MANUFACTURING ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing Communications
Aaron has over 12 years of marketing communication experience in various industries including radio broadcasting, promotions, website development, blogging, advertising, social media, public relations and marketing. He has a diverse skill set in several key areas of communications including broadcasting, new communication technologies, organizational communications, English and digital marketing. After graduating from Washington State University, Aaron completed a marketing internship at Nyhus Communications in May 2013 and a promotions internship at Sinclair Radio Seattle (formerly Fisher Communications).
In June 2013, Aaron was hired by AJAC has the Marketing Communications Intern. Since 2016, Aaron has overseen the organization's marketing communications strategy and in 2021, was promoted to Director of Marketing Communications.
Job Titles:
- Employee Representative Alternate
- Member of Committee
Alek comes to AJAC with nearly 10 years of manufacturing experience. His career started in a manual machine shop where he managed the shop floor and ran manual mills and lathes. The following years were spent in a highly competitive CNC shop, where he honed his skills in setup and operation across multiple machines, and specialized in difficult metals, troubleshooting, and program edits. While working as a machinist, Alek also completed the 4-year machinist apprenticeship through AJAC.
In 2018 Alek joined the AJAC team to teach evening classes for the Apprenticeship program. Later that year he was brought on as a full-time instructor for AJAC's pre-apprenticeship program, the Manufacturing Academy. Alek is Certified as a Journeyman through the Washington State Apprenticeship Council (WSAC). He is also certified in CPR, First-Aid, AED, CPR, OSHA 10, and Manufacturing Skills Standard Council as an Instructor & Expert in Manufacturing Process & Production, Safety, Quality Practices & Measurement, & Maintenance Awareness.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Representative
- Member of Committee
Alexandr has spent the last 7 years at Electroimpact in Mukilteo, Washington. He graduated from North Seattle College in 2001 with an Associate of Arts degree. He spent 15 years in the Custom Picture Framing industry before making the leap to Machining.
In the last year of his machining apprenticeship program, he was awarded the 2020 "Outstanding Apprentice of the Year" award. He is very proud of his Machining career and likes to pass on his knowledge to those who are just starting out in the industry. He is currently learning how to run the Automated Fiber Placement machine at work. Alexandr was selected to AJAC's Committee in April of 2021.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Chief Operating Officer / South Central Workforce Council
Amy Martinez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Social Services from Central Washington University and possesses over 20 years of workforce training experience. Ms. Martinez's early career started as a case manager and she has successfully transitioned to higher level positions currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the South Central Workforce Council.
As the CEO, Ms. Martinez directs all program operations, oversees local area strategic planning, leads the local area business development efforts, and is responsible for the oversight of an annual operating budget in excess of $12 million. Throughout her tenure with the South Central Workforce Council, she has successfully performed key functions that include development of grant proposals, procurement of service providers, administrative policies and procedures, monitoring, and development and implementation of discretionary programs.
Ms. Martinez is well respected by her colleagues and peers from other local areas. She has developed close professional relationships with state administrative and policy staff and is often consulted by state staff when considering new pilot or project programs. She has excelled in working with business, labor and community partners as evidenced by the growth of youth and adult apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, development and establishment of the Columbia Gorge learning center for drop-out youth and adults, and the bi-state workforce collaborative to develop a seamless workforce programs between Washington and Oregon for business and worker customers.
Throughout her tenure, Ms. Martinez has provided primary support to the South Central Workforce Council and the local elected officials regarding workforce, education and training issues in the four county region of Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania and Yakima counties. She has played a key role in providing program performance information to state and federal legislators on impacts of federal/state legislation.
Ms. Martinez is respected by her staff. She leads by example encouraging and promoting professional growth and development, but at the same time sets high expectations for work performance. She serves on numerous local and state workforce committees and boards that include the Aerospace Machinist Joint Training Committee, Career and Technical Education General Advisory Council, Workforce Education Advisory Committee, Southwest Washington Career Connect Governance Board, and the Oregon-Washington Mid-Columbia Economic Resiliency Team.
Amy was selected to AJAC Executive Board in September 2020.
Amy joined AJAC after working with the Seattle Mariners as Manager, Security for nearly seven seasons. While at the Mariners, she oversaw all aspects of the Event Security team to ensure the safety and security for 81 baseball games a year and numerous other events held at T-Mobile Park. This role included the hiring, training, scheduling and development of over 250 Event Security staff every season. Her favorite part of the job was working all the wonderful staff that helped make incredible guest experiences at the stadium,
Prior to the Seattle Mariners Amy spent over 15 years at Microsoft in the Windows and Xbox Gaming Divisions. Her time there brought lots of opportunity with different roles including Software Tester, Test Lead and finally Release Manger.
Amy is also involved with volunteer groups in her community, serving in leadership roles when needed. She is a Washington native having grown up in Puyallup and graduated from Western Washington University. In her free time she can be found playing her favorite video games, camping up at Lake Cushman or planning her next trip to Disneyland.
