I grew up in Clearwater Florida, an actual born and raised Floridian, where I received an Associate’s Degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Western Carolina University and began my career with the City of Clearwater. After 15 years, I went on to become the Director of a non-profit organization; then I became an Owners’ Representative managing $55 million+ construction/technology projects; and owned a marketing company working with several manufacturers and the German American Chamber of Commerce South, Florida Chapter, among others. I have a unique blend of experience in all of these sectors which has helped me to develop AmSkills into an increasingly successful Workforce Training and Apprenticeships program, for the Manufacturing industry.AmSkills was established in 2014 as an Economic Development Initiative for the Tampa Bay Region and is a 501©3 non-profit organization with a Mission to Transform Lives and Strengthen Communities Through Workforce Training and Apprenticeships. I joined AmSkills in February 2015, became AmSkills CEO one year later and has secured more than $15 Million in grants and other funding sources for AmSkills.AmSkills, is helping the Manufacturing industry and others overcome the barriers to recruit and hire a skilled workforce by implementing creative ways to RECRUIT, TRAIN and SUSTAIN youth, adults, veterans, and the economically impacted, into career paths. Our AmSkills team has been instrumental in leading the creation of the AmSkills Mobile Workshop and Career Discovery Bootcamp, which is a fast-track, proven pipeline to recruit and train vetted candidates into entry level positions. We have launched numerous efforts including establishing the first Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Pasco County Schools; launching the first Florida Department of Education (FDOE) High School Pre-Apprenticeship and other Apprenticeships, including Machining, Mechatronics & Robotics.Other professional involvement includes being a member of the Bay Area Manufacturing Association and Nature Coast Manufacturing Associations, Member of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute, City of Tampa Mayor's Council on Workforce Development and was recently featured in the Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the “Top 25 People to Watch in 2022.”