Workforce Director

Mike Bjerkness brings nearly 25 years of experience in workforce development, recruiting, and business engagement to his role as Workforce Director at BLAEDC. Since joining the organization in 2016, Mike has played a key role in supporting the region’s workforce needs by working directly with employers in Crow Wing County to deliver workforce trainings and executive-level recruitment services.

In 2017, Mike launched BLAEDC’s recruitment program to help local businesses attract and retain top-tier leadership talent. Under his direction, the program has become one of BLAEDC’s most successful and valued offerings—trusted by employers to find the right candidates to move their organizations forward.

Before joining BLAEDC, Mike spent nine years as a recruiter specializing in office and light industrial placements, and over a decade in the telecommunications industry. His blend of private-sector experience and deep knowledge of local workforce trends makes him a vital connector between area businesses and the talent they need to grow.

A lifelong Brainerd resident, Mike is deeply involved in the community. He currently serves as Board Chair of the Brainerd Family YMCA, Vice Chair of the Central Lakes College Foundation, and sits on the boards of Smiles for Jake (a suicide prevention initiative) and Brainerd Noon Rotary. He also contributes as an advisory member for Central Lakes College’s Business Education/IT Committee and participates in several regional workforce alliances. Mike is a graduate of the Lakes Area Leadership Group and has held prior leadership roles with the Lakes Area Networking Group (LANG) and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber Ambassador Committee.

When he’s not working, Mike enjoys hunting, fishing, coaching fastpitch softball, and spending time with his wife, Kristi Westbrock—CEO/General Manager of Consolidated Telephone Company (CTC)—and their daughter Emily.