Bill Collins comes to AJAC with an extensive background in applied mathematics. He graduated from Bellevue Community College in 1997 with an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Mathematics. He then complete the University of Washington's Bachelor of Science in Computing and Software Systems degree in 2003. Since 2005, Bill has been employed at Bates Technical College teaching a wide-variety of math-related subjects including Pre-Algebra, Elementary and Intermediate Algebra, Basic Skills Math with IBEST welding program.
Bob comes to AJAC with over 40 years of experience in construction, oil and gas, and the HVAC industries. He worked as a project manager, maintenance supervisor, and has owned and operated several contracting companies, and an electrical contracting firm.
He has a passion to empower students to better themselves, to learn work safety and bring their experiences from the classroom to the workplace with a promise to someday become mentors themselves.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Engagement & Programs
Bri has over 20 years of experience in the private and non-profit sector, including manufacturing training, human resources compliance, workforce development, opportunity youth program development, and K-12 educational pipelines. Bri holds a Bachelors Degree in Business & Organization Leadership from Northwest University earned in 2021, and certificate in developing occupational curriculum and occupational analysis (DACUM) from Ohio State University. In 2017, she was on a Governor's task force that traveled to Zurich, Switzerland to study their vocational education training (VET) system and career pathways with the ETH University. She then helped develop the first youth apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. Prior to coming to AJAC, she was a manufacturing teacher & program manager in Seattle at Pioneer Human Service, a social-enterprise in manufacturing firm that serves justice-involved individuals releasing from the system. She led numerous strategic planning and partnership building efforts to expand wrap-around services, pre-employment, and job opportunities for barriered youth and adult populations.
Bri has held in various positions from corporate instructor, on-the-job training advisor, manufacturing instructor, human resource compliance officer, service manager, program manager, director of programs, director of youth apprenticeship and bring her experience to AJAC. Companies she is has worked for: Pioneer Human Services, Alaska Airlines, Vulcan, Ohasi Design and Columbia Hospitality.
Job Titles:
- Instructor ( Spokane )
- Instructor for the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship
Brian is a Washington native who comes to AJAC with over twenty years of industrial maintenance experience including 10 years at an aerospace manufacturer.
Brian's journey began at Spokane Community College where he earned an AAS in Fluid Power followed by a Millwright certification earned from North Idaho College. Brian entered the work force as an industrial mechanic. He quickly expanded into positions including Millwright, Safety Officer, Maintenance Foreman, Mechanical Planner, and finally Hydraulic Specialist, where he worked in Kaiser Aluminum's Engineering Reliability department.
In March of 2019, Brian joined AJAC as an evening instructor for the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program as a Fluid Power instructor. This position shifted his goals from an active manufacturing team member to a new career path in education. Brian, with the cooperation of AJAC, has expanded this instructor position to include several more classes, subjects, and ultimately to a full-time instructor position in AJAC's Manufacturing Academy.
Chris began his machining career in 1980 as an entry level machinist trainee after completing a one year community college machining program. He was given the opportunity to enroll in a machinist apprenticeship program with the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) by his first employer, who sponsored him through the four years of that program.
Shortly after the completion of his apprenticeship, and in partnership with his first employer, Chris started a new business that developed into a successful manufacturing company supplying multi-axis machined parts to the aerospace industry. The company was closed in 2004 and Chris went to work for RTC Aerospace where he is currently employed as the General Manager of the Fife Division. Chris has extensive experience in every phrase of the manufacturing process and he has a passionate appreciation for the people that work in the manufacturing industry.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Funding
Chris has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, including workforce development, philanthropy, youth development, and education. Chris holds a Master's Degree of Public Administration from the University of Washington earned in 2008, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Ohio University earned in 2000. Prior to coming to AJAC, he was the Program Manager at SkillUp Washington, a workforce funder collaborative at the Seattle Foundation, where he led numerous strategic planning and partnership building efforts to expand economic opportunities in the Puget Sound region for low-income communities and opportunity youth in the manufacturing, aviation and retail industries.
He was a Marano Fellow in the first Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy in 2014 and ran the second Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy in 2016 in partnership with the Aspen Institute. Chris entered the workforce development field managing youth employment programs at the YWCA of Seattle-King-Snohomish Counties, and a pre-employment internship program for homeless youth in the University District.
I have been teaching at Lindbergh High School in the Renton School District for 19 years, and prior to teaching I worked for s cabinet shop and ran my own cabinetry/custom furniture business for 15 years. At Lindbergh High School I teach Intro to Woodworking, Design, Manufacturing and the Core Plus Aerospace and Construction programs. My emphasis at the school is to prepare students for careers in manufacturing and the building trades. This is my second year teaching the youth AJAC program.
I have been working in the composites industry for 3 years now for Unitech Composites. I also did two summer internships for Zodiac Aerospace (now Safran) in Newport WA. I went to college for mechanical engineering at Montana State University and received my degree in 2016. My current job title is special process engineer, I work with updating existing or integrating new processes into the facility. Additionally I have been working with material testing and I am currently working on developing a inhouse testing lab.
