2024 EDUCATOR DAY SPEAKERs
Educator Day will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 9:45 AM to 5:00 PM CT.
Corey Adams
Education Program Manager
Universal Robots
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Corey Adams has nearly 10 years in industrial automation industry experience. He has worked in business development with Universal Robots for two years, and now specializes in Education as the educational program manager.
Prior to joining Universal Robots, Corey worked in project management and technical sales for an industrial manufacturing distributor and robot integrator. He served honorably in the U.S. Coast Guard and holds MBA Degrees from Keller University in Finance and Marketing
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Paul Aiello
Executive Director of Education
FANUC America Corporation
Paul Aiello is Executive Director of Education at FANUC America Corporation. In his current role, Aiello is responsible for the company’s Certified Education Training (CERT) segment which provides robotic and automation training to universities, community colleges, technical and K-12 schools throughout the Americas.
He also champions the company’s “Partners with Education” program and provides leadership, professionalism, and commitment to bringing industry, education, and advanced automation together to help correct the current skills gap and build a skilled professional workforce for the future. Aiello has provided FANUC with the strategic development of more than 1500 automation and robotics training centers through academic partnerships with secondary and post-secondary schools and industry training centers throughout the United States. This effort introduces students from all ages and diverse backgrounds to have socioeconomic impact and demystify alternative and affordable educational pathways that lead to exciting and rewarding careers. This group is responsible for community outreach and engagement to foster a culture of inclusion and diversity by directly addressing talent development and recruitment.
With more than 40 years of automation and robotic training experience, FANUC America provides all schools with access to real world technology, equipment, software, hardware, curriculum, eLearning, instructor training and Industry certifications. Over the last 10 years FANUC America has contributed more than $65 million dollars to bolstering education partner’s automation programs for incumbent worker upskilling and future talent pipelines. This effort is vital to securing and expanding US manufacturing today and in the future.
Aiello joined FANUC in 1999 and was responsible for sales of all support products, services, education, and training in the Americas. He helped establish the FANUC Customer Resource Center including the Technical Support Call Center, the CERT group and the FANUC Local Education Authorized Reseller Network (LEARN), consisting of leading suppliers/ advisors to academia.
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Amanda Beaton
U.S. Program Manager
Siemens Cooperates with Education
Amanda Beaton has been with Siemens since 2003. As the U.S. Program Manager for Siemens Cooperates with Education (SCE), she is responsible for connecting academia to industry by facilitating the use of Siemens Factory Automation products in schools. In previous roles, she also created an apprentice program for field service technicians and managed a leadership development program for Siemens engineers and employees. Amanda started her career with Siemens in the Operations Leadership Development program and worked in manufacturing in Mexico and the U.S. She also served as a Project Manager and a Product Manager for Low Voltage and Energy Management product lines. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and an MBA from Georgia State University.
Amanda sits on several industry advisory boards at colleges and universities across the US. She is also a frequent STEM volunteer at her daughters’ middle and high schools.
Session(s):
A3 Educator of the Year Award Presentation | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:45 PM
Clint Chapman
Sr. Mgr. Strategic Partner Relations Education / Work Force Development
Yaskawa America, Inc. Motoman Robotics Division
Clint Chapman has spent over 25 years in the robotics industry, both as a customer and supplier. Before joining the Yaskawa Motoman team in 1998, he worked at Hitachi (San Francisco, CA), using robots to manufacture computer hard-drive components. Chapman’s early work at Yaskawa supported customers such as Toyota and Honda, as well as many other supply chain networks, helping to improve OEE through the adoption of state-of-the-art automation.
Recently, he has moved from the Sr. Sales Manager for key Japanese OEM and automotive accounts to focus on Education and Workforce Development. Chapman is a regular speaker on the topic of automation at the University of Dayton, among other schools. He’s also an avid RC pilot, married, and has three TEENAGERS
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Tad Douce
Co-Chairperson A3 Education Committee; Executive Director
EduEverything, Inc.
