2026/27 HTEC COUNCIL NOMINEES
Andrew Bias
Folsom High School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I’ve been teaching Advanced Manufacturing and Product Design at Folsom High School since 2018. During that time, I’ve built and expanded a hands-on manufacturing pathway focused on CNC machining, welding, CAD/CAM, fabrication, robotics, and workforce readiness. Before teaching, I worked in industry and came into education through the trades, which heavily influences how I teach. My focus has always been on building programs that prepare students for real careers, apprenticeships, college manufacturing programs, and industry certifications while keeping instruction relevant to modern manufacturing
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
One of my favorite things to teach is professional and soft skills within a manufacturing environment. Technical skills matter, but the students who succeed long term are usually the ones who can communicate, solve problems, work on a team, show up consistently, and take ownership of their work. I enjoy teaching it because you can see students grow quickly when they start understanding what employers actually value. Watching students gain confidence, professionalism, and leadership skills is just as rewarding as teaching them how to run a machine or weld.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation have played a major role in helping grow and strengthen our program. The support has helped provide students with access to industry-standard equipment, training opportunities, curriculum resources, networking, scholarships, and connections to both industry and postsecondary partners. Just as important, HTEC has created a strong community of educators who openly share ideas, resources, and solutions to help improve manufacturing education and create better opportunities for students.
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
Skills & Project MFG
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
the networking and collaboration
David Berry
Southwestern Illinois College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I began teaching in 2013 as an adjunct instructor in Precision Machining Technology while I was still completing my Associate of Applied Science degree in Precision Machining Technology at Southwestern Illinois College. Although I have only about six months of traditional manufacturing industry employment, my professional career has been dedicated to manufacturing education and workforce development. In 2018, I became a full-time instructor and have taught a broad range of courses including manual machining, CNC machining, CAD/CAM, metrology, GD&T, metallurgy, and engineering-related technologies. During this time, I spearheaded the development of Southwestern Illinois College's multi-axis machining program, helping expand the curriculum to include advanced CNC programming and machining strategies. I have also developed curriculum and coached student competition teams for multiple national awards. In 2024, I was appointed Coordinator of Industrial Technology and Precision Machining Technology at Southwestern Illinois College, where I oversee program development, curriculum planning, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives that support manufacturing education. Overall, I have more than 13 years of experience teaching and leading manufacturing education programs.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
My favorite subjects to teach are CAM programming and 5-axis machining. I enjoy them because they combine technical knowledge, problem-solving, and creativity in a way that few other manufacturing disciplines can. There is a tremendous amount of artistry involved in developing efficient multi-axis toolpaths, optimizing machine motion, and finding innovative ways to manufacture complex parts. I am especially drawn to 5-axis machining because it represents the cutting edge of modern manufacturing technology. It challenges students to think differently about part geometry, workholding, and machining strategy while exposing them to the advanced processes used throughout industry. Seeing a complex part come to life from a digital model is both rewarding and exciting, and that enthusiasm is something I enjoy sharing with my students.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation play a major role in supporting our program. Their grants help fund student competitions, Manufacturing Day activities that reach nearly 1,400 students each year, and student scholarships. Their support also helped establish naming rights for our Advanced Manufacturing Lab and provides resources that allow us to expand opportunities for students and strengthen our connection to industry
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
Skills & Project MFG
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking with other folks in the industry
Jessica Burzminski
Red River College Polytechnic
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I am a Red Seal Machinist and have been involved in the manufacturing industry since 2011. My industry experience includes operating and programming a variety of CNC mills and lathes, producing components for military vehicles, HVAC systems, and the oil and gas sector. I began teaching at Red River College Polytechnic in January 2021 and have over five years of teaching experience. I teach a variety of subjects including CAD/CAM design and programming, advanced CNC mill and lathe setup and operation, and multi-axis machining. I also serve as a CNC trainer and am involved with Skills Manitoba and Skills Canada as a member of both the Provincial and National Technical Committees for CNC Machining. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and helping students develop their skills and confidence in machining. Seeing students grow, succeed, and discover their own passion for the trade is the most rewarding part of my career. I was recently honored to be a finalist for my college's Teacher of Excellence Award after being nominated by my students.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
My favorite subjects to teach are CAD and CAM. I enjoy teaching these areas because they allow students to turn ideas into real-world products. It is rewarding to watch students develop their design skills, learn industry-standard software, and gain confidence in creating accurate models and manufacturing programs. I also enjoy the strong connection between CAD and CAM. Students can see the entire process, from designing a part on the computer to producing it on a CNC machine. This hands-on application helps them understand how design decisions impact manufacturing and prepares them for careers in the machining and manufacturing industry.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC supports our instructors by providing funding opportunities to attend the annual HTEC Conference, where we gain valuable knowledge, learn about new technologies and industry trends, and network with educators and industry partners from across North America. The Gene Haas Foundation supports our students through scholarships and bursaries that help reduce the cost of education. They also provide funding opportunities that allow students to participate in competitions such as Skills Canada, where they can showcase their skills, and gain valuable experience.