I started working for AMC Renault in August of 1985. As a Maintenance apprentice. I started as a set up mechanic for the foam line where they injected foam into the Jeep Grand Cherokee dashboard. Within a few months, I was promoted to small tool repair. Where I remained for three years until I was promoted to machine Mechanic.
After three years Chrysler had purchased AMC Renault and we started expanding and built a second plant. I was asked to go there and coordinate the contactors.
Once the second factory was built, I was asked to be the Maintenance Supervisor. where I remained for six years. Until I was promoted to Maintenance Superintendent for the main plant.
Within a few years we had built a third plant and I was promoted to Maintenance Manager of al three plants.
My first exposure to manufacturing started some 40 years ago when I was working by my father's side. I was 14 years old. I have had many opportunities during my machining career to work in various positions in the manufacturing field. I have worked as a welder, maintenance machinist, machinist, tool and die maker, CNC programmer, estimator, shop supervisor, production manager and as a machining instructor. I attended Folcroft Vocational Technical school and received a certificate in CNC Applications and Machine Tool Technology. I have the following certifications,6 Sigma Black Belt, Journeyman Machinist, Private Pilot.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Employer Representative
- Member of Committee
Work Force Development Center (WFDC) is led by the Chief Executive Officer, David Trader, who has been with Work Force Development Center since 1996. David left the automotive retail/service centers as a manager of 13 years to work with at-risk, special needs students that he saw himself as at their age.
During his 23 years at WFDC, he has held numerous positions within the organization. David has held the position of Chief Executive Officer since 2002. In this position, David is engrossed in all aspects of the organization, including business development, budgeting, public relations, finance, and acting as a liaison between WFDC staff and the board of directors.
Demetria "Lynn" Strickland comes from a military family and is an Army veteran who served honorably in the Army for over nine years. Lynn has 25+ years of management experience in several sectors. She is a former Dean of Instruction at Bates Technical College where she supervised 14 apprenticeship programs, 11 career training programs and Continuing Education.
Derek began his machining career as the chip sweeper for Weldco Beales, a producer of logging and excavation equipment. There he was offered the opportunity to run large manual mills. This was the beginning. After Weldco, on to Ideal Machine. Ideal's specialty is large, 50,000 lbs, castings for the nuclear power industry.
After Ideal, it was Primus International. While there, he was involved with the first runs of several 787 part families. He developed processes for production that would succeed both at home and abroad. Derek then took a position as a CNN Dept. Head, at Hill Aero systems. While there, he scheduled and planned the production of spares parts in aerospace industry. Often producing parts from PCM's and drawings that were several years old.
He is now a Machinist for Quality Stamping. His role there is to help the company expand into the hard metals field. He looks forward to sharing his experience and love for this trade with the next generation of machinists.
Job Titles:
- Youth Pre - Apprenticeship Program Manager
Derek comes to AJAC with over five years of aerospace and advanced manufacturing experience - both at AIM Aerospace, Inc., and Boeing. After spending a couple of years at Microsoft as a Audio Visual Technician, Derek developed his passion for workforce development and worker retraining.
In February 2017, Derek was hired as an instructor for AJAC's Manufacturing Academy pre-apprenticeship program at South Seattle College - Georgetown Campus. Through his leadership in the classroom, Derek was hired by AJAC to become the organization's first Workforce Development Coordinator (WDC).
As the WDC, Derek is be responsible for coordinating and conducting focused advising and student support services to help students persist in AJAC programs. Derek works closely with AJAC's Advanced Manufacturing Prep (AMP) Training Program and Manufacturing Academy in both Kent and Tacoma, Washington.
In 2020, Derek was promoted to Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Program Manager.
Diane comes to AJAC with over two decades of manufacturing experience, primarily in Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machining. Her career started as an industrial mechanic with a focus on machining. In 1997, she graduated with a degree in process engineering in Berlin, Germany, and earned her MBA in 2012.
Diane currently manages advanced waterjet applications at Shape Technologies in addition to her work as an AJAC instructor. Diane loves to teach aerospace apprentices to share her knowledge of manufacturing methods and to help them advance their careers.
Job Titles:
- President
- President / Bates Technical College
- President of Bates Technical College
Dr. Lin Zhou is the president of Bates Technical College. Since her hire at Bates as the dean of continuing education, apprenticeship and child studies in 2013, Dr. Zhou served as dean of instruction and executive dean before becoming the vice president of institutional effectiveness and student success in 2016. Previously, she held the positions of associate dean of extended learning, and director of branch campus and continuing education at Lake Washington Institute of Technology between 2001 and 2012.
While serving as dean of instruction, one of the many instructional programs under her supervision was the machinist program. Because of the partnership between AJAC and the program, Dr. Zhou's working experience with AJAC began in 2014 on curriculum development, student support, faculty professional development, etc. Dr. Zhou always believed AJAC's mission and its contributions to the industries it serves. She continued to be an advocate for AJAC even after leaving her instructional role. It's why, when she was asked to join the AJAC board in 2021, Dr. Zhou was honored to return to this great organization.
