PROGRAMMATIC
ACCREDITATION

Education

Steve has a master's degree in education with a Certificate in Instructional Technology.

Work Experience

He has worked as a HVACR Service Technician (New York, New Jersey), HVACR Instructor (New Jersey), HVACR Curriculum Writer (Washington DC, South Carolina, Michigan), School Administrator (New Jersey), State Director of HVACR Apprenticeship (New Jersey), Executive Director of the Green Mechanical Council, and various roles with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices.

During his years with the United Association, Steve served as: Director of Instructional Technology, Assistant Director of Training, Senior Consultant HVACR Education and Recruitment / Perkins Education Act Partnerships, and the Director of the Sustainable Technologies Department. In these roles he worked with manufacturers, contractors, associations, and career technical schools to develop partnerships that lead to employment.

He is the developer of the STAR Testing and Certification program and was the Refrigeration Expert and Competitor Judge representing the United States at the World Skills Competition.

Education

He earned his Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technology from Lone Star College, his B.S. in Industrial Technology, and an MBA in Construction Project Management from Lamar University. He is currently completing his Doctorate in Educational Global Leadership at Lamar University. He also holds multiple industry credentials, including Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, ACR Certified HVAC Technician, and EPA Section 608 Universal certification.

Work Experience

Mr. Caballero began his career as an apprentice and journeyman electrician, later becoming a licensed contractor and business owner. He served as a Senior Controls Technician and reliability consultant in the industrial sector before transitioning full-time into higher education. At Lone Star College, he has served as Adjunct Instructor, Department Lead, and currently as Director of Applied Technologies, where he oversees HVACR, Electrical Technology, and Construction programs. Under his leadership, the HVACR program achieved HVAC Excellence accreditation in 2023, and he manages grants, curriculum development, and industry partnerships that directly support student success.

He has been recognized with the NISOD Award, the Faculty Excellence Award, and multiple National Council for Workforce Education "Exemplary Program" Awards. A frequent presenter at national conferences, Mr. Caballero continues to advance workforce education by building strong K-12, industry, and community partnerships that prepare students for successful technical careers.

Education

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Auburn University Montgomery, an MBA in Management and Information Systems from Brenau University, and both an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Her background also includes formal training through the U.S. Army Reserve and numerous professional certifications in accreditation, leadership, and instructional quality.

Work Experience

Dr. Carter has served in multiple leadership roles in technical and community colleges, including Instructor, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs. In these positions, she provided oversight for academic divisions, faculty development, curriculum planning, accreditation readiness, budget management, and student success initiatives. She has also led strategic planning efforts tied to statewide and national initiatives such as Achieving the Dream and Complete College Georgia.

She has extensive accreditation experience, serving on evaluation teams for SACSCOC and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). She has supported successful programmatic accreditations with organizations including the ASE Education Foundation (Automotive Technology), NCCER (Carpentry), ACBSP (Business and Accounting), and HVAC Excellence (Heating and Air Conditioning programs).

Dr. Carter currently serves as the Director of Career and Technical Education for the Alabama Community College System, where she provides leadership for systemwide workforce programs, accreditation support, and the expansion of high-demand career pathways.

Education

He received his B.S. and Masters' degree in Trade and Industrial Education at Georgia Southern University and his Ph.D. in Vocational Leadership from Georgia State University.

Work Experience

His teaching experience at the secondary level includes classroom instructor for Construction Trades, Industrial Arts, and Industrial Technology. In addition, Dr. Crisp has administrative experience as an Instructional Coordinator at Heart of Georgia Technical College, Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Griffin Technical College and State Coordinator for Educational Programs while employed by the Technical College System of Georgia.

Education

John holds a Master of Education degree from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion from Liberty University. He has been HVAC Universal-certified since 1998.

Work Experience

Mr. Labriola currently serves as Program Director at West Virginia Northern Community College, where he was hired to rebuild the HVACR program. Under his leadership, the program grew from two students to over thirty students in three years. He redesigned the curriculum, modernized laboratory facilities, established a National Technical Honor Society chapter, and developed partnerships to secure new tools and equipment.