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
Skills, Phillips Machinist App
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking and meeting like-minded people!
Brian Cummings
Worcester Technical High School and Quinsigamond Community College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
With a strong foundation built on years of industry experience and hands-on training prior to stepping into the classroom, I have spent the last 26 years dedicated to CAD/CAM/CNC education. My passion lies in advanced manufacturing, particularly through a deep commitment to Haas CNC education—a dedication that recently culminated in the complete renovation and relocation of our program to mirror a modern, high-tech industry environment. Beyond my own classroom, I am deeply invested in supporting peer educators. I serve as the Executive Director for our state’s Career and Technical Educator's organization (MassCTE), and have spent several incredible years serving on the HTEC Council. Serving as the HTEC Council President was an exceptionally rewarding highlight of my career, allowing me to help shape manufacturing education on a larger scale. I look forward to connecting with fellow educators and industry partners at this year's conference to talk about where our field is heading next!
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
I enjoy project management and group projects that cater to all grade and experience levels, from CAD design to CAM programming, to material planning, machining, inspection, and final assembly. All tasks are designed to support each students abilities..
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation are the backbone of our program’s success, providing the crucial grant funding and industry-standard resources that made our recent high-tech facility renovation and relocation possible. The network also delivers invaluable teacher training and peer collaboration that keep our curriculum aligned with modern manufacturing. Ultimately, this partnership ensures our program's high school and post-graduate students are trained on top-tier equipment and graduate fully prepared for high-demand careers.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
No
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Reconnecting with instructor peers I have known for years and making new connections. The topics and presentations provide me with fresh ideas to bring back to my program and find ways to implement best practices from others in my industry.
Bob Diaz
College of Southern Nevada
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I teach students to draw Mechanical Technical Drawings to include GD&T
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
CADD to Additive Manufacturing
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
Provides a program that I have been requesting for 16 years
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
No
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
Do you receive Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship grants for your students?
Yes
Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Hands on workshops
Bob Doucet
New Brunswick Community College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I got into machining in 2007 and quickly realized it’s one of those trades where you never actually “know it all.” There’s always a new method, a new software or a better way of doing things. Since then, I’ve completed my apprenticeship as a CNC Machinist through the provincial certification program and earned my Red Seal Machinist certification. In 2018, I moved into education at NBCC, where I’ve been teaching CNC machining at the post-secondary level. I cover both classroom theory and hands-on shop instruction, including machining fundamentals, CNC programming, setup, and general manufacturing practices. Alongside teaching, I’ve been involved for 8 years as a National Technical Committee member with Skills Canada and have worked as a subject matter expert in Atlantic curriculum development. I really enjoy working with other tradespeople and educators, it helps me stay current with industry expectations, and feeds directly back into how I train and assess students in the shop.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
This is a tough one, as I genuinely enjoy a lot of the subjects I teach. That said, my favourite would have to be CNC programming and supporting students with software applications. It’s the most direct link between the classroom and the shop floor, you can take what you’ve learned, apply it immediately, and see real parts being made. I also really enjoyed teaching GD&T in the past, as it challenges students to think more critically about design intent and how parts function together. But programming stands out for me because it’s where everything comes together and students can quickly see the impact of their decisions in the shop
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC has significantly expanded my network of educators and industry connections, which has directly helped me strengthen and continuously improve my program. Being part of that community has provided access to shared resources, ideas, and best practices that I can bring directly into the classroom and shop. The Gene Haas Foundation has also had a very real impact on my students through scholarship support. These awards provide meaningful financial relief, and it’s always rewarding to see the reaction when students learn that their next semester tuition is partially or fully supported. You can genuinely see some of the stress lift off their shoulders.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
Do you receive Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship grants for your students?
