Race to Talent
Join us for Race to Talent, an informational session highlighting the Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program and Muskegon Community College’s partnership with West Michigan Works! and local sponsoring organizations.
This event will provide valuable insights into how the apprenticeship program connects employers with emerging talent while supporting workforce development in the healthcare field. Attendees will learn about the role MCC plays in preparing apprentices, the benefits of the program for both students and employers, and how organizations can get involved.
Panelists:
• Zach Seigel Moderator
• Trinity Health Employer: Kelly Elkins, Workforce Development Program Partner, Lead
• Trinity Health Employer: Laura Hogan, Physician Network Clinical Educator
• U of M Health-West Employer: Steve Smith, Regional Manager Talent Acquisition
• U of M Health-West Employers: Kristy Bitonti, Practice Manager, Southwest Office
• MCC Representative: Dawn Platt
• Current Apprentice: Jillian Rusco
• Former Apprentice: Heidi Bohn, MA III (2022 graduate)
• WMW! Talent: Karen Gordon
• WMW! Business: Angela Johnson
Awardees:
Carrie Sutton, State Apprenticeship Expansion Analyst, MI Labor & Economic Development & Joel Elsenbroek, Apprenticeship Project Manager, West Michigan Works!, will be presenting the awards to:
- Judy Binns, Director of Clinical Services, Trinity Health
- Kristy Bitonti, Practice Manager, Southwest Office, U of M Health-West
- Dawn Platt, MA Program Coordinator, Muskegon Community College, and Lisa Gatti-Arnold, Director of Nursing & Health Programs, Muskegon Community College
• What: Race to Talent Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship informational session
• Where: Collegiate Hall, Muskegon Community College, 221 Quarterline Rd
• When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 9:00–10:30 a.m. (Registration 8:30 a.m.)
• Cost: Free and Open to the Public
Questions? Contact Dawn Platt, plattd@muskegoncc.edu, West Michigan Works
Collegiate Hall, MCC Main Campus, 221 S. Quarterline Rd.