Tad Douce has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator since beginning his career in 1996. He started his career as a middle school pre-engineering instructor in central Ohio and has authored numerous books, tutorials, and curriculum packages in robotics, STEM, manufacturing, and making. In 2011, he was awarded the Professor George Schneider, Jr. Manufacturing Technology Education Faculty Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers -Education Foundation and the prestigious SME-EF “Building the Future” award in 2008.
Tad is currently the Director of Educational Technology and Communication (a.k.a. Head Nerd) for River Valley Local Schools near Marion, Ohio. He also serves as the Executive Director for the 501c3 organization EduEverything, Inc., where he oversees operations for the National Robotics Challenge, Drones in School, and Advanced Vertical Robotics (AVR) STEM programs. Tad is also an adjunct faculty member at Ashland University instructing various STEM related graduate level courses. His great purpose is to help people find their passions and unleash their full potential.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Smart Manufacturing Workforce Development Best Practices | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Joe Gemma
Chief Revenue Officer
Wauseon Machine; McAlister Design & Automation
Mr. Joe Gemma has 35 plus years of experience working in the automation industry. Early in his career, he spent 12 years working for a System Integrator and then 20+ years working for Robotics OEM’s. Strongly supporting the industry by participating on the RIA Board of Directors and as past Chair, as well as severing on several committees. He currently serves on the Technology Sector Board of the Association for Advancing Automation. He has served on the Board of the IFR and past President for International Federation of Robotics. At Wauseon Machine, Joe is responsible for the front end of the business as the (CRO) Chief Revenue Officer. Previously he spent 5 plus years as the CEO/Chief Regional Officer for KUKA Robotics Division - Americas. Spending 18 years at Stäubli, Mr. Gemma was CEO the Stäubli Group North America. Until 1997, he worked for the US enterprises, Advanced Technology Systems, Crellin Technologies and Corner & Lada, working in engineering, project management, business development and sales management.
Mr. Gemma currently serves on various committees of the (A3) Association for Advancing Automation, which covers the North American automation industry. Joe is committed to working to get broader visibility of the automation industry in general.
Session(s):
The Industry Needs You | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 1:30 PM
Christelle Keefer
Global Business Development Manager – GI-Education
ABB
Christelle Keefer is the Education Director and leads the Global Solutions Center for Education at ABB. She has developed turnkey robotic education packages including certification programs and curriculum for industry professionals, educators, and students in robotics and automation globally. She serves on the Robotics Technology Strategy Board for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), A3 Education committee, and is a FIRST Robotics coach/mentor. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and a master's degree in Instructional Design/Training and Development from Oakland University, and enjoys collaborating with industry professionals, educators, and students around the world to help prepare the workforce of tomorrow.
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Craig McAtee
CEO and Executive Director
National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC)
Experienced CEO & Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the advanced manufacturing and workforce development / higher education management industries. Strong business development professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Career Development, Coaching, Government, and Conflict Resolution.
Executive Director & CEO for the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC), Principal of McAtee Ventures, LLC, and Director of Additive Manufacturing for Tri-C. Before starting his own consulting company in 2007, McAtee served as Executive Director of the Workforce and Economic Development Division of Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, Ohio for seven years. And, before that, he spent over twenty-five years in engineering and senior leadership positions for Swagelok Company, an international manufacturing organization, based in Cleveland, Ohio.
In addition to his role at NCATC, he provides direction, technical support, and external evaluation for several national grants including the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), Weld-Ed (OH), Smart Grid Technicians (HI), Necessary Skills Now (TX), RCBI/Marshall Apprenticeship Works (WV), and others.
McAtee is also an active member of the Workforce & Economic Development Commission for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in Washington, DC, immediate past chair of AACC’s Council of Affiliated Councils (COAC), Co-Chair of the Workforce Industry Experience Working Group at America Makes, Director on the NextFlex Board for Workforce & Education in San Jose, CA. and member of the ARM Institute Education & Workforce Advisory Council in Pittsburg, PA.
