ABOUT US

 

Green Country Workforce Development Board fuels economic development by creating relationships that benefit employers and job seekers. We are a private-industry-led board serving Adair, Cherokee, Creek, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Sequoyah, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties.

Mike Branan, Executive Director

Michael “Mike” Branan was born and raised in Muskogee and went on to become a 1991 graduate of Muskogee High School. Mike attended Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton where he attained his associate’s degree. He later continued his education at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah earning a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. In 1993, Mike started working for Walmart and continued with them until March of 2018. During his time at Walmart, he worked in many areas of the stores and various roles of management in buildings in Muskogee, Sallisaw, Stillwell, and Tahlequah. Mike served for 5 years as the Workforce Operations/Compliance/Procurement Manager, and Equal Opportunity Officer.

Contact: mbranan@greencountryworks.org/eo@greencountryworks.org or 918-456-8846 ext. 219

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Tamara Peachey, Business Services Manager

Tamara currently serves as the Business Services Manager for Green Country Workforce. Tamara is skilled in public speaking, training, building cross-functional teams in departments. Tamara has developed and presented continuing education trainings in topics such as Professionalism in Todays Workplace, Effective Leadership, Business Communication, and Essential Elements for Wellbeing. Tamara holds Workplace Stability Trainer Certification and is currently pursuing an accelerated master’s degree in organizational leadership. Tamara was born in Tahlequah and resides in the Briggs Community.

Contact: tpeachey@greencountryworks.org or (918) 316-6519

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Amber Cutshaw, Business Services Liaison

Amber has a bachelor’s degree in communications and Minor in Multi-Media & Graphic Design from Pittsburg State University. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in communications and Minor in Multi-Media & Graphic Design does not come with a defined career path with a setlist of job titles to pursue. Amber realized right away that her passion was helping others navigate the highs and lows of building a career and finding success. She also has a passion for building relationships within the community and a strong desire to help fuel economic development. The realization of these passions led Amber to build a career in Workforce Development.   

Amber relocated from Kansas and started her career as a Career Services Representative for a local trade school in 2013. During this time, she was recognized for being the single most cross-trained employee within the company at that time, maintained a campus 90%placement rate, and started 2 major yearly events that still occur to this day related to scholarship fundraising and career development.

Next Amber moved into a business development role within the nonprofit sector that eventually led her to Green Country Workforce. Amber has a strong track record building meaningful relationships with local companies and community partners so she can identify their needs and match them with skilled individuals to bridge the skills gap our community is facing today.  Amber is pleased to be a part of the Business Services team and looks forward to helping our community by building a strong and capable workforce.

Contact: acutshaw@greencountryworks.org or 918-796-1297

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Martha Brians, Monitor

Martha Brians earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Phoenix University. She worked at Muskogee Public Schools as a teacher’s assistance and a Human Resource Officer. After retirement from Muskogee Public Schools, she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at Oklahoma School for the Blind. Martha started a new career in Workforce as a Career Coach in 2020, connecting with clients and helping them overcome barriers and find success on a new career path. In February of 2023, she joined Green Country Workforce Development Board as a Monitor. Martha has two grown children, Sara (Josh) and Andrew (Kira) and three grandchildren, Adryen, Koraline, and Noah. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her granddaughters play softball and travel.

Contact: mbrians@greencountryworks.org or 918-869-6723

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Larod Snyder, Programs Manager

Larod graduated from Westville High School in 2011 with a 4.04 GPA and was an active participant in extracurricular activities such as the Cherokee National Youth Choir and served as President of the FFA and the Class of 2011. He also participated in Cherokee Challenge & Language Bowls and worked as an Inspector for Cherokee Nation District 7 and 8 tribal elections.

Larod attended Oklahoma State University as a Gates Millennium Scholar and remained active in collegiate organizations such as the Native American Student Association, Multicultural Affairs Committee & Greek Council, and the Student Government Association. He graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and American Indian Studies, then completed an internship with Adair County Department of Human Services.