Yes
Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
My favorite part is reconnecting with past attendees, meeting new people, and building relationships with educators both nationally and internationally. I really value the time we have to share experiences and discuss teaching and assessment methods, and to compare how differently we approach instruction while still working toward the same end goal of getting students ready to start a career.
Matt Erbach
South Elgin High School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I am in my 20th year of teaching and have taught precision manufacturing all 20 years in two Illinois high schools.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
I love teaching 3+2 and 5 axis machining to my students, and have worked with them to create exciting projects that have pushed the boundaries of what high school manufacturing is.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC provides the ultimate resource for all things related to teaching manufacturing and it financial support is critical to my students continual success in manufacturing competitions and college/apprenticeship scholarships.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Project MFG
Phillips Machinist
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
The fantastic project ideas I get from other HTEC schools.
Bailee Gilbert
Wayne Community College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I graduated from Wayne Community College in May 2015 with a degree in Computer-Integrated Machining and began my manufacturing career at NC Manufacturing while I started working on my bachelor’s degree. In August of 2015, I was contacted by one of my former instructors about an opening in the Machining program and accepted the opportunity to teach. I began as the 1st year machining instructor and, in 2019, was promoted to Lead Instructor following my supervisor’s retirement. I am now entering my 11th year teaching, where I continue to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
My favorite topic to teach is CNC Programming fundamentals. It was the area that truly sparked my passion for machining because as a student, I struggled with manual machining and many of the processes did not immediately click. Learning G-code, setting up CNC machines, and running parts gave me a new understanding of the trade. I now enjoy watching my students experience the same moment of understanding.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation have had a tremendous impact on both me and WCC’s machining program. They have helped me grow professionally by connecting me with instructors from across the U.S. and around the world. Through those relationships, I’ve exchanged ideas, discovered new teaching strategies, and discussed common challenges. Those experiences have continued to fuel my passion for teaching and finding new ways to help students succeed. The Gene Haas Foundation has also made a direct impact on our students by providing scholarships and tool assistance, helping reduce financial barriers and giving them resources to be successful. HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation have strengthened both my growth as an educator and the opportunities available to my students.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
FIRST
Phillips
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking not only at the conference, but long after it ends
Kurt Jensen
Northridge High School
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why
Machining is my favorite subject because I love showing my students how everyday things are made!
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
The Gene Haas Foundation & HTEC is hands down the most valuable resource in machining education. My program is successful because through Gene Haas & the HTEC network I can learn from the best CNC educators in the country & provide resources for my students to further their machining education & skills.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills
Project MFG
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking with the best CNC teachers in the country!
Will Hatch
Central New Mexico Community College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
2 Years instructing and designing curriculum, before that 10 years manufacturing prototypes for the defense industry including HE machining.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
I enjoy teaching the higher level design classes at my school because I get to allow the students creativity to shine while they design and manufacture a part.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC has introduced me to other instructors I can ask for advice on topics I’m unsure of, and the foundation has helped my students to afford the tools needed to succeed in their careers
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills & Project MFG
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
My favorite part of the conferences is sharing knowledge with each other so we can all advance our programs.
Caleb Guillion
South Elgin High School
Current Educator Role/Title
Instructor
Which council position(s) are you interested in?
Secretary: 1 year term
will attend all monthly meetings take minutes, and mail to council after each meeting.
Vice President: 1 year VP term 1 year President term
(2 year commitment)
Advancement/ School Administration/ Workforce Development: 1 year term - 3 positions available
Secondary: 1 year term - 3 positions available
Post Secondary: 1 year term - 5 positions available
University:1 year term - 3 positions available
You may run for Executive council and level positions simultaneously, but must have previously served on the HTEC Council to run for Executive Council.
Questions contact: asisk@haas
Post Secondary
What school are you currently teaching at?
