November 28, 2023 — PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to championing the technician workforce, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bergeron as its first Chief Growth Officer. In addition, TechForce welcomes Dave Smith, Bill Willetts, and Matt Hartford to its esteemed Board of Directors. These exciting developments come on the heels of a recent TechForce announcement highlighting the growing public enthusiasm for high-tech, hands-on skilled trades careers.

“This is a time of exciting growth for TechForce Foundation,” states Angie Babin, Chair of the TechForce Foundation Board of Directors. “With new talent joining the team, new programs like Grab the Wheel and Techs Rock Awards being launched, and increased public receptivity towards our message, the future is bright for TechForce Foundation.”

As Chief Growth Officer, Jennifer Bergeron brings over 20 years of experience in technical education and organizational management to TechForce. Her expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational growth was honed during her thirteen-year tenure as the Campus President of NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC.

“As Chief Growth Officer, Jennifer Bergeron will work with TechForce staff and our Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies that will catapult the organization to new heights,” says Jennifer Maher, Executive Director of TechForce Foundation. “Jennifer Bergeron brings a wealth of knowledge, is very committed to and passionate about TechForce’s work to support the next generation of technicians, and is excited about helping this mission and nonprofit thrive.”

The three newest members of TechForce Foundation’s Board of Directors bring a combined 90+ years of industry expertise to the organization.

• Dave Smith, Principal at DGS Group, LLC, brings a wealth of experience from his 24-year tenure at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, where he served as Vice President of Strategic Solutions for eight years. Smith’s most recent role was Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Strategy at Caliber Collision.
• Bill Willetts, Vice-President of Snap-on Industrial, has spent his career with the company since first joining as a Sales Rep in 1994. He also brings valuable non-profit experience, having served as Chairman of the Board of NC SkillsUSA from 2010 through 2022. Willetts is a sitting member of the Aircraft Maintenance Council.
• Matt Hartford, President and CEO of Total Seal Piston Rings, first joined Total Seal Piston Rings as Lead Engineer in 1998, and has owned and operated his own Automotive Speed Shop. Hartford also started a drag racing career in 1988 and today races in the NHRA PRO STOCK category.

More information, including roles and photographs for TechForce Foundation’s full team, including its staff and the Board of Directors, can be found at TechForce.org/About-Us.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $2.3 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.