A well-known local leader is starting a new chapter in his career. Al Pscholka—former state Representative and Michigan Budget Director under Governor Snyder—is the new Lake Michigan College Executive Director of Community and Government Relations.
Pscholka moves to the college after about four years with Kinexus—the consortium that oversees job development, job training and employment services in southwest Michigan. At Kinexus, he served as Vice President of Public Relations and Government Affairs.
Pscholka told MoodyOnTheMarket.com that the LMC opportunity offers him the “perfect mix” to utilize his skills and experience to benefit Southwest Michigan—the community he’s loved and served for decades. “At this point in my life, I want to make a difference,” Pscholka said. “And this job lets me do that!”
Pscholka will work directly for and with LMC President Trevor Kubatzke to improve the college’s relationship with local, state and federal government officials and agencies, aimed at gaining stronger support and greater funding for LMC programs and projects. Pscholka expects that to take about 60% of his time. The rest of his focus will be continuing to build LMC’s relationship with business and industry—which provide employment for LMC graduates.
Aside from his seven years at the Capitol in Lansing, Pscholka has been a ‘bridge builder’ between business and education for much of his career. He worked for Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the 80s. He was the Director of the Community Partnership for Lifelong Learning from 1996-2004, focused on adult education and job training. And most recently with Kinexus, he helped build partnerships between businesses and multiple government agencies. From 2004-2011 Pscholka served as District Director for Congressman Fred Upton.
Pscholka believes “talent and training are the keys” to growing the economy in southwest Michigan, and that Lake Michigan College can be the primary source of the talent that local businesses need to thrive and prosper. He said the college’s relationships with local business are already strong, but his personal knowledge and experience working with l business leaders will build and expand those relationships. Pscholka started the new job at LMC this week.