After graduation, Larod moved to Tulsa where he served as a Banquets & Catering Coordinator with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from 2016-2020. In his spare time, Larod volunteered for Oklahomans for Equality and LGBT Advocacy. He moved closer to home during the pandemic, found a passion for non-profit organizations & community service, and joined the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) in Tahlequah, OK as the Data Management and Marketing Specialists, as well as the Cherokee Nation Liaison. With his service and dedication to the AIRC, Larod received the Oklahoma NextGen 30 Under 30 Award in Norman, OK.

In April of 2023, Larod joined the Green Country Workforce -WIOA Program as a Career Navigator and Dynamic Culture Champion. In August 2023, Larod received a promotion into leadership as a Lead Career Navigator and was able to guide and support five frontline staff members. He attended his first Partner’s Conference in October 2023 where he was presented with the Governor’s Award for Oklahoma Workforce Development. In November, he accepted the role as the Eligible Training Provider Coordinator and is currently serving as the Programs Manager for the Green Country Workforce Development Board.

Larod Snyder is deeply rooted in Cherokee heritage, agriculture, and smalltown Oklahoma. From generations of farmers, he also serves as the Cattle Operations Manager for Snyder Cattle Company, the family operations run around two hundred head of beef cattle.

Contact: lsnyder@greencountryworks.org or (918) 404-4392

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Chloe O’Hanlon, Executive Assistant

Chloe is the Executive Assistant for Green Country Workforce. She was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and attends Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. Chloe will graduate in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. She is skilled in Customer Service, Communications, Computer Programs and Data Entry systems. In 2022, Chloe began her journey in the world of Business by being a Dispatcher at Northeastern State University (NSU)..

With the skills Chloe picked up, she then went on to work as an Administrative Secretary at NSU in Muskogee. Then, Chloe decided she wanted to work closer to home, so she got a job as an Insurance Producer for USAA. Still, there was something missing, so Chloe applied to Green Country Workforce and now she possesses the Executive Assistant position. She has a passion for all things data related, as well as anything business related. Chloe is excited to be a part of the team at Green Country and looks forward to learning more about the company.

 Contact: cohanlon@greencountryworks.org or (918) 456-8663

Amy Spencer, Human Resource Manager, Greenheck

Christopher Pierce, Senior Human Resources Specialist, PACCAR Winch Inc.

 

 

 

 

Cody Cox, Regional Office Director, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission

Cody Cox currently serves as Vice President of Field Operations for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. Cody began his career with OESC in 1998 and has held various positions including Workforce Specialist, Center Manager, Area Manager, and Director of Field Operations. Cody graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University.

He was a City Council member and Mayor of Valliant before he moved back to Idabel and became an active member of the McCurtain County Historical Society.  Cody is active in his local church where he has served as treasurer for 20 years.

He is married to Lisa Cox (a teacher with Idabel Public Schools), they have three children and three grandchildren. Cody spends his free time with family, hosting family gatherings, and working outside. 

Corey Sisson, Market President, Firstar Bank

Dee Hays, Principal, Excellence Engineering, A Bowman Company

Diane Kelley, Executive Director, Cherokee Nation Career Services

 

 

 

 

Dower Combs, Account Executive, Consolidated Communications

Dr. Eloy Chavez, Dean- College of Extended Learning, Northeastern State University

 

 

 

 

Eric Wells, Director, Southwest Region Services, Trafera

Fran Columbin, Director for Adult Education, M-Power Coordinator.  Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee

Jenny Bentley, VP of Human Resources, Northeastern Health System

Jenny Bentley is the Vice President of Human Resources for Northeastern Health System in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She joined Northeastern Health System in 2019 and currently supports over 1200 employees.  Jenny lives in Locust Grove and has over 19 years of experience in Human Resources in multiple industries including healthcare, gaming, and technology.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a Human Resource emphasis from Northeastern State University and a Master’s Degree in Business from Oklahoma State University.

