes has consistently contributed to improved operational performance and customer satisfaction in various sectors.
Allegra is also an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with close friends and family, camping, and traveling the great state of Michigan to find new adventures.
"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you." - John Bunyan