I spent twenty-two years in the electrical industry as a journeyman wireman, estimator, and project manager. I got firsthand understanding of the program at ACT while checking on students from Vestavia Hills High School. These visits allowed me to meet the instructors and get to know the leadership. When I retired from education (2020), the leadership offered me the opportunity to work part time as an instructor and it's been a great fit.

I attended the Academy of Craft Training (ACT) in the 2017-2018 school year. In 2018, one week after high school graduation, I began my career in the construction industry with Brasfield and Gorrie. I traveled throughout the Southeast with opportunities to work on big-name jobs, such as Protective Stadium, Alabama Theater, Google and many more! In 2022, I was given the opportunity to come back to the Academy as the welding instructor. I have always been passionate about ACT and the opportunities received throughout the program. I am excited about coming back to mentor students and giving them the same opportunities I experienced.

I started working in commercial construction as an apprentice carpenter in 1997. Later in my career while working for a commercial construction company, I created an in-house four-year carpenter apprenticeship program that was certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, and I taught most of those classes for about seven years while working there. Knowing that and having a background in teaching carpentry classes made the decision to teach at the Academy a natural fit for me.

I started in construction in 1989 and began educating construction students in 2016. I have been a licensed HVAC contractor for 22 years and a HVACR instructor for six. years. I was blessed with the opportunity to help with the startup of ACT in 2016 and consider it a great opportunity to help train tomorrow's workforce.

I started working in construction with my grandfather and my uncles when I was 12 years old. They worked in the construction industry for most of their lives, and I was able to work with them during the summers. I attended and graduated from Alabama A&M University with an electrical engineering degree and began my professional career with South Central Bell, where I worked for more than 28 years. I was offered an opportunity to come and teach at the Academy of Craft Training for a summer class and have been a part of the ACT team since 2019.

I began in construction in 1968 and education in 1992. I joined the Academy of Craft Training as the electrical instructor in 2016. Harris previously served two years as adjunct professor for electrical technology at Gadsden State Community College. Prior to that, he served as an instructor at Calhoun County Career Technical Center. While there, he led classes to earn 20 Skills USA medals, 100 percent membership in Skills USA, and three student entries to Skills USA national competitions. I have recently been awarded Calhoun County Career Technical School Teacher of the Year, the Alabama Skills USA Honorary Life Membership Award, and Associated Builders and Contractors 2022 National Teacher of the Year.

In 2005, I started working as a school counselor at a local middle school in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. I have had the pleasure of working with students in all developmental stages and from various backgrounds for the last 18 years. I am currently working on my doctorate, and my passion is mentoring youth to ensure success in the school environment. I was recruited to help pilot the program in 2016 to help assist the schools and students with this new exciting opportunity. This program has been life-changing for many of our students and I am fortunate to be a part of their process!

I started as a classroom teacher and became an administrator in 2005 with Jefferson County Schools. In 2010, I accepted an administrative position at Shades Valley Technical Academies, and it was there that I realized that career/technical education can transform high school into a launching pad for students in their future career. I am passionate about the ACT because our program goals are consistent with my goals as a professional. I love helping students connect to their future and watching them grow into professionals who know how to get a job, keep a job, and advance!