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
Michael Mompremier, Director of Business Solutions
Michael Mompremier serves as the Director of Business Solutions at Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren. In his role, he leads the Business Solutions Managers and the Apprenticeship Team to drive end-to-end business solutions. Michael is an accomplished workforce development and business solutions leader with extensive experience implementing employer-driven strategies that strengthen regional talent pipelines. He joined the organization in 2021 and has served in a variety of roles, including Talent Enrollment Specialist, Special Project Recruiter and Business Solutions Manager for Michigan Works!.
He brings a strong combination of relationship management, operational leadership, and program development with a commitment to advancing scalable, employer-centered solutions that drive long-term impact.
As Director of Business Solutions, Michael continues to grow and expand Business Solutions to positively impact communities across Southwest Michigan.
He attended Andrews University studying Digital Multimedia and earned the Business Solutions Professional certification through the Michigan Works Association. His prior work experience includes nearly 17 years in the banking industry. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, visiting playgrounds and going for walks in the quiet community of Berrien Springs where they reside.
“Success is... knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” - John C. Maxwell
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
Mark Widmer, Director of Operations Workforce
Mark Widmer serves as the Director, Operations Workforce. He joined the team in August 2026 and is focused on the operational excellence, compliance, fiscal stewardship, and continuous improvement of Michigan Works! Berrien, Cass, Van Buren's workforce programs and service delivery. Mark is a results-driven and principled leader with over twenty years of experience leading teams, driving strategic direction, and delivering operational excellence across corporate business operations and elite U.S. military forces. Respected as a compassionate relationship builder, he is known for engaging people at every level of an organization, from the newest employee to top stakeholders, and for bringing a fresh perspective that helps others move forward with clarity and confidence.
Mark earned a Master of Science in Defense Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from American Public University System. He is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Mark served 23 years in the U.S. military, including as a member of the United States Special Operations Command's (USSOCOM) Naval Special Warfare (NSW) component, supporting global initiatives across the Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, South America, and East Africa.
Mark also supports his local arts community as a production volunteer for his daughter's dance studio, assisting with staging and props for its performances. He lives in Benton Harbor with his wife and their youngest child. In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing guitar, staying active through fitness and cycling, reading, following global affairs and studying the Romance languages. He and his wife share a love of wine and cooking together.
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool.” - Richard P. Feynman
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