As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, AJAC is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors that oversees AJAC’s overall strategic vision, organizational sustainability and long-term financial health.
Board members represent AJAC’s many stakeholders, including small and medium-sized advanced manufacturing employers, colleges, and local workforce development boards from across Washington State.
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.
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.
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.
Kathleen Harvey is currently serving as the Assistant Managing Director at the Department of Commerce, Community Services Division. With more than 30 years of professional experience in human services and justice programs, her leadership is rooted in proven programs, effective practices, and targeted outcomes.
Her professional work is based on public and private partnerships, evidence-based and landmark programs. She is committed to building meaningful service through civic engagement, partner connections, and human-centered design to support the success of youth, families, and communities. Over the past fifteen years, Kathleen has been able to champion change and bring about equity and social justice reform by creating guided pathways in education, vocation, and employment.
Kathleen earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Washington State University and a Master’s in Psychology with an emphasis in children and family studies from Chapman University.
In 2017, she was awarded the Washington State Governor’s Award for Leadership and Management in Youth Reentry. Kathleen enjoys hiking, trail running, and cycling in the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Andrew Norman is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience, and he holds a SHRM–SCP certification. He started his career as an HR Intern and has steadily worked his way up to his current role as Director of Human Resources for Pexco Aerospace in Union Gap, WA. He is accountable for: culture, recruitment, compensation, performance management, policy development, regulatory compliance, apprenticeships, and employee engagement. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Eastern Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Business from Seattle University.
Andrew has a passion for the aerospace industry and helping to build the future at Pexco. He is happily married, has 5 kids, and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities.
Andrew joined the AJAC Executive Board in September 2023.
Jacquelin Earley is the Workforce Development Coordinator for Sierra Pacific Industries; a third-generation family-owned forest products company. Prior to her current role she was human resources for SPI’s Shelton Division Sawmill and Fabrication Division.
Jacquelin is a member of multiple community organizations including the South Sound Council, PacMtn Workforce Development Council Board of Directors, Capital STEM Alliance, and most recently AJAC/ AMJTC Board of Directors. Jacquelin is a graduate of Washington State University Carson College of Business emphasizing in Management, Marketing, and Human Resources. Her industry focus includes advanced manufacturing, the forest products industry, and youth engagement.
Matt Poischbeg is a seasoned professional with deep roots in apprenticeship and manufacturing. Starting his career through apprenticeships in Germany, he gained a hands-on approach that has influenced his work ever since. As an AJAC advisor since 2013, he’s used his two decades of experience in the plastics industry to shape apprenticeship programs and curriculum development in the U.S., making significant strides in education and industry collaboration.
A part owner of SEA-LECT Plastics, Matt’s leadership as Vice President/General Manager led to operational successes and the creation of innovative apprenticeship programs. His efforts have not only improved company performance but also positioned him as a key player in advocating for youth apprenticeships, earning acknowledgment from leaders like Governor Jay Inslee. With a BA in Business from the University of Hamburg, Matt combines practical experience with academic insight, driving forward a vision where education and industry work hand in hand for a skilled and adaptable workforce.