Currently, Dr. Zhou serves on several national and state boards, including American Technical Education Association, National Asian Pacific Islander Council, WA State Adult Education Advisory Council, Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion of American Association of Community Colleges, College Sparks Foundation, Workforce Central, and City Club of Tacoma.
Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in education, with an emphasis in community college leadership, from Oregon State University, a master's degree in business administration from City University in Seattle, an Associate Degree in computer science and networking technology from Lake Washington Institute of Technology, and an Associate Degree in accounting from Renmin University of China. In 2017, Dr. Zhou participated in the Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management, administered by the university's Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Zhou is the college's first female president, and the first female Chinese immigrant to serve as president at a public two-year college in Washington State.
Drew comes to AJAC with six years of machining experience and is a recent graduate of AJAC's four-year Machinist (Aircraft Oriented) apprenticeship program. Prior to becoming a journey-man machinist, his growth throughout the trade can be attributed from experience gained at companies such as Helac Corporation, Skills Inc., and currently at Cadence Aerospace PMW. Drew's excitement to transfer his knowledge to future machinists will hopefully inspire other like-minded individuals during their journey through apprenticeship.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Services
Elizabeth has over 40 years of experience in business administration and management relating to human resources, labor relations, organizational improvements, system upgrades and customer service. She has been a Trustee or Member of several Non Profit Committees, Executive Boards and Apprenticeship Programs, and former member of the International Federation of Employee Benefits & Pension (IFEBP).
After a long management career in the hospitality and service industry, Elizabeth spent 15+ years as a Worker Advocate for UNITEHERE Local 8, including 3 terms as the Local's President. Her AJAC career began in 2011 as an Office Assistant, then assumed the role of Office Manager, advanced to Business Services Manager, and is currently the Director of Business Services.
Job Titles:
- Apprenticeship Program Manager
Elly comes to AJAC with over 10 years of nonprofit experience. Most recently, Elly was a program and account manager for the Quality Improvement Program-a department within the American Heart Association that works directly with hospitals to improve patient care with consistent adherence to current treatment guidelines. Elly's favorite part of the job was building relationships with volunteers and hospital partners. Prior to working at AHA, Elly served two years in AmeriCorps working in early childhood education and community college student services.
Elly earned a bachelor's of science in Community Health Education from Portland State University. In her free time, Elly enjoys spending time with friends, walking her dog Lola, and riding around town on her silver scooter she calls Sebastian.
Erin has over ten years of non-profit experience including global healthcare, economic development, and WA State policy. She earned her degree in Communications and Public Relations from the University of San Francisco. After teaching 4th grade in an orphanage in Ghana for a year, she returned to the workforce with a continued passion in helping others. Prior to AJAC Erin was Membership & Events Manager for Washington Business Alliance. During this time Erin focused on advocating for Career and Technical Education and promoting Career Pathways for WA State trades. She joined AJAC in 2017 as a Business Developer and was promoted to Regional Program Manager in 2021. Erin primarily covers the North Sound region extending to Skagit and Whatcom Counties.
Erin served two terms (six years) as a business advocate on the WA State Rehabilitation Council, a Governor-appointed advisory board within the Dept. of Vocational Rehabilitation. She volunteers for the Multiple System Atrophy Coalition on the Fundraising and Advocacy Committee. Erin is a Seattle native.
I worked in the manufacturing/maintenance industry for 20 years. My employer was the US Navy. I am a retired Hull Technician First class. I have worked on everything the navy has, from what planes to subs.
I currently have an AA in general studies. I am currently working on my AAS in mechanical design through Lake Washington Tech.
Gina got her start in Aerospace working at her Dad's shop in High School. After graduation, she started working full time at New Tech in deburr, assembly, shipping/receiving and purchasing, giving her 25+ years in manufacturing. Gina and her two sisters later became owners after their fathers sudden passing and have been successfully running it since 2008.
Gina first got involved with AJAC in 2015 when New Tech brought on their first apprentice and joined the board in late 2021. When Gina isn't at work or advocating for apprenticeships she enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her husband and 4 children.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Business Development & Regional Services
Heather comes to AJAC with three years of experience as a teacher at a private K-12 school, and almost three years of experience in workforce development. At her last position, her experience was in business engagement, career connections, event planning, and social media management. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in English as well as training in Business Services from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals and Lean Change Management. Heather has lived in different cities around South Central Washington for the last seven years and is looking forward to engaging with more communities in Central Washington.
In 2021, Heather was promoted to Manager of Business Development & Regional Services.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Owner
- Board Member for Community - Minded Enterprises
- CEO of K & N
Janet Schmidlkofer is CEO of K&N; a family owned and operated industrial repair and remanufacturing business that provides new product and repair services to regional industrial customers. She has been with K&N since 2007. Prior to her current position, she was the Director of Cardiac Services for Empire Health Services in Spokane.
Raised in Spokane, Washington, Janet lived in the Seattle area for 23 years working in cardiac services at both Swedish Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center. Janet received her bachelor's in healthcare administration in 2005 and has training in Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing.