He is actively involved with SME, SkillsUSA, FIRST Robotics, MSSC, NIMS, AWS, SACA, NC3, Urban Institute, and several other ManufacturingUSA workforce collaborations - including ARM, America Makes, LiFT, MxD, ReMADE, AIM Photonics, CESMII, CYMANII, and NIMBLE.
McAtee is also a BILT Academy Coach for 2020-2024 cohorts, a member of the 2021/22 BLU Manufacturing Recover Panel for the Biden Administration and a Keynote Speaker on “The Future of Work and Industry 4.0” across the nation, as time permits.
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Glade Montgomery
Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Project Lead the Way, Inc.
Glade Montgomery is a lifelong educator who prior to joining Project Lead The Way served for twenty-nine years in public education in Indiana. During that time, he held roles as teacher and administrator, most recently leading as the superintendent of schools in LaPorte, Indiana. Glade is part of PLTW’s Impact Team and serves as Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. His team works to develop partnerships with business and industry to connect the PLTW network to career learning experiences. He has also held roles on the Engagement Team leading the East Region, as well as the Strategic Accounts team. Glade also served as Chief of Staff, supporting the President and CEO. Glade earned doctoral, masters, and bachelor’s degrees from Purdue University. He received the 2010 Norbert Nelson Outstanding Educational Leadership Dissertation Award from Purdue University and was selected Administrator of the Year by the Indiana Association of Office Professionals in 2009.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Smart Manufacturing Workforce Development Best Practices | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Ritch Ramey
Director of Education
Association for Advancing Automation
Ritch has spent more than 35 years in the advanced manufacturing field promoting education and workforce development. As the Director of Education at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) Ritch can support and develop educational programming and workforce development initiatives for our more than 1200 members. He enjoys promoting career exploration and training in the smart manufacturing, Industry 4.0, robotics, and automation fields. He is skilled in program development, marketing, public speaking, grant writing, training, curriculum development, Learning Management System Platforms, coaching, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). He has been a local, regional, and state SkillsUSA CAD contest Coordinator. He also coordinated Ohio Vex Robotics State and local contests for many years as well as Outreach coordinator for the National Robotics Challenge from 2003 until 2022.
Ritch, as a PLTW certified instructor, has taught Digital Electronic (DE), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Engineering Design and Development (EDD) high school courses. Ritch is also certified and has taught Yaskawa Industrial and Collaborative Motoman Robotics, FANUC Robotics, Universal Robots, Parker Hydraulics, Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs, and SolidWorks classes. He takes great pride in being a professional and has a Bachelor of Science in Advanced Technology from Bowling Green State University and an Associate of Applied Science focused on Engineering from Marion Technical College. He also completed the Career Tech Education Certification from the University of Toledo.
Ritch also serves on the Arm Institute Educational Work Force Advisory Committee and has received various awards and honors such as the Marion Technical College Hall of Fame 2021, ARM Institute Champion Award for 2022, and the National Robotics Challenge Dr. James Hannamann award for 2019.
Session(s):
Welcome, Connect, Learn: A3 Introduction and Curriculum Highlights | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:15 AM
Daniela Rus
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
MIT
Prof. Rus served as a member of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) and on the Defense Innovation Board. She is a senior visiting fellow at MITRE Corporation. She currently serves as a USA expert for Global Partnerships in AI, on the board of trustees of MBZUAI, and on the board of directors of Mass Robotics. She also served as Deputy Dean of Research in the Schwarzman College of Computing at MIT between 2019-2022.
Prof. Rus is a MacArthur Fellow, a fellow of ACM, IEEE, AAAI and AAAS, a member of the National Academy of Engineering, and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is the recipient of the Engelberger Award for robotics, the IEEE RAS Pioneer award, IEEE RAS Technical award, Mass TLC Innovation Catalyst Award, and the IJCAI John McCarthy Award. She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell University.
