Commissioner Matt Varilek of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) on Friday named Togo-born Ama Eli Akakpo as the new director for employment and training programs. DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency in charge of workforce development and the promotion of business – both domestic and international.
Ms. Akakpo, a prominent leader in Minnesota’s African community, was until recently the director of housing and support services at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). While at DHS, where she worked for 21 years, she served in a variety of leadership roles directing statewide operational and administrative functions for community assistance and self-sufficiency programs.
She was also in charge of the repatriation of American citizens stranded overseas.
She is a graduate of Minnesota Management and Budget’s Emerging Leaders Institute and the recipient of a degree of advanced studies in Leadership and Organizational Development from St. Catherine University in St. Paul. She has a master’s degree in international law and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (France) and the University of Lomé (Togo).
Commissioner Varilek also named Ms. Mitzi Hobot as the director of CareerOneStop, a U.S. Department of Labor funded program that provides career and job search assistance through its careeronestop.org website. Ms. Hobot has extensive workforce development and public relations experience including 15 years of executive leadership and has earned national recognition for innovative workforce programming, a statement from DEED said.
Ms. Hobot earned her master’s degree in public and business administration from Hamline University.
“Both Ama and Mitzi have a strong understanding of workforce development and a demonstrated commitment to equity,” Mr. Varilek said in a statement. “We continue to hear from partners and employers around the state that workforce is a critical issue. These talented new colleagues will help us move the needle on supporting workers in finding jobs and employers in finding the workforce they need to thrive.”
Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors, who until his elevation to his current role served in a role similar to Ms. Akakpo, described the two new directors as “amazing leaders (with) exceptional work experience and impeccable credentials.” Both will report to Mr. Majors.
“Ama and Mitzi both have noteworthy commitments to community engagement and collaborative partnership building, and they share the similar goal of creating workforce opportunities so all Minnesotans can thrive in our state’s economy,” Mr. Majors said.
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