 

John Lamont, Store Manager, Walmart Stores Inc.

Karen Pennington, Executive Director, Madison Strategies Group

Karen Pennington is the Executive Director of Madison Strategies Group (MSG), a nonprofit connecting Tulsans with free, quality education and career opportunities.  She is a native Tulsan and a graduate of Oklahoma State University. Karen returned to Tulsa in 2011 and was a part of the original launch team that brought the evidence-based WorkAdvance program to Tulsa in that same year.

Throughout her time at MSG, Karen has been instrumental in establishing key relationships with industry leaders, employers, partners, funders, and researchers.  Under her leadership and guidance, MSG has grown and expanded to operate six workforce programs, all focused on facilitating education and credential attainment to a diverse group of Tulsans seeking positive change in the sectors of manufacturing, transportation, healthcare and IT.

Karen is a passionate proponent of equal access to education for all and is dedicated to using data, innovation, and partnerships to improve the lives of Tulsa families and build a stronger community. Her passion for workforce development, as well as economic development, drew her to the Green Country Workforce Board where she can utilize existing relationships and knowledge, make new connections and develop and share best practices to contribute to a larger part of Northeast Oklahoma than MSG currently serves.

Kathy Adair, Director Business & Industry, Indian Capital Technology Center

 

 

 

 

Headshot of Kelley BeyerKelly Beyer, Market Manager, Manpower

As a 27-year veteran of Manpower, Kelly Beyer has held several roles within the Manpower organization.  She has worked as a Recruiter, Business Development Representative and Onsite Account Manager.  In her current role as Market Manager, Kelly leads a team of experienced Recruiters towards innovative solutions that address both job seeker and employer challenges and needs.  In addition, she works with organizations to identify and solution workforce challenges such as recruiting and retention.

 

Ken Busby, Executive Director, Route 66 Alliance

Ken Busby is the Cultural Czar of Northeast Oklahoma. He also serves as Executive Director & CEO of the Route 66 Alliance. Previously, he served as Executive Director & CEO of the Arts & Humanities Council of Tulsa for twelve years. Prior to that, Busby was the Director of Development for Tulsa Zoo Friends and was with Gilcrease Museum for eight years, serving as Membership Director and Director of Communication. A native of Tulsa, Busby holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and French from the University of Tulsa. He has a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University at Bloomington. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Busby is also a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma Class XVII.

Busby is the past chairman of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust. He is the founding chair of the Route 66 Commission in Tulsa. He also serves on the executive committee of the Tulsa Symphony and Green Country Workforce and serves on the Regional Tourism One Voice Legislative Committee for the Tulsa Regional Chamber. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Tulsa and serves as a consultant in the areas of fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, and board development for nonprofits across the state. In 2008, Busby received the Governor’s Arts Award for Community Service and the Global Vision Award from Tulsa Global Alliance. In 2011, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Holland Hall. In 2013, the Association of Fundraising Professionals named him its Outstanding Fundraising Executive, and in 2015, Busby was named the Leadership Oklahoma Distinguished Graduate.

Landon Varnell, Training Coordinator, Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprentice Training Center

 

 

 

 

Laurel Havens, Executive Director, Muskogee County EMS

Lesli Shoals, Business HR Manager, AEP/PSO

Lesli Shoals is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She has 28 years of human resources experience in a variety of industries including staffing, oil and gas, banking, insurance, and utilities. In addition, she’s been employed as a Staffing Specialist, Recruiter, HR Generalist, and is currently the Business HR Manager at American Electric Power (AEP) where she has spent over 17 years directly supporting Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO).  

