Michigan Works! West Central is proud to announce two members of its team, Chelsea Augustson and Arianna Ott, have been named winners of the 2026 Middle Michigan Development Corporation’s “40 Under 40” awards.

The Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of young professionals across Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella and Osceola counties. This annual event is a collaborative effort of the Middle Michigan Development Corporation, Greater Gratiot Development, Inc. and the Gladwin County EDC. It shines a spotlight on individuals under the age of 40 who are making a meaningful impact in their careers and communities.

Honorees are recognized for their professional accomplishments, their community involvement and their potential to continue making a difference. Both of our winners meet this standard. Chelsea, Arianna and the other 38 winners were presented with their awards during a ceremony on Nov. 12, at Central Michigan University.

"Chelsea and Arianna represent the very best of Michigan Works! West Central. Their dedication to the individuals we serve and their commitment to strengthening our communities make a real difference every day," said Shelly Keene, Michigan Works! West Central CEO. "We are incredibly proud of them and congratulate them on this well-deserved honor."

Chelsea has been with Michigan Works! West Central for more than seven years. She originally joined the team as an accounting specialist for the Offender Success (OS) Reentry Services program, which supports the successful reintegration of recently paroled individuals back into society throughout West Michigan. In spring 2025, she was promoted to lead the program. Her years of experience as a specialist in the OS program allowed her to become an expert in all areas of the department and to become familiar with all the contractors across the 13 counties of Prosperity Region 4. She is a dedicated worker and a valued member of our team.

Arianna joined Michigan Works! West Central in June 2023 as a frontline Talent Specialist in our Big Rapids service center. She loves to help people and delivers excellent customer service. In September 2023, she was promoted to the newly created position of Reentry Services Specialist. In that role, she tracks and collects paperwork for the program throughout all 13 counties of Prosperity Region 4. Arianna has proven herself a valued member of the program and of our team. She is optimistic and resilient, has a positive outlook on life, learns from challenges and finds joy in everything.

Reentry work depends on careful coordination, strong relationships and a commitment to helping people take their next steps with confidence. Chelsea and Arianna each bring those qualities to the Offender Success program every day, and their work supports individuals and communities across West Michigan.

Thank you, Chelsea and Arianna, for your dedication to the people we serve. We are so proud of you, and we congratulate you on this prestigious award.

Learn more about the Offender Success program here.