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Jim began working for Char-Em ISD in 2006. As the CTE director, he provides oversight and planning for the almost 50 state-approved CTE programs across our 2 ½ county ISD: Emmet, Charlevoix and northern Antrim counties.
“I love to play a role in opening the eyes of our young people and their parents about the endless career possibilities that await them,” said Rummer. “We, as a staff, take full advantage of the window of time we have to provide career and college readiness opportunities to the thousands of K-12 students across our ISD. We accomplish this through awareness, exploration, and preparation at all grade levels, to great success!”
Jim also oversees transportation, building and grounds, and alternative education for CEISD. He lives in Harbor Springs with his wife, Haley, daughter, Bryleigh, and their dogs, labrador Addie and Australian shepherd Pepper.

Brandon joined the Char-Em ISD in fall 2021 and has spent his career working in education. He operates the Char-Em Street STEM education program for K-8 students. During the school year, you’ll find Brandon traveling among the ISD’s 11 districts with the 24-foot trailer housing STEM equipment. He works directly with teachers and students on integrating STEM into daily curriculum.
“I enjoy the interactions with the students and teachers and watching them light up when they understand a new concept because we get to approach it in a new manner utilizing a new technique,” Brandon said.
Brandon and his wife, Carolyn, and two daughters, Onalee and Blair, and their pup, Cyrus, live in Wolverine, MI. They love all things outdoors.

Patty joined Char-Em ISD in 2001. She works with high school students in local districts and Char-Em programs, assisting them with career awareness, exploration and preparation, along with teaching them valuable employment skills.
“I’m passionate about assisting young adults explore all options available to them following graduation – whether that be entering the world of work, post-secondary education, or training. I thoroughly enjoy helping students accomplish goals they have set for themselves,” said Patty.
Patty resides in Boyne City. She enjoys spending time with her family traveling, camping and enjoying the outdoors.

Margaret began her career with Char-Em in 2020. In her role, she assists students in exploring career options through a variety of methods.
“I really enjoy working with students, as they always have interesting ideas,” said Margaret.
Margaret lives in East Jordan.

Kelly started her career with the Char-Em ISD in 2011. She coordinates career development programs for elementary students, coordinates career exploration programs and completes Educational Development Plans for middle school students. She is also integral in coordinating career preparation activities for high school students.
“I am super passionate about helping others reach their fullest potential,” said Kelly, a Petoskey resident. “I am blessed with the opportunity to promote and support all postsecondary options including community college, military, trade schools, universities, and the world of work.”

Liz joined Char-Em ISD in 2014. She works with high school students in local districts and Char-Em programs, assisting them with career awareness, exploration and preparation, along with teaching them valuable employment skills.
“Working with students within our ISD service area is truly a privilege. It’s exciting to be a part of watching students discover their strengths and interests, and assisting them with reaching their career goals, whether it’s being workforce ready, military bound, trade/technical school route, or college bound,” said Liz.
Liz and her husband, Paul, a teacher, have twin adult sons, Ethan and Aaron. They live in East Jordan. They enjoy spending time together as a family hiking, kayaking and other adventures.

Hannah joined the Char-Em CTE team in 2018. She works to ensure that career tech programs are compliant with state and federal standards, along with the development and creation of new CTE programs. She also provides program support to CTE teachers throughout the 11 CEISD districts.
“I enjoy watching the successes of our students as they move through our CTE programs and find their passion that leads them into their next chapter of life,” said Hannah.
Hannah and her husband and their two daughters live in Petoskey.

Tory joined the CTE team in 2014. In his role, Tory works to create unique and hands-on career/college readiness opportunities and experiences and activities for students to help them discover what they want to be when they grow up.
“I enjoy seeing all of the students’ excitement and success while participating in our career tech camps and other activities. I also enjoy that our team is one that has the ability to think outside the box and develop new and exciting opportunities for our kids,” Tory said.
Along with his career tech responsibilities, he also helps support families experiencing homelessness and students who are struggling with attendance.
Tory and his wife and two children reside in Boyne Falls.