Calhoun Community College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching for a year and working in manufacturing for 5 years.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
5 axis milling, it is rewarding to see students excel using the information that I give them.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC helps our program immensely, and is an event we look forward to. Being around other educators helps us see where we can improve and also gives us a benchmark to see how our program compares to others across the United States. The GHF allows us to help students who would otherwise not be able to pay for classes, as a former recipient of a GHF scholarship, I will always be an advocate for the foundation and those who work so hard to make it better each year.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills
Project MFG
Phillips Machinist
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
Myles Harris
Ulster County BOCES
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching for 3 years at Ulster BOCES where we have competed every year in Project MFG, FRC, Skills USA and NASA HUNCH while also working on many other projects during that time. I previously worked our local HFO for 5 years where I was an applications engineer and trainer for programming and operating Haas machines. This experience allowed to be apart of many different shops in many different industries in quick time frame. I also, have been an adjunct at our local college for the past 7 years, teaching a manufacturing 501 and 502.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
Robotics if my favorite time of the year because it puts everything into "high gear" to create a robot
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
The HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation has helped many of our students with scholarships for continuing education, maintain our First Robotics team and further develop our manufacturing lab by allowing us to become the Gene Haas Manufacturing Futures Lab
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
FIRST, SkillsUSA, Project MFG, Phillips Machinist Contest
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Meeting with other teachers and sharing ideas on classroom practices and how to teach certain topics
Amanda Hylton
Institute of Advanced Learning & Research
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I am an executive leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing manufacturing, workforce development, and education through strategic leadership, partnership development, and innovative program design. My background includes teaching in K–12 public education and developing curriculum that prepares students for future careers, while collaborating with colleges, workforce organizations, and industry partners to design, secure funding for, and implement postsecondary manufacturing and technical training programs. Throughout my career, I have bridged the gap between education and industry by developing programs that prepare students and incumbent workers with the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in today's advanced manufacturing environment. I am passionate about creating educational pathways that align with the evolving needs of advanced manufacturing and strengthen the workforce pipeline. Throughout my career, I have secured and managed federal, state, and private grants and contract funding to develop, launch, and sustain workforce and manufacturing education initiatives. I have led cross-sector collaborations that bring together education, industry, government, and community partners to expand training opportunities, increase access to high-demand careers, and support regional economic growth. As an executive leader, I provide strategic oversight of multi-million-dollar budgets, financial planning, pricing strategies, and job costing to ensure programs are fiscally responsible, scalable, and deliver measurable results. I am passionate about manufacturing education and believe that strong collaboration between educators and industry leaders is essential to building the next generation of skilled talent. I believe the future of manufacturing is built through education, collaboration, and innovation, and that meaningful workforce transformation begins by creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and succeed. I am passionate about building innovative pathways that empower individuals, strengthen industry, and create thriving, resilient communities for generations to come.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
While I haven't taught manufacturing courses at the postsecondary level, my favorite thing to teach has always been possibility. As a K–12 educator, I loved helping students see the connection between what they were learning and the opportunities that awaited them beyond the classroom. Whether I was finding creative ways to make difficult concepts click or helping students discover strengths they didn't know they had, my greatest satisfaction came from watching them realize their own potential and envision a future they hadn't considered. Today, that passion continues in a different way. Rather than teaching in the classroom, I work alongside educators, colleges, manufacturers, and community partners to build the programs, partnerships, and funding that make those opportunities possible. I find the same fulfillment in mentoring staff, helping them understand the "why" behind our work, and developing future leaders as I did working with students. Securing grants and contract funding isn't just about supporting programs—it's about investing in people. Every dollar we secure helps create pathways that equip students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in manufacturing careers while strengthening the workforce and communities we serve. For me, manufacturing education has always been about empowering people to see what's possible and helping create the opportunities that allow them to achieve it.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
The Gene Haas Foundation and HTEC have been transformative to both our programs and my own journey in manufacturing education. The scholarship support has provided students with opportunities to access training, develop critical skills, and pursue pathways into manufacturing careers that may not have otherwise been within reach. Seeing the impact of that investment on students reinforces the importance of creating opportunities and removing barriers for the next generation of the workforce. Equally impactful has been the community created by this network of educators. As someone who does not teach manufacturing in a traditional classroom setting, I have been welcomed, supported, and encouraged by educators who generously share their knowledge, experiences, and resources. This community has allowed me to learn about manufacturing education in ways I could not have gained on my own, while helping me grow as a leader and advocate for the field. Being surrounded by professionals who share a passion for manufacturing education has created opportunities to exchange ideas, collaborate on solutions, and learn from one another’s experiences. These relationships have strengthened our programs, expanded our perspectives, and reinforced the belief that the greatest impact happens when educators, industry, and communities work together. More than a professional network, this group has become a family committed to supporting one another and creating meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and the future manufacturing workforce.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skillls
Project MFG
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
My favorite part of these conferences is that they inspire the art of the possible. The opportunity to connect with educators from across the nation, learn from their experiences, and step outside of my own perspective allows me to see firsthand the emerging technologies, evolving trends, and innovative approaches shaping the future of manufacturing education. These experiences challenge me to think bigger, spark new ideas, and envision opportunities that can strengthen and expand our own programs. I leave each conference with renewed energy, a deeper understanding of what is possible, and a commitment to bringing those insights back to create meaningful opportunities for students and the future manufacturing workforce.
