OTECH - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Chief of Staff
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
- Ex - Officio, Foundation Secretary
Ms. Ruiz is responsible for managing the Office of the President and providing direct support to the college's president's cabinet, Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. Prior to her appointment as Chief of Staff, Ms. Ruiz served as the executive assistant for the instructional and student services divisions. In that role, she developed innovative ways to improve semi-annual occupational advisor committee meetings - coordinating over 200 different employer partners. Ms. Ruiz has also been instrumental in establishing documentation protocols for the college's upcoming reaffirmation of accreditation with the Council on Occupational Education (COE).
Anita started her OTECH career in 1996 as an enrollment specialist, later working as an administrative assistant for the maintenance and facilities department, and as the college's facilities and events coordinator. Over her 26-year career, Anita has worked closely with every program and department OTECH, known as a trusted leader who looks for every opportunity to better serve OTECH's students and community.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Project Manager for the Boyer Company at Business Depot Ogden
Cameron Cook is a project manager for The Boyer Company at Business Depot Ogden (BDO) where he is responsible for leasing existing buildings and developing new building projects. He completed his undergraduate degree in finance at Brigham Young University and a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. His growing role at BDO helps fill a critical need in new and expanding businesses across a wide spectrum of industries.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President for Instructional Services
Vice President Burchell has been serving as the college's vice president for instructional services since 2020. He grew up in Weber County and graduated from Roy High School. He attended and graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Professional Sales, further completing a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, Utah Campus. For more than 21 years, Vice President Burchell has been working in higher education at all levels, from faculty to administration. He worked for the University of Phoenix, Utah Campus, as the director of enrollment for 12 years and as a program advisor for the Business program and vice president of student services at Ogden-Weber Tech College.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Owner, Wasatch Pharmacy
Ms. Jacobson-Ware has a deep love for and understanding of education and its importance to the community. She has served on the college's Pharmacy Technician Occupational Advisory Committee since March 2015. She is the owner/operator of Wasatch Pharmacy, so she understands the needs inherent in the field and what local pharmacies require in order to safely and efficiently serve their clients. Ms. Jacobson-Ware is very active in the community and has been recognized by the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce for her volunteerism. A native of Hawaii, Ms. Jacobson-Ware lives and shares her Pacific Islander heritage of "Ohana." She views the entire community as her family and works to provide for their well-being and success.
Job Titles:
- Community Leader
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Proposal Manager, PwC ( Formerly Price Waterhouse Coopers )
Ms. Anderson is a proven community leader with a record of accomplishment helping others succeed. She is the owner of a consulting firm, a specialty construction company, and works for big-four professional services firm PwC. In addition to serving as President of the Board of Ogden Contemporary Arts, she is a past member of the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce, and past-chair of the Chamber's Leadership Northern Utah program. She has also been an advisory board member for YMCA of Northern Utah, Eden Park Board, and a volunteer member of the Governor's Rapid Response Team to assist small businesses access PPP and EIDL funds. She is an advocate for Custom Fit training programs developed by Ogden-Weber Technical College and feels strongly that technical education is a primary tool for both individual achievement and economic development in our community.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Interim Commissioner of Higher Education
Job Titles:
- Chairman - Elect
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- President
- President of Ogden - Weber Technical College
James R. Taggart has served as the president of Ogden-Weber Technical College (OTECH) since 2017. He has over twenty-eight years of experience as a technical educator and leader at the college. He began his career as a health sciences instructor and held subsequent positions in program development, institutional effectiveness, vice president for student services, and vice president for instructional services. President Taggart holds a Bachelor's Degree in Health Training and Promotion from Weber State University and a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from Utah State University.
An active member of local, state, and national organizations, President Taggart sits on the boards for the Utah Defense Alliance, Northern Utah Chamber Coalition, and the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a commissioner for the Council on Occupational Education (COE). President Taggart can be reached at 801-627-8304 or president@otech.edu.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President for Student Services
Vice President Howard has been with the college since 2016. She has served as the coordinator of the Dental Assisting program and most recently as the program director for health and culinary programs. In her time at the college, she has been a champion in developing innovation processes and policies to benefit student success. This has resulted in the implementation of the college's first competency-based, hybrid apprenticeship program and increases in access, retention, and completion in health and culinary programs.
Vice President Howard is an alum of the college and advocate for the positive impact that technical training can have on an individual, their family, and their community. As a student, she was the gold medal SkillsUSA National Champion in Dental Assisting.
Prior to working at the college, Vice President Howard worked in the dental field and served on the college's Dental Assisting Occupational Advisory Committee. She holds an Associate Degree in Art and Sciences with an emphasis in English; a Bachelor of Science in Business Management; and a Master of Education in Instructional Design.