Janet is a board member for Community-Minded Enterprises (2021-current), Board Member for AMJTC (Aerospace Machinist Joint Training Committee) (2013 to current) and Chairperson (2021-current) and Chairperson of the Electric Apparatus Service Association Management Committee (2013 - current). Past board memberships include Spokane County United Way, Greater Spokane Inc., and the International Trade Association.
Janet was awarded Woman of Achievement in Business & Industry by the YWCA in 2015 and United Way Advocate of the Year in 2018.
Jason comes to AJAC with over two decades of manufacturing experience primarily in machining. In 1996, he graduated with an Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Precision Machining from Lake Washington Technical Institute. Jason currently works as the machine shop manager at Kymeta Corporation in addition to his work as an AJAC instructor and subject matter expert. He continues to serve as the chairman of the Lake Washington Technical Institute machining program advisory committee and works as a consultant at JasonVice.com.
Jason's passion for teaching began in his first quarter at AJAC where he taught CNC mill programming. His students developed a deep understanding of his manufacturing techniques and continue to value his love for manufacturing.
Jeff has been teaching for 27 years, with over 22 years with the Seattle Public Schools. He has taught math for AJAC for since 2013. Currently, Jeff teaches Shop Algebra, Geometry/Trigonometry, and basic math skills courses. During his time with AJAC, Jeff has taught at Everett Community College, Glacier Peak High School, Renton Technical College, Bates Technical College, and South Seattle College - Georgetown Campus.
My first machine shop experience was in college taking engine classes, where I learned to use the manual mills and lathes to make custom parts for myself and other students. That's where the machining bug bit me. After that I worked in multiple industries, with a few machine shops thrown in for good measure. After getting burned out owning a hot rod shop, I got back into manufacturing, and opened my own shop in 2011. My first machine was a home built CNC, that ran production parts 24/7 for a year until I could get my first real machine. From there it has grown exponentially.
I have been a machinist on and off for almost 20 years, with at least 10 years of CNC experience. I also have vast experience in machine maintenance and repair, PLCs, electronics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and most other industrial technologies. I also have multiple welding certifications and vast experience in most welding disciplines. I have been the owner/operator of my own company for the last 10 years, with 13 CNC machines (and growing), a full manual shop, and a full fabrication department.
I have been teaching for AJAC for 5 years now, and I enjoy being able to share the knowledge I have acquired over these last 20 years, since some of it is very specialized and not often seen in the industry on a regular basis.
Jim has worked in the Industrial Maintenance field for 30 years in the Plastic Injection Molding, Packaging Equipment, Aluminum Rolling, and Foundry industries. After spending eight years in the Metal Fabrication trade, Jim attended Spokane Community College and obtained his AAS in Automated Equipment Technology in 1987. In 2010, Jim obtained a BS degree in Technology with Electronics emphasis from Eastern Washington University.
Having a passion for continuing education and the Industrial Maintenance trade, upon retirement in 2017, Jim joined the AJAC staff to mentor a new generation Maintenance Technicians.
John started with AJAC in 2019. John has over 15 years management and workforce development experience. John also has sales, outreach, recruitment, training, advocacy, and project management experience. John earned his Master's degree from Case Western Reserve University located in Cleveland, Ohio and has lived in the Puget Sound region since 2010.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Representative
- Member of Committee
I have an interest in working with metal. New things come up, even in a long established domain such as the marine industry. I have been with Sound Propeller Services the past 15 years, previously a number of shops, during and after my attendance at Green River Community College Machine Technology course. I served in the United States Air Force 5 years. I enjoy keeping vintage cars on the road. Sooner or later, everybody needs a machinist!
I graduated from Lakeland Highschool in Rathdrum Idaho. I joined the Navy in the nuclear power program. I repaired, operated, supervised the Mechanical systems in Submarine reactor plants, and worked in program management at shore based repair facilities for 20 years. I retired and was recruited by Unitech Composites to be the training manager. I have been working for them for three years and have taken on environmental and safety responsibilities.
Job Titles:
- Employee
- Representative
- Member of Committee
Job Titles:
- Director of Community, Reentry and Parole / Department of Children, Youth & Families
Kathleen Harvey serves as the Director of Community, Reentry and Parole for Juvenile Rehabilitation in the Department of Children, Youth and Families. With over 30 years of professional experience dedicated to the field of human services and juvenile justice, her leadership is grounded in proven programs, effective practices and targeted outcomes.
The foundation of her professional work is anchored in public and private partnerships, evidence-based and landmark programs. It is her commitment and belief in building meaningful service through civic engagement, partner connections, and human-centered design to support the success of young people in life and contributions to healthy communities.
Over the course of the last ten years, Kathleen has had the honor to champion change and effect equity and social justice reform by creating guided pathways in education, vocation and employment.
Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington State University and a Master's Degree in Psychology with an emphasis in children and families from Chapman University. In 2017, she received the Governor's Award for Leadership and Management for Youth Reentry. Kathleen enjoys the Pacific Northwest through trail running and cycling.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- CEO of OLI Communications
Kelly is CEO of OLI Communications (olicomms.com), a firm she founded during the height of the pandemic. OLI represents a cadre of elite executives from multi-national organizations under the OLI Global banner. OLI Global members offer exceptional contracting, consulting, and advisory in the areas of strategic communications, brand development, marketing, social media strategies, media relations, government relations, logistics, operations, diversity, and inclusion, and much more.
Lai joins AJAC with over 8 years of experience as a machinist within the aerospace industry. During which, he completed the Machinist (Aircraft Oriented) apprenticeship hosted by AJAC. He is returning to AJAC as a Manufacturing Academy Instructor after earning a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in economics from the University of Washington. His studies were focused on business strategy, organizational management, corporate finance, and entrepreneurial development - all of which aided in the successful planning, execution, and management of his own business.
Lai is also an 8-year veteran of the Washington Army National Guard where he had participated in multiple state active-duty missions and has led teams in various construction missions throughout Kuwait and Western Iraq.
Job Titles:
- Apprenticeship Services Coordinator
Lan was hired by AJAC in April 2017 to coordinate and administer inquiries from apprentices and outside entities regarding enrollment of new apprentices, tracking of hours and organization of AJAC's Apprentice Tracking System.
Lance has over 25 years of experience writing curriculum for adults and children. Soon after receiving a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, he began working at Microsoft where he designed and wrote computer-based training materials to teach software. Following this, he went back to school and earned a Washing State teaching credential as well as a M. Ed.
He became interested in developing elementary school math and science curriculum, and began working with many organizations including Explorations in Math (now Zeno), Everyday Mathematics, California Education and Environment Initiative, and Science AZ. The bulk of his work during this time was with Science Companion, a curriculum company affiliated with the University of Chicago. He and several colleagues designed a K-6 science curriculum based on the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) national standards. Using this program, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities in which they planned and conducted science and engineering investigations.
Lance was hired in 2019 to help develop curriculum for AJAC's programs and was recently promoted to Curriculum Manager in 2020. He thoroughly enjoys working with AJAC and is looking forward to future curriculum projects.
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Finance and Compliance
Leo comes to AJAC with over 12 years of experience in financial aid which spans career/adult education, private university education, and public/state university education. Prior to joining AJAC, Leo was the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at the University of California San Diego where he worked closely with many underrepresented student groups including student veterans, undocumented students, and first generation students to assist them with obtaining the funding needed to reach their goals.
Leo has led teams, overseen the implementation of large scale technological improvements, and managed awarding and policy for several state and federal grant funds. Leo has also been an active member in financial aid associations, including sitting on the executive council for WASFAA and serving as a trainer for the SDB Summer Institute.
As an Master Electrician with 24 years in the industry I've held the positions of Foreman, General Foreman, and Project Manager. I returned to my tools, after being a PM, because I missed being in the thick of things. Over the course of my career I've worked mostly for electrical contractors but also for companies such as Raytheon in their Polar Services divisions where I worked at Amundsen-Scott Station at the geographic South Pole in Antarctica for a cumulative 18 months, McKinstry Electric and, for the past 8 years, Nucor Steel in West Seattle where I do project design, instruction for new employees and all other things electrical.
Marty has worked in the manufacturing industry as a machinist for over 30 years. He graduated from North Idaho College's 2 year machining tech class in 1986. From then on, Marty has made parts for aerospace, medical, agriculture, mining and oil. Yes, his parts have been to outerspace and back!
Marty has been teaching with AJAC for approximately 6 years including classes such as Engineering Drawings and CNC Lathe Programming. He is also working on a new project with AJAC called MENTORING THE MENTOR.
I have worked in the aircraft maintenance field for 42 years. My career started in the United States Air Force as a fighter aircraft mechanic and a Vietnam veteran.
When I got out of the service, I went to work as a civilian employee at the Depot maintenance, while I attended school at Utah State. I got my A & P license while in Utah. I was the first women in Utah to receive my A & P license and made the local newspaper. After my husband got out of the service, we moved back to Washington where I got a job at a local small aircraft repair shop in Vancouver. I was eventually recruited to work for Horizon Air which was later bought by Alaska Airlines. I have been a lead mechanic for C checks and a Line Maintenance Supervisor for the airline. I was a Supervisor for Bombardier and a Master Mechanic for Aviation Technical Services (ATS). While at ATS, I became a mentor for the young mechanics through structured on-the-job training.
Job Titles:
- Representative
- Member of Committee
Matthias Poischbeg, was born and grew up in Hamburg Germany. He moved to Everett, Washington after finishing his BA in Business in 1995 to work for Sea-Dog Corporation. Sea-Dog Corporation has been a manufacturer and distributor for Marine and Rigging Hardware established in 1923. In 1999, Matt took over the reins at Sea-Lect Plastics Corporation, a sister company of Sea-Dog and a manufacturer of Plastic Injection molded products with an in-house Tool & Die shop. He became a U.S. citizen in 2005 which made a dream come true. Matt graduated from the Leadership Snohomish County program in 2008 and served on its board for three years. In May of 2014 he joined the Village Theater board, a calling due to his passion for the performing arts and musical theater. Like the performing arts, another genuine passion of Matt is the support of apprenticeship programs and AJAC. Matt finished school at the age of sixteen and completed two, 2- year apprenticeships in Germany.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Chief Executive Officer of American Structures & Design
As chief executive officer of American Structures & Design, Mike Hagen is responsible for overall company operations.
