TradesNKY announces four new members to Board of Directors

TradesNKY has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of directors, bringing additional leadership and industry expertise to the organization’s mission of strengthening the region’s skilled trades workforce.

TradesNKY works in partnership with educators and industry leaders to provide career planning and hands-on learning opportunities that mirror traditional college preparation. The organization’s mission is to help students discover viable, rewarding career paths while building a strong regional workforce.

New board members include Philippe Garnier, CEO and general manager of Safran Landing Systems; Michael Taylor, HR director at Riegler Blacktop; John Strawser, owner of Stud Chopper and former COO of Valley Interior Systems; and Randy Hemmerle, Vice President of Administration at KraussMaffei.

The new members represent a range of industries including manufacturing, construction and workforce development, and will help guide TradesNKY as it continues to expand career pathways and awareness of skilled trades opportunities across Northern Kentucky.

“TradesNKY is committed to connecting students, educators and industry leaders to strengthen the skilled trades pipeline in our region,” said Lorraine O’Moore, executive director of TradesNKY. “These new board members bring valuable expertise and passion for workforce development that will help advance our mission.”

Philippe Garnier serves as CEO and general manager of Safran Landing Systems’ Kentucky facility in Walton, where he has led the site since 2015. Garnier joined the company in 1987 and has held multiple leadership roles, including quality manager and vice president of both the Wheels & Brakes and Carbon facilities. Under his leadership, the Walton site has continued to grow as a key contributor to Kentucky’s aerospace manufacturing sector.

Michael Taylor, HR director at Riegler Blacktop, has worked closely with Boone County Schools through the Heavy Equipment Sciences program since 2022, helping mentor students and connect them with careers in construction. The partnership has helped mentor, employ or graduate 29 students since the program began.

“I wanted to serve on the TradesNKY board to help make it clearer for students, parents and counselors what career paths and local opportunities exist in the skilled trades,” Taylor said. “I also want to help streamline the process for businesses of all sizes to get involved with developing the workforce of tomorrow.”

John Strawser, owner of Stud Chopper and former chief operating officer of Valley Interior Systems, has spent decades supporting workforce development in the construction industry. He served on the Spirit of Construction board of directors for 20 years and now holds emeritus status. His work has focused on youth education and hands-on learning, including helping develop the MACkit curriculum (Math Applied in Construction) through the Construction Career Advocacy Program.

“After seeing the success that visual and hands-on learning can have with students, I couldn’t say no to the opportunity to help strengthen what TradesNKY is building,” Strawser said. “Many students thrive when learning is practical and experiential, and organizations like TradesNKY are helping create better pathways for them.”

Randy Hemmerle, Vice President of Administration at KraussMaffei, has extensive experience supporting workforce development through industry partnerships with Gateway Community & Technical College and the Northern Kentucky FAME apprenticeship program. His company also collaborates with multiple school districts in the region to support curriculum development and technical education initiatives.

“The vision of TradesNKY aligns with my passion for creating opportunities and pathways for students,” Hemmerle said. “This board is made up of individuals who are committed to getting things done, and that’s exciting.”

TradesNKY works with schools, employers and community partners to raise awareness of skilled trades careers and connect students with education and training opportunities that lead to high-demand jobs across the region.