Session(s):
One Robot for Any Task | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 9:00 AM
Andy Schaafs
Senior Director of Development
REC Foundation
Andy Schaafs graduated from Texas A&M University in 2000 with a BS in Chemical Engineering, followed by 8 years in the oil and gas industry. During this time Andy held positions including process engineer, commercial analyst, program manager, and asset manager.
In 2008, Andy decided to follow his passion in mentoring by obtaining an alternative certification to teach STEM in high school. Through a series of fortunate circumstances, he found himself the engineering lead at a large high school in a large school district. For ten years Andy ran the PLTW engineering and robotics programs for the high school, until he was selected to run the engineering and robotics programs for the entire district. Through this administrative position he worked more and more with the Texas state legislature, NASA administrators, and the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation to affect legislation that brought more funding and recognition to after-school STEM programs, primarily robotics and workforce development.
Since 2019, Andy has worked for the REC Foundation as a Director of Regional Operations, Director of Team Engagement and Workforce Development, and, currently, as the Senior Director of Development. His current role at the REC Foundation is responsible for the advocacy, corporate relations, and grant stewardship of the organization.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Smart Manufacturing Workforce Development Best Practices | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
Michka Tosan
Account Manager - Medical Robotics
KUKA Robotics
Michka Tosan is an Account Manager for Medical Robotics at KUKA Robotics Corporation. Over the past 7 years, Michka has supported key medical device manufacturers through their application development, fundraising rounds, FDA submissions, and product releases. With half a decade of experience in engineering and application development, Michka continues to support medical device manufacturing on the commercial side helping to ensure customer product development and market releases are well supported. His primary responsibilities include promoting robotic solutions for robotically assisted surgical devices and other medical systems. Michka is dedicated to supporting medical applications and customers so that patients receive the best care possible and medical device manufacturers are adequately equipped to provide patients with the best care possible.
Session(s):
LUNCHEON PANEL DISCUSSION: Preparing our Workforce for Smart Manufacturing Careers | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 11:45 AM
Chelle Travis
Executive Director
SkillsUSA
Chelle Travis is the executive director of SkillsUSA, a national organization of nearly 400,000 teachers and students operating within the framework of career and technical education (CTE). Travis was appointed in 2019 and leads a staff of 35 that manages a federation of 52 state and territorial SkillsUSA associations, one of which (Tennessee) Travis formerly led as its director. The work she's accomplished in two decades of advancing the cause of career and technical education makes Travis a perfect fit to help SkillsUSA, America’s proud champion of the skilled trades, continue to achieve its mission: to empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members.
Travis' professional experience is rooted in a wide variety of academic settings, from secondary institutions to universities to technical and community colleges. Prior to becoming executive director of SkillsUSA, she served as the senior director of workforce and economic development at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), where she built valuable partnerships with employers, workforce agencies and postsecondary institutions. Prior to her work at THEC, Travis served as associate vice chancellor for students for the Tennessee Board of Regents College System. There, she provided leadership in promoting student initiatives across 40 technical and community colleges.
Travis has collaborated with every category of CTE stakeholder to design curricula, develop programs, draft legislation and more. The ultimate goal of these and current efforts is the same: to help students realize their full personal and professional potential while elevating the value of CTE to the forefront of educational discourse.
Travis holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance, and a master’s degree in business administration, from Middle Tennessee State University. She is a doctoral student at Tennessee State University.
Session(s):
PANEL DISCUSSION: Smart Manufacturing Workforce Development Best Practices | Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 10:30 AM
John Zappa
Director of Product Management
Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute
John Zappa is the Director of Product Management at the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute. In this role, he is responsible for developing and promoting services that help the organization fulfill its mission to train and empower the manufacturing workforce for careers in robotics.
An industry expert on lifelong learning, John has spoken at numerous industry conferences including Chief Learning Officer Symposium, Society of Human Resource Management, and The Conference Board, and has co-authored articles on corporate tuition assistance programs and talent management.