Before being named CEO in January 2020, Mike spent 16 years running a variety of small businesses that included corporate consulting, media production and international travel. Prior to that, Mike worked in the semiconductor industry for ten years as an engineer and manager of manufacturing operations. Mike has a mechanical engineering degree from Washington State University and a lean manufacturing degree from Arizona State University.
Outside of AS&D, Mike serves on several boards that are focused on community service, missions work, and apprenticeships. He is happily married, has two adult children, and loves adventuring in the great outdoors.
Mike joined the AJAC board in December 2021.
Monique is originally from Oklahoma and has also taught in California and Washington State. She is currently a doctoral candidate and holds a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from American College of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Northeastern State University. Monique holds secondary mathematics teaching certifications in Washington State, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Illinois. She also holds administrator (principal, central office, superintendent) certifications in Washington State, Michigan, and Illinois.
Monique is a daring culturally responsive STEM Leader possessing the "Skill and Will" necessary to lead the brave work and tough conversations around creating equitable access to STEM Education for all learners especially those learners furthest from Educational Justice. Monique is a multi-state certified (former NBCT) Secondary Mathematics Teacher and instructional leader with 30 years of experience in K-12 teaching and administration. She is a Nationally Certified STEM Team Leader.
As a paid consultant, she has been contracted by Nationally Recognized School District to create STEM Project-Based Learning Curriculum Materials. Also, she is a Level 1 Google Certified Teacher. She has extensive experience delivering remote instruction using Zoom, Moodle, Google Classroom, and Canvas. She has served students and teachers in traditional public schools, charter public schools, and private schools.
Monique taught middle school and high school mathematics for 23 years and has served the past 7 years as a high school and middle school assistant principal and elementary principal. Her strengths include facilitating effective professional learning communities, professional development training, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, evidence-based instructional strategies, family and community engagement, supporting early educators, and secondary mathematics instruction.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- President, CEO, and Board Member at Trans - Ocean Products
Murry is President, CEO, and Board Member at Trans-Ocean Products, located in Bellingham, Washington. Trans-Ocean Products is a member of the Maruha Nichiro North American group. Maruha Nichiro is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is one of the world's largest seafood companies.
Job Titles:
- Apprenticeship Navigator & Veteran Liaison
Priscilla is a proud veteran who served in the USCG as a Avionics Technician and Flight Navigator on Search & Rescue (SAR) missions in Alaska. With more than 4 years' experience as an Avionics Technician in the military, she is adept in manufacturing, maintenance, electrical, soldering and technological applications and repair. Priscilla's 2 years of on-the-job training as a Flight Navigation instructor in the military has afforded her a well-rounded skill set to apply to teaching advanced manufacturing.
After leaving the military in 2014, she choose to apply her Avionics Technician and Instruction skills to a career in teaching and contracted with leading aerospace companies in the greater Seattle area as an Aerospace Technical Instructor and Assessor.
In September, 2020, Priscilla was hired as an instructor for AJAC's Manufacturing Academy Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Priscilla has a passion for teaching and ensures there will always be a safe non-judgmental space in the Manufacturing Academy to facilitate the learning process. Her aircrew and search and rescue experience provided the ideal platform to master working with others under pressure and stress, which will allow her to be successful in her new role with AJAC. Priscilla also has a Bachelor's in Health Science and certified in CPR, First-Aid, OSHA 10.
Robert earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Seattle Pacific University, and then went to work for GTE, and later Verizon, in various capacities as Programmer, Systems Analyst and Systems Engineer. While working for GTE he went back to school and earned a Master's Degree in Software Engineering from Seattle University.
After retiring from Verizon, Robert began to develop a passion for teaching. He started tutoring high school and college students, and later worked as a Math Tutor at the Everett Community College Tutoring Center. In 2015, Robert was hired to be an AJAC instructor and currently teaches Shop Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry.
Roland has a broad background in automotive machining and has served as a Tool & Die apprentice where he is currently employed by The Boeing Company. He has received an Industrial Maintenance degree from Clover Park Technical College and has spent several years in the maintenance field. Roland enjoying sharing this knowledge of manufacturing concepts and streamlining assembly processes.
Scott has worked for Areva NP for 25 years working solely in manufacturing. He started working in the machining trade in 1995, and shortly thereafter, received his AAS in machine technology in 1998 while working full time at Areva. Scott currently supervises the Machining and Inspection in the Component Center.
Stephanie has over ten years of experience in administration, accounting, human resources, and fiscal compliance within the casino and hospitality management industries, as well as five years of advocacy work for disabled youth in foster care. She was born in southern California and has resided in western Washington all of her adult life, having lived in Mason, Kitsap, Snohomish and King Counties.