Dan Kernion
Redmond High School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching Manufacturing Technology at the secondary level for 13 years, helping students develop technical skills in machining, CNC programming, welding, fabrication, and advanced manufacturing. Prior to entering education, I accumulated more than 20 years of industry experience in CNC machining and programming, working extensively with manufacturing processes, precision machining, and production environments. In addition to my classroom responsibilities, I have served on the advisory council for the Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC) for the past three years, collaborating with industry and educational partners to strengthen manufacturing education programs and align student learning with workforce needs. My combined experience in industry and education allows me to connect classroom instruction to real-world manufacturing applications and career pathways.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
My favorite subject to teach is CNC machining and programming because it gives students a direct connection between digital design and real-world production. Watching students go from learning code and toolpaths to producing accurate, functional parts on a machine is highly rewarding. It also mirrors real industry practice, which helps students see the relevance of what they are learning and builds confidence in their technical problem-solving skills. I especially enjoy seeing students progress from basic setups to independently troubleshooting and optimizing their own work.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
The Haas Technical Education Community (HTEC) and the Gene Haas Foundation have been instrumental in strengthening our manufacturing program by providing industry alignment, professional development, curriculum support, and access to a broader network of educators and industry partners. HTEC supports our program by connecting us with best practices in CNC machining and advanced manufacturing education, helping ensure our instruction remains current with industry standards and technology. The Gene Haas Foundation has provided critical financial support that directly impacts student learning and program growth. Most notably, we recently received the Gene Haas Naming Rights Grant in the amount of $600,000, which is currently being used to construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing shop. This facility will significantly expand our capacity to serve students, improve hands-on training opportunities, and better prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing.
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills, ProjectMFG, and SAE
Are you interested in presenting a session or joining a panel to discuss a topic at an upcoming HTEC conference?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
My favorite part of the Haas Technical Education Community conferences is the collaboration with other instructors from across the nation. The opportunity to share ideas, curriculum strategies, and real-world classroom solutions with educators who are facing similar challenges is incredibly valuable. Beyond the technical training and sessions, HTEC feels like more than a conference—it is a community. The relationships built there are ongoing and supportive, making it feel like a professional family that continues to grow and strengthen over time.
Tommy Morris
Lanier Technical College
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been the program director and instructor for the precision machining and manufacturing program at Lanier Technical College for the last 11 years. This program is one of the original programs for the college when it opened in 1964. I started my career in machining in 1992 after I graduated high school. I worked in many different areas of the machining world during my 25 years in the industry. Job shops, aerospace, weapons and ammunition, and tool & die. Tool & Die is where my passion is. I was a toolmaker of injection molds, extrusion dies, and punch dies for around 20 years of my time in the industry. This is where I learned just how OCD I can be! I am married with two beautiful daughters and live in Dahlonega, Georgia. Both of my daughters have competed in Skills USA for CNC programming, and advanced to nationals twice at the high school level. The machining program at Lanier Tech has had multiple medalists at the national level for CNC and manual machining competitions. I am an active member of the Technical College System of Georgia’s machining instructor's consortium where I currently hold the chair position. We review and change the state's learning outcomes and requirements for the machining programs throughout the state.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
Manual Machining and CAD/CAM I am a very old school instructor who believes that manual machines are the foundation of the trade. CAD/CAM is just fun to show students how to turn a print into a 3-d part on the screen and then they learn how to make it.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
The Gene Haas Foundation has been a huge boost to the school’ program. Starting with scholarships, then moving onto purchasing books for the students, and now supplying tool bags for every graduating student. The HTEC community and its conferences have given me the information to make all the above happen plus new insights on different ways to deliver the knowledge that we all have in our heads to the students.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
The people!!!!!
