GCC board focuses on staffing

By CHARITY SMITH

[email protected]

Ironwood — The Gogebic Community College board focused on staffing during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

The board accepted the resignation of Dave Erickson, head of the maintenance and custodial department. He will be retiring Sept. 30.

He has worked for the college for 16 and a half years, and led the department for the last four and a half years.

“His work ethic and attention to detail are a model to be replicated,” said Erik Guenard, vice president of business services. “During his time at Gogebic, he as represented the institution well.”

The college is seeking a replacement.

The college is once again looking for a financial aid director after the board accepted the resignation of Breanne Lombardo after a brief tenure. She was hired to fill the position on July 28. Lombardo, a certified public accountant with experience in grant accounting, came to the college after serving as the finance manager for Hurley schools for several years.

“I thought it would provide an excellent opportunity for a new experience and for personal and career growth,” Lombardo said in her letter of resignation. “Unfortunately, after assuming the role, I quickly realized my passion was solely geared toward working strictly in accounting.”

Guenard said that, although her tenure was short, they are thankful for the time and effort that she put in.

Michelle Wasielewski, of Wakefield, was hired to fill the staff accountant position. Wasielewski, comes to the college after working at Gogebic Community Mental Health for 21 years, most recently as an accountant assistant. She said in her letter of interest that she felt the position at GCC would be an opportunity to advance her career.

“Wasielewski interviewed well and showed a breadth of knowledge in accounting and the many aspects therein,” said Guenard.

She has an associate degree from GCC in court and conference reporting.

Trevor Ploe, of Houghton, was hired as the new nursing instructor at the Copper Country campus. Ploe is a graduate of the GCC nursing program and has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Capella University in Minneapolis. He has worked for Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital and Lighthouse at Hubbell and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Noel Aho, of Hurley, will once again coach the Samson softball team, as she was rehired as head coach of the women’s team. The college said in a statement that she had significantly advanced the softball program since 2017.

Denver Sharrow, of Ironwood, was hired as the assistant men’s basketball coach. He is a GCC alumnus and played for the Samsons from 2016-2018.

“Denver will be a positive role model for the players on the team,” said David Darrow, vice president of academics. “His experiences on and off the court allow him to provide support for the players, our program, and coach Dennis Mackey.”

The board also:

—Accepted a bid from SkyTrans Manufacturing of Contoocook, New Hampshire, to conduct an engineering study and retrofit the chairlift at the Porcupine Mountains Ski Hill. The acceptance is under the caveat that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reimburses the college for the cost of the project.

—Approved a bid from Angelo Lupino to develop a road to provide access to the three remaining properties on college owned land for the new building trades home off of Mt. Zion Drive in Ironwood.

—Approved a contract between GCC and the Copper Country Intermediate School District to teach early childhood classes in the Copper Country.