Job Titles:
- Counselor
- Counselor / Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Governor
- Managing Director of Operations for the Governor 's Office of Economic Development
Kori Ann Edwards, Governor's Office of Economic Development, Chair
Kori Ann Edwards is the managing director of operations for the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). In this role, she provides operational strategies, planning, and tactical management to ensure GOED has the proper internal controls, administrative, and reporting procedures. She ensures the agency has people and systems in place to support operating efficiencies. Ms. Edwards is responsible for building and maintaining robust systems, processes, and management capacities and oversees GOED's areas of finance, compliance, policy, contract management, human resources, technology services, and facilities. Before joining GOED, Ms. Edwards worked at Logistic Specialties, Inc. (LSI) for 20 years, with most recent positions as COO and SVP. She serves on numerous executive boards across the community, many of which she is serving as the board chair. Ms. Edwards received a bachelor's degree from Utah State University in political science, with minors in economics and business/human resource management.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President for College Advancement
Associate Vice President Milligan was hired in 2022 to oversee the college's development and marketing efforts, and serve as the public information officer and liaison to the OTECH Foundation board. Before taking on the advancement role, she worked as the college's marketing manager. In her tenure at the college, Associate Vice President Milligan has prioritized access, especially among historically underrepresented populations and first-generation college students. She is an advocate for technical education and an OTECH alum, having completed the college's web and graphic design program.
Prior to joining the college, Associate Vice President Milligan taught writing and rhetoric courses at Brigham Young University and worked as the chief of staff and grant writer for the Utah National Parks Council, Boy Scouts of America. Her professional experience includes public relations, marketing, fund development, grant writing and operations management. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from Brigham Young University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Chief Executive Officer of Petersen Inc
Mr. Mark Jenkins was promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Petersen Inc. in 2013 after joining the team in 2006 as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jenkins has over three decades of manufacturing and management experience. Prior to joining the Petersen Inc. team he spent 23 years in the automotive industry with Autoliv Inc. and Volvo White Truck Corporation. He held several positions while at Autoliv Inc. including Plant Controller, Production Control Manager, Operations Manager, Plant Manager and Director of Finance. Mark was part of a select group of managers that for three years received individual training and coaching from Toyota on the Toyota Production System. This training and lean manufacturing experience was instrumental in leading the plant to receive the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing Award. Mr. Jenkins holds a B.A. degree in Accounting from Weber State University and a MBA degree from the University of Phoenix.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Retired
Ms. Blair graduated from Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and taught at Polk Elementary in the Ogden City School District for 29 years. She is active in church and civic organizations and has a vested interest and love for students, parents, teachers, and employees of the Ogden City School District.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Northrop Grumman / Representing: Business / Industry
Mr. Widdison was born, raised, and currently resides in Hooper. He graduated from Roy High, attended Weber State (electrical engineering technology), and participated in the state electrical apprenticeship program housed at the tech college. He was offered a position at Thiokol (now Northrop Grumman) in 1982 and has had a 35-year career in the aerospace industry. He is involved with the technical operations of putting humans and cargo into space as well as the business end of the corporation. He is a strong supporter of STEM-based education and has a deep understanding of the importance of technical education in our fast-paced world.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Counselor / Veterans Services
- Disability Services
Job Titles:
- Member of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- R & O Construction / Representing: Business / Industry
Mr. Opheikens earned a Bachelor's in Construction Management from Brigham Young University and is a LEED Accredited Professional. R&O Construction is a family-established business, and Mr. Opheikens began working there as a teenager in 1977, working his way up through nearly every operations position including laborer, superintendent, project manager, chief operating office, and president/CEO. As president, he directs a team of eight vice presidents and approximately 180 employees building projects in 18 states. He is involved in the community and serves on the Ogden-Weber Chamber Board of Governors, Ogden Industrial Development Corporation Board of Trustees, Economic Development Corporation of Utah Board of Directors, Weber State University Construction Management Advisory Board, and American Cancer Society - Utah Region Board.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
Job Titles:
- Member of the Foundation Board of Trustees
- Ex - Officio, Foundation Treasurer
- Vice President for College Services
Vice President Call was hired as the vice president for college services and chief financial officer in March 2006. He is a certified public accountant and received both his Bachelor and Master of Accounting degrees from Weber State University. His responsibilities include oversight of all fiscal services for the college in addition to other college services such as Human Resources, Facilities, Information Technology, and the college Bookstore. Vice President Call also serves as treasurer for the college's Foundation Board.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Ogden - Weber Technical College Board of Trustees
- Lucky Slice, Vice Chair
Mr. Shafer is a 29 year-old chef and self-professed "Dough Ninja" who was born and raised in Plain City, Utah. He attended the Western Culinary Institute, an affiliate of Le Cordon Bleu, and earned an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences. Mr. Shafer opened Lucky Slice Pizza in Ogden, Utah, in 2012 with two partners, and he has since expanded to establish a limited menu operation at Powder Mountain and a second full-service operation in Layton. He has a mobile operation capable of assembling and cooking on-site for events and is set up as a vendor in two local sports arenas. Mr. Shafer's future goals include creating a commissary kitchen to scale and improve the business's systems and being the first American shop delivering pizzas by drone. His personal philosophy is that "time is better spent searching for a solution rather than complaining about a problem." Mr. Shafer has worked to foster meaningful relationships with local businesses and community members and participate in and hosted many charity events for various local groups.