Larry Oligny
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching various manufacturing courses from basic machining to complete manufacturing and assembly lines for ten years. My industry background is in composites and tool and die design and fabrication.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
My favorite class I teach is called Manufacturing Processes and Systems. In this class I take students with various backgrounds and develop a manufacturing system to "mass" produce a product. This is my favorite as I get to see the pride in a student when they complete the project and having alumni return and say how much the class has helped them.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation has helped form our program to what it is. From opening up doors to new technology and spaces, to sharing of ideas and support of a community, to directly helping our students attend competitions and further their education, a lot of it would not be possible without the foundation.
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Getting to meet others how take pride in teaching and changing peoples lives.
Courtenay Rimaldi
Mission Secondary School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching for 17 years. I first began with automotive, then woodworking, and have been metalworking since 2011. I did not start with any CNC until 2019 when we acquired our Haas Mini Mill upon a whim decision and haven't looked back. This has brought so many opportunities to help other educators, and help so many students find a new pathway they may have never pursued. Teaching is my passion to help shape our next generation and watch them surpass our skills and expectations.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
CAD/CAM/CNC are all my favorite as I love to show the pathway of how one connects to the next.
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation has helped to bring manufacturing to secondary schools in BC, Canada. Before all of this, we were solely a single Post-Secondary campus to have students enter the pathway. With the help of HTEC educators and networking, we have expanded our reach to over 10 schools with machines, and thousands of students. The Gene Haas Foundation has helped students to enter the Post-Secondary pathway, as well as equip them with a toolkit to enter the workforce and expand manufacturing to the next generation.
Do your students compete in any MFG competitions?
Skills
Project MFG
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking to bring new ideas and projects to my students to continue to build their skills and excitement around manufacturing.
Scott Seacrist
Lincoln High School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
Teaching and the trades are in my blood. Raised by educators, my technical foundation was built in family cabinet and sheet metal shops, while my mentorship path began as an Eagle Scout. I entered education as a traditionally trained history teacher, but my passion for manufacturing—sparked by a high school CAD/CAM/CNC class—soon drew me to my true calling. Over a 20-year career as a shop and engineering educator, I have built sustainable, industry-aligned wood and CNC programs, teaching auto shop and robotics along the way. Today, I lead a comprehensive, four-year Engineering program at Lincoln High School, home of the Fighting Zebras, which earned me the honor of being named the WPUSD Teacher of the Year in 2026. Beyond the classroom, I operate a small machine shop out of my garage and tutor CAD/CAM software. Bringing this authentic, "chips-on-the-floor" experience into my curriculum allows me to bridge the gap between education and industry, showing students that the skilled trades are viable, rewarding, and evolving lifelong crafts.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
Advanced Manufacturing/Product Design
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
Provided Support for my students, with scholarships, tooling packages, Skills USA support and general support.
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
No
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
Skills
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking and learn how other teacher approach teaching is complex subject.
Greg Smith
Pleasant Valley High School
Briefly describe your teaching history and experience in manufacturing industry or education, including how many years you have been teaching.
I have been teaching Industrial Technology / Engineering for 21 years. My first 7 years were teaching traditional shop - welding, manual machining, small engines, woodworking construction. At my next job of 13 years, I mainly taught engineering, manual and CNC machining and electronics. The current job, I am back to teaching welding, small engines and manual and CNC machining.
What is your favorite topic/ subject to teach and why?
I like making things and troubleshooting through the problems. It is cool when you thought of an idea, designed it in CAD, made the CAM and then machined it to a semi-finished part. Why, because it is just so dang cool!
How does HTEC and Gene Haas Foundation help you in your Program?
HTEC and the Gene Haas Foundation have changed my life and the lives of my students. Over the past 10 years, the Gene Haas Foundation has given my program(s) over $150,000. Most of which has been for student scholarships. Just a few weeks ago, JD got a scholarship to pursue machining. He didn't think he was someone who could even get a scholarship. The networking that I have done with other HTEC educators has allowed me to get things for my program through donations, so that in itself is worth a lot
Have you previously served on HTEC council?
Yes
What MFG Competitions do you students compete in?
FIRST Robotics, Project MFG, & other competitions
What is your favorite part of HTEC conferences?
Networking with other like minded educators.