Economic Strategy Session I: Future-Focused Education

About the Economic Strategy Sessions:

The Economic Strategy Sessions are an initiative by Traverse Connect to engage high-level investors and community leaders with the key pillars of our Strategic Plan, and to provide clear and transparent leadership and guidelines for our region's economic development activity. Held three times annually, each Economic Strategy Session focuses on one core strategy for Traverse Connect's economic development leadership. The 2026 Economic Strategy Session event series is presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. 

Learn More About the Panel Here:

Jason Slade is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Northwestern Michigan College. In this executive role, Jason Slade leads the execution of the college’s new strategic plan as the college works to meet the future needs of its learners and the community. Slade also oversees workforce and professional development, the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, innovative initiatives as well as University partnerships. The development of the new Freshwater Research and Innovation Center, in partnership with Discovery Pier, 20Fathoms, Traverse Connect and Michigan Tech, is an area Slade is very focused on. Slade serves on the board of directors for the center.  

Jason's passion is connecting students and the community with high-demand careers in technology. Like any good engineer, he sees an opportunity to build an even more effective network to support students and businesses in order to expand employment opportunities and fuel a thriving Grand Traverse region. He’s excited to collaborate with other leaders across all sectors to achieve this goal!
 

Mike has more than 15 years of experience in drafting and design and is currently completing an apprenticeship at UET, which is set to finish in April 2023. Upon completion, he will become a journeyman CNC machinist with a focus on quality control engineering.

In his role, he programs and operates Keyence optical comparators, Zeiss CMM systems, a Tsunami Swiss lathe, and various Haas mills and lathes. He also manages statistical process control and oversees inspection planning for jobs that require it within his facility. He is familiar with AS9000 and AS13000 standards, as well as similar quality frameworks.

His background spans several industries, including aviation (as a pilot), law enforcement, education, manufacturing, and healthcare. Through this diverse experience, he has produced complex parts from exotic materials used across these fields and has witnessed firsthand both the successes and failures of critical components—an experience that keeps quality at the forefront of his work.

Anthony serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Leadership Team, helping drive organizational and cultural transformation across the enterprise. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, he leads a multi-site HR team that supports four bakeries and approximately 1,500 employees within a $500 million private equity–backed organization.

He plays a key role in labor relations as the primary partner to—and lead negotiator with—the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers’ and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM). Anthony works to foster competitive labor practices and build strong agreements that support both the workforce and the organization’s long-term goals. He also serves as Chief Negotiator for the 2025 local Collective Bargaining Agreement between SLFB and the BCTGM union.

Anthony has led significant efforts to revitalize bakery leadership teams, helping establish renewed purpose and direction at each facility while promoting a culture of accountability, ownership, and strong execution throughout the organization.

In addition, he has modernized HR operations with a focus on talent development, operational execution, and governance. His work includes introducing a Human Resource Business Partner model and embedding a “Talent Mindset” approach to professional development across the organization.
 

Gordon Forton has been with Lear Corporation for just over three years. He began his career there as a press operator and worked his way up through the skilled trades program to become a tool and die apprentice.

After completing his four-year apprenticeship, Gordon earned his journeyman status, combining hands-on training at Lear with classroom education through Northwestern Michigan College. He credits both organizations for providing the opportunity and support that helped him develop his skills and advance in the manufacturing field.
 

Elizabeth Sonnabend | Bio

Elizabeth Sonnabend is passionate about helping people start, advance and change careers, both quickly and efficiently. She is always building the offerings at nmc.edu/pd, which now include classes in healthcare, manufacturing, IT and more.

She is the ultimate team player, and the reason NMC will often utter, "Keep Calm and Call Elizabeth."
 

Caitlin Zielinski | Bio

Caitlin Zielinski is a human resources professional with experience supporting large manufacturing and hospitality organizations. She currently serves as a Human Resources Manager at Sara Lee Frozen Bakery, where she has progressed through several HR roles including Senior Human Resources Generalist, HR Generalist, and HR Coordinator. In these roles, she has focused on employee relations, talent development, and supporting workforce operations in a fast-paced production environment.

Caitlin began building her HR career through roles in recruiting, HR coordination, and hospitality operations, gaining experience across multiple industries. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and is passionate about supporting employees, strengthening workplace culture, and helping organizations grow through effective people strategies.