Previously, he served as Program Director at Fortis College in Richmond, Virginia, where he doubled program enrollment, improved student retention and attendance, enhanced student satisfaction, and successfully led the program through multiple accreditation inspections. He also hired and trained staff and streamlined administrative processes.

Earlier in his career, John worked as a Production Scheduler at Tindall Corporation, improving operational efficiency, interdepartmental communication, and production processes.

Mr. Labriola served over twenty years in the United States Marine Corps, where he held several leadership roles including Lead Officer of the USMC HVAC School and Platoon Leader. In these roles, he managed training programs, developed curriculum, mentored instructors, oversaw large teams, and coordinated complex operations both domestically and in combat environments. He was responsible for maintaining operational readiness, managing maintenance programs, and ensuring mission success under demanding conditions.

Education

He earned his B.S. from the Florida Institute of Technology, completed vocational teacher certification coursework at Auburn University, and became a Certified Teacher through the National Association of Trades and Technical Schools. He received both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Instructional Design from the University of South Alabama, specializing in gaming and education, and was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. He was also recognized as a Master Presenter by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development.

Work Experience

Over his career, Dr. Lanouette has served as a faculty member, Department Chair, Director of Education, Campus President, Senior Regional Vice President of Operations, Chief Academic Officer, and Vice President of Academics.

Dr. Lanouette has served multiple terms as a Commissioner with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, including leadership on the Standards, Executive, and Financial Review Committees. He has been recognized nationally with honors such as the ACTE Outstanding Commitment Award, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award, and being named one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Education by the Career College Association. He continues to present across the country on instructional excellence, leadership, and student motivation.

Education

He received his formal training in HVACR, from the New York Institute of Technology.

Work Experience

Mr. Lupson's diverse background includes experience as a technician, contractor, instructor and has held key leadership roles with forward-thinking industry organizations including the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), North American Technical Excellence (NATE), and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). To keep abreast of industry advancements, Lupson remains actively engaged with the Association of Air Conditioning Professionals, SkillsUSA, and other standards organizations.

Education

Eugene holds a Master of Science in Education specializing in vocational HVAC training. He is a certified trainer with IGSHPA and the U.S. Department of Energy, and he also holds NATE certification and multiple New York State teaching licenses.

Work Experience

Eugene has dedicated his career to developing and delivering cutting-edge programs in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and sustainable energy technologies. He has led the launch and expansion of HVAC and renewable energy curricula at institutions such as Bladen Community College and Central Piedmont Community College, where he designed hands-on labs, secured industry partnerships, and mentored students toward workforce readiness.

His technical background spans roles as a field applications engineer, business owner, and national service manager, bringing real-world insight into every classroom and training session. Eugene integrates solar thermal, geothermal, and energy-efficiency systems into his instruction and remains actively involved in the industry through organizations such as CARE and ACCA.

Eugene continues to champion HVACR education that bridges theory, practice, and sustainability — whether in the classroom, in the field, or at national training events.

Education

He holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Georgia, a B.S. in Human Services from Mercer University, and multiple A.A.S. degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and Middle Georgia College. He is also Airframe and Powerplant certified.

Work Experience

Mr. Mullis has served accreditation evaluation teams for SACSCOC and the Council on Occupational Education (COE), assisting several aviation programs with accreditation readiness. An active member of the SkillsUSA National Education Team, he also judges the national Aviation Maintenance competition.

He has held roles including Instructor, Program Chair, Safety Coordinator, Facilities Manager, Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Director of Student Services, Director of an Academic Center, and a Dean of Student Affairs.

A key contributor to aviation education in Georgia, he helped transition a satellite aviation campus into a stand-alone institution and co-developed the state’s first Aerospace Youth Apprenticeship Program. He has also managed accreditation reporting, enrollment growth initiatives, workforce partnerships, and campus operations.

