Leading with Purpose: Ashlee Breitner’s Dual Role in Workforce Transformation

How a Small-Town Upbringing and Global Experience Fuel Her Statewide Vision

Ashlee Breitner’s schedule might look chaotic from the outside – juggling two leadership roles at U-M, coaching her daughter’s softball team, and raising two active kids – but to her, it’s all about service and impact. “If you want something done, ask a busy person,” she laughs.

As Director of Workforce Development for the U-M Electric Vehicle Center and Managing Director of the Economic Growth Institute (EGI), Ashlee wears two very complementary hats. Both roles allow her to drive change across Michigan’s communities and companies, especially in rural areas like the one she still calls home.

“I grew up in a small town where resources were limited,” she says. “That shapes how I lead. I understand how critical it is to ensure equity in access to economic opportunity.”

From Shop Floor to Strategy Room

Ashlee’s leadership style is grounded in humility and shaped by her upbringing. Her father worked the assembly line at Jeep for over 30 years, while her mom worked for the local school system. “It wasn’t a family of engineers or executives,” she says. “But we were taught to work hard, be honest, and take pride in what we do.”

That work ethic carried her through an early career in global operations, leading product certification programs, managing client relationships in over 50 countries, and running lean teams for efficiency. But after nearly a decade in the private sector, she pivoted to public service, eventually landing at EGI.

Now, she oversees programs that help businesses and communities navigate everything from cybersecurity to economic resilience planning. “It’s all about solving problems,” she says. “We build tools and strategies that can actually move the needle.”

Workforce Development vs. Education

At the EV Center, Ashlee leads workforce development strategy, a pillar that complements but is distinct from education. “Education is about knowledge – degrees, credentials, formal learning,” she explains. “Workforce development is about preparation – skills, training, and readiness for employment. They go hand in hand, but they serve different needs.”

Her work includes identifying in-demand competencies, designing programs with industry input, and collaborating with institutions across the state to meet regional training needs. “If education is the foundation, workforce development is the scaffolding that helps people get where they want to go,” she says.

She’s especially proud of the collaborative spirit her teams bring to the table. “None of this work happens in a vacuum,” Ashlee says. “At both EVC and EGI, we’ve built incredible teams who are not just smart – they care deeply about making an impact.”

Strategic Planning Meets Empathy

Ashlee’s leadership is as analytical as it is empathetic. She’s a certified decision coach, guiding teams through strategic planning with frameworks like Allovance. But her approach is also deeply human. “It’s about understanding what keeps people up at night – and finding a path forward with them, not for them,” she says.

That duality shows up in her work with MiVTTP (Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project), where she leads the team that helps communities anticipate and plan for changes brought on by electrification. “We don’t drop in with a solution,” she explains. “We co-create one that fits their unique context.”

Education Beyond the Classroom

Despite a degree in education, Ashlee never became a traditional classroom teacher. Instead, she’s shaped the curriculum of countless programs – many tied to workforce and economic development. She also lectures at Michigan Engineering’s Center for Entrepreneurship, where she helps students apply innovation tools to real-world challenges.

“One of my favorite things is helping people connect the dots,” she says. “Whether it’s a business owner figuring out how to diversify or a student launching into a consulting career, it’s all about unlocking potential.”

Life Lessons from the Sidelines

Off the clock, Ashlee’s leadership continues – this time from the sidelines. She coaches her daughter’s junior high softball team and supports both kids in year-round travel ball. “There’s nothing like sports to teach accountability, teamwork, and confidence,” she says. “Those are leadership skills, too.”

She brings the same team-first mindset to her work. “Whether it’s my family team, my work team, or my ball team – I want to help people grow, find their strengths, and show up for each other.”

Balancing work and family isn’t always easy, but Ashlee is intentional about showing up. “I want my kids to see that you can lead in different ways, not only at work, but at home and in your community.”

Looking Ahead

Ashlee’s vision for the future of workforce development is bold but clear: build a more inclusive, connected, and resilient Michigan. “We need to prepare people not just for today’s jobs, but for tomorrow’s opportunities,” she says. “That means working across sectors, breaking down silos, and listening – really listening – to what people need.”

Her advice for others aspiring to lead through transitions?

“Don’t be afraid to step up,” she says. “You don’t need all the answers – just the willingness to ask good questions, collaborate, and keep moving forward.”

“Leadership isn’t a title. It’s a decision you make every day to try to make things better.”