Lesli serves on the Green Country Workforce board representing the utility sector. In addition, she also serves on the YWCA-Tulsa board where she is the HR Committee Chair. Moreover, she represents PSO as a member of Mosaic, the Oklahoma Veteran’s Alliance, and the Oklahoma Rehabilitation Services Employer Alliance. Lesli has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Oklahoma and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.  

Dr. Peter Selden, Vice President of Workforce Development, Tulsa Community College

Pete Selden serves as the Vice President for Workforce Development at Tulsa Community College where he works across the College’s 38 workforce degree programs and 37 certificate programs that prepare students to go directly into the workplace. He also works to assess workforce needs in the Tulsa area, collaborating with employers and workforce agencies to establish training programs that prepare TCC students for employment. Selden provides leadership to TCC’s 29 community advisory committees that help guide and review the College’s workforce development programs. He came to TCC from Arkansas State University Mid-South in West Memphis, Arkansas where he worked in workforce education for the past 12 years, most recently serving as associate vice chancellor for workforce programs. Selden is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He has earned an MBA from Arkansas State University as well as a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Communication from the University of Buffalo.

Rhonda Archer, Program Manager I, Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services

Dr. Ron Ramming, President, Connors State College

 

 

 

 

Tammy Taylor, Community Affairs Manager, Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E)

Taylor Foster, Chief Executive Officer, Golden Rule Industries

Ted Jenkins, Training Director, Electrical Workers Apprentice Training Center (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Tulsa Local 584)

Teresa Inhofe, Plant Human Resource Admin | OK Plant, Captive Aire

Tony Heaberlin, Chief Communications and Economic Development Officer, Tulsa Tech

Yasmin Avila Guillen, Business Services Coordinator, Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services

 

For information about the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act, view:

 

OCCUPATIONS THAT ARE IN DEMAND

Green Country Workforce utilizes data from various sources as well as the knowledge and

expertise of our business-led board to determine what occupations are in demand in the Green Country Area.

Click here to view the current Board approved Demand Occupation List for the Green Country Workforce Development Area.

 

 

GREEN COUNTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD BYLAWS: GCWDB Bylaws signed 10.12.2023

 

GREEN COUNTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD POLICIES: Below is a comprehensive list of all current GCWDB policies and procedures

 

Job Fair General Employment Application Form: General Employment Application

 

Case Management Tools (for download):

 

Incumbent Worker Form: Incumbent Worker Project Funding Proposal/Application

 

Data Validation Forms:

 

 

Supportive Service Forms:

 

 

ITA Forms:

 

 

Misc. Forms:

 

Additional OJT Forms

Additional WEX Forms

Eligible Training Provider (ETP) Resources

 

PLEASE COMPLETE OUR SURVEY

GREEN COUNTRY JOB SEEKER SURVEY

GREEN COUNTRY EMPLOYER SURVEY

Questions about Unemployment Insurance?

Oklahoma Works, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network

Green Country Workforce is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

View Babel Notice here.

This website and documents herein contain vital information about requirements, rights, determinations, and/or responsibilities for accessing workforce system services. Language services, including the interpretation/translation of this document, are available free of charge upon request. El sitio del internet y documentos contiene información importante sobre los requisitos, derechos, determinaciones y responsabilidades del acceso a los servicios del sistema de la fuerza laboral. Servicios de idioma, inclullen la interpretación y traducción de documentos, disponibles a pedido y sin ningún costo.

TDD/TTY: 1-800-722-0353

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EO STATEMENT

GCWDB is an Equal Opportunity Employer/ Program. Auxiliary aids & Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For questions or concerns, contact GCWDB’s Equal Opportunity Officer, Jeremy Frutchey, at 405-269-2821. Telephone Relay Service is available by dialing 711 or (800) 722-0353.

CONTACT US

Green Country Workforce Development Board
822 S. Muskogee Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464

Jeremy Frutchey | Operations Manager/Equal Opportunity Officer
405-269-2821 | eo@greencountryworks.org

 

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday to Friday, 8:00AM-4:30PM Central Time