Stephanie joined AJAC in March 2021, starting as an intern for the Pre-Apprenticeship Manufacturing Academy program before being hired full time as a Fiscal Specialist.
Stephen is a proud veteran of the submarine force and served in USS Pennsylvania (SSBN-735 B) and USS Parche (SSN-683) Ocean Engineering Augment. He was selected to the rank of E7 in 2000 and received his commission in 2001. His training while in the navy was in submarine electronics, SCUBA diving and he completed two tours as an instructor.
Steve has been working in the trades for 40+ years in the energy, manufacturing, Marine and Aerospace Industries. His career started with Mountain Fuel Supply Co. now Questar. He enrolled in Utah Technical College in Drafting and Machine Shop technique and started a side Tool & Die business at the same time.
After 27 years with Questar, Steve went to Rubber Maid/Levelor for 3.5 years as Senior Project Specialist. He then moved to the Pacific Northwest and worked for Markey Machinery as their Production Manager. For the past 7 years, Steve has worked at Cadence Aerospace - PMW Operations as one of their CNC Retrofit & Repair Techs. Steve has also worked extensively in the Firearms Industry and helped many people build their own airplanes through the EAA "Experimental Aircraft Association".
I started my career path in a small locksmith shop as the only non-family member to work there in three generations. With encouragement from my employer, I attended Columbia Basin College's (CBC) 2-year machine technology program and graduated with my AAS degree. After returning to the lock shop and a brief employment at Ti Lite I returned to CBC as a shop assistant to the instructor.
I have now been a Precision Machine Technology instructor at Columbia Basin College for about 6 years, focusing on CNC machine programming, set-up and operation. I have assisted with the Mill Wrights manual milling and lathe training, GLAM (girls learning about manufacturing) for several years and a few local high school introduction to manufacturing summer school classes. I am also an adviser for SkillsUSA and attend the national competition with our students from CBC and a number of Washington State area vocational colleges. I have also been teaching a few of the AJAC CNC introduction and programming classes for 2 years now.
I am a third generation machinist following my father, I have been machining and welding since I was tall enough to stand at a knee-mill. I worked on the pipelines for Marathon most of my professional career, I've worked in medical tooling machining parts almost too small to see and have settled down in the education industry. I've earned an Engineering degree as well as a operations management degree, I am currently working towards a Masters Degree in Mechatronics at the University of Washington.
Job Titles:
- Employee Representative Secretary
- Member of Committee
Tim comes to AJAC with nearly 20 years of manufacturing experience and over a decade of teaching. He graduated Green River Community College in 1987 with a degree in Pre-Mechanical Engineering. After studying Industrial Technology at Western Washington University, Tim pas spent the last 15 years at Tool Gauge and Machine Works in Tacoma, Washington as the CNC Department Supervisor. In 2015, Tim graduated with a Bachelors of Applied Science in Technical Teaching Education from South Seattle College.
During AJAC's 2018 Apprenticeship Graduation Ceremony, Tim received the 2018 Instructor of the Year award.
Job Titles:
- Representative
- Member of Committee
With 30 + years' experience in the manufacturing/machining industry, Tim Rabe has held a wide variety of roles including Machinist, Estimator and Project Manager. Tim has volunteered for numerous advisory committees related to manufacturing; apprentice JATC to vocational college programs. Tim holds certifications in Machining, Lean Manufacturing and Project Management. Tim resides in Milton, Washington where he enjoys spending time with his wife Denise and two teenage daughters.
Tim is currently semi-retired working as an instructor for the AJAC apprenticeship program. He is a graduate of the Boeing machinist apprentice program and retired from Boeing with 39 years service in 2019. His hobbies include gardening, hiking, camping , fishing and travel. He feels honored to be a part of an apprentices' path toward becoming a Journeyman.
Job Titles:
- Youth Apprenticeship Manager
Tracey came to AJAC in 2016 with over 15 years of K-12 and workforce development education experience. She has a robust background as an educator, recruiter, speaker and career counselor. Previously, Tracey was the Program Director for Washington Business Week (WBW) programs. Through WBW, she ran high school leadership programs in communities around Washington State as well as major colleges and universities. With her time at WBW, she also helped to start the inaugural Alaska Business Week Youth Program in conjunction with the Alaska State Chamber and The University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Tracey has been a featured speaker at high school conferences and classrooms on "How to Get Hired". Tracey has past facilitating/professional involvement with Washington DECA, FBLA, The Pacific Institute, Cispus Learning Centers, Gene Juarez and Skills Inc. Tracey is very passionate in helping young adults succeed in career and life. When not at work, you can find her exploring the Pacific Northwest or catching up on movies.
Troy comes to AJAC with over 30 years of Journeyman Machinist experience. His background includes using conventional lathes and mills, CNC lathes and mills, precision grinding equipment, welding, as well as precision inspection equipment, and many other general machine shop equipment. Troy specializes in prototype parts, research and development, tooling, and numerous high tolerance repair situations, along with years of production experience.
Job Titles:
- Employer Representative
- Member of Committee