Mr. Mullis retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2012 as a First Sergeant after 33 years, overseeing commander-directed programs, readiness, personnel care, and unit operations.

Education

He holds a Master of Science in Energy and Environmental Science from the State University of New York, and dual Bachelor degrees. He is a Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE), and Building Energy Assessment Professional (BEAP).

Work Experience

Mr. Silberstein has worked in education at both the secondary and post-secondary levels, having served as an instructor, professor, program coordinator and department chair. He worked as a field technician, system designer, administrator, consultant and is the author/co-author of several textbooks.

Education

Greg studied Industrial Education at the University of Minnesota and earned Welding, Appliance Repair, and Refrigeration diplomas from Alexandria Technical College. Throughout his career, he has continued his professional development through extensive manufacturer and industry training.

Work Experience

Greg spent 35 years as an HVACR instructor at Minneapolis College, where he also served as the Program Coordinator for HVACR and Construction Electricity. In 2014, he was honored as the Outstanding Educator of the Year by the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. His leadership also extended to SkillsUSA, where he was recognized as Advisor of the Year in 2023. Greg has also worked in the HVACR field as a contractor and technician before, during and after his teaching career.

In addition to his academic career, Greg has worked continuously in the HVACR field as a service technician, contractor, and business owner. He operates Northern Climate Control, specializing in residential HVAC and commercial refrigeration, and serves as a forensic HVACR technician for insurance-related equipment inspections. His industry experience spans roles in commercial refrigeration, electrical controls, dairy cooler systems, and apprentice-level refrigeration work. He also holds multiple Minnesota HVACR, refrigeration, hydronics, power-limited, and mechanical licenses, along with a Universal EPA certification.

Education

He earned an A.O.S. in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, along with Universal EPA certification and an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license. He holds a B.A. in Organizational Management with a concentration in Human Resources and a Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Instructional Technology, from Colorado Christian College. Mr. Smith is also a U.S. Air Force veteran, honorably discharged.

Work Experience

Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has served as a Corporate Program Director, Executive Director, Director of Education, Program Supervisor, and Instructor. He has led curriculum oversight, faculty hiring and training, accreditation preparation, budgeting, and student success initiatives across multiple technical institutions.

One of his most significant accomplishments includes writing and implementing a national HVACR program for a private school, ultimately deployed across 16 campuses and aligned with all state, federal, and accreditation standards. His leadership contributed to successful accreditation processes, expansion of academic offerings, and improved institutional performance.

Mr. Smith has continued to advance technical education in supervisory and instructional roles at Lincoln Technical College and Intellitec College, where he has overseen HVAC and electrical programs, managed curriculum revisions, supported advisory committees, and strengthened industry relationships.

Recognized for his program development expertise, strong administrative leadership, and commitment to student achievement, Mr. Smith remains an influential contributor to HVACR education and workforce training.

Education

He holds an A.A.S. in HVACR Service Management and an HVACR Diploma with honors from Lincoln Technical Institute, a B.S. in Business Management from Lincoln College of Technology, and a master’s degree from Liberty University. He is also a Certified Master HVACR Educator (CMHE).

Work Experience

Over his career, Mr. Vendrell has held positions including HVACR Contractor, Instructor, Director of Education, National Director of Product Development, and Assistant Vice President of Product Development for Skilled Trades. His responsibilities have included curriculum design, faculty leadership, accreditation compliance, instructional innovation, and large-scale program deployment across multiple campuses.

He has been instrumental in developing national training programs, conducting market and feasibility research, managing new product rollouts, and building strategic partnerships that have contributed substantial revenue and industry engagement. His work has supported modernization of instructional materials, alignment with industry trends, and enhancement of student learning outcomes.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Vendrell serves as a program evaluator for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET). He currently holds the position of Associate Vice President of Skilled Trades at Universal Technical Institute, where he leads strategic initiatives to strengthen workforce training and expand opportunities for future HVACR technicians.