Michele Bowen named competitive employment director at BCI
Michele Bowen
Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)—a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with disabilities through employment—has announced the appointment of Michele Bowen as director of competitive employment for Illinois. In this role, Bowen will lead initiatives to secure and sustain competitive, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Bowen joined BCI in 2023 as the transportation manager. Following the Illinois Department of Human Services’ approval of BCI’s expansion into the Metro East, she was promoted to her new role in July.
Bowen’s background in education and nonprofit management is extensive, beginning her career as a special education teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri Baptist University. Before her time at BCI, Bowen supported individuals with disabilities through various roles at Human Support Services in Waterloo, Ill.
“Having a son with an intellectual disability has profoundly shaped my commitment to this work,” said Bowen. “I take great joy in empowering individuals with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential and find work that is meaningful to them.”
This appointment marks a significant step forward in BCI’s efforts to expand support for adults with disabilities living in Illinois who want to work in integrated settings and earn competitive wages.
“Michele brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role,” said Matt Jannings, BCI’s chief program officer of employment services, “and we’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll have on the communities she serves.”
For more information on BCI’s employment services, visit https://boonecenter.com/competitive-employment or call (636) 875-5289.
About BCI
Founded in 1959, Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) provides innovative employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Based at 200 Trade Center Dr. W in St. Peters, Mo., BCI employs over 235 adults with disabilities through its organizational employment program and supports more than 100 individuals annually with employment services, vocational training, and follow-along services through its competitive employment program and Skills Center. For more information, call (636) 875-5267 or visit https://www.boonecenter.com/.
