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.
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.
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.
Travis Piatz is the Chief Operating Officer and Equal Opportunity Officer for South Central Workforce, where he leads organizational strategy, workforce development initiatives, employer engagement efforts, and operational excellence across South Central Washington. Prior to entering workforce development, Travis spent more than a decade in the manufacturing industry at Tree Top, Inc., serving in progressive leadership roles including Human Resources Manager and Manufacturing Manager. During his time in manufacturing, he oversaw plant operations, workforce planning, employee relations, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Throughout his manufacturing career, Travis experienced firsthand the critical importance of developing skilled talent pipelines to support business growth and operational success. At Tree Top, he partnered with AJAC to implement maintenance apprenticeship programs, helping cultivate highly skilled maintenance technicians while creating advancement opportunities for incumbent workers. That experience demonstrated the value of registered apprenticeships in addressing workforce shortages, building technical skills, and strengthening Washington’s manufacturing sector.
Today, Travis works closely with employers, educational institutions, labor partners, and community organizations to develop workforce strategies that align talent development with industry demand. His unique perspective, shaped by both manufacturing operations and workforce system leadership, enables him to advocate for practical, employer-driven solutions that support economic growth and career pathways throughout Washington State.
A longtime advocate for workforce development and human resources excellence, Travis has served in several leadership and volunteer roles, including as a board member of the South Central Workforce Development Council and president of the Yakima Valley Human Resource Association. He is committed to expanding access to apprenticeship, technical training, and career advancement opportunities for Washington’s workforce.