Trainer Bios
Jill Ballard has 20+ years of programming and teaching experience with computers and computer software. She has experience in both college and business environments. Her goal is to help people increase their productivity through the use of computers. She has an MS degree in computer science. She has been teaching as adjunct faculty at ECC and for ECC’s Office of Corporate Services for 15 years.
Judy Beaver has more than 20 years experience as an office manager and consumer affairs manager. Judy is an adjunct faculty member at ECC and teaches software, business and business writing. Judy has an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in information systems.
Diane Decker has extensive experience in training and coaching groups and individuals in team building, communication skills, customer service and supervisory topics. She is a certified DDI instructor. Her results–oriented approach helps people and organizations improve their effectiveness. She has worked with a diverse group of clients, including service and manufacturing firms, government agencies and not-for-profit organizations. Diane has an MBA from Xavier University and has served as an examiner for the Lincoln Award for Business Excellence.
Harry Gereau has taught adult learners for over 25 years. An experienced language teacher and learner, he has experience with people from many different academic and social levels. A teacher, translator and interpreter in Colombia from 1980 to 1992 and in the United States since 1993, Harry knows that the key to language learning is having a communicative context. Harry has an MA in linguistics from the Instituto Caro y Cuervo and an MA in urban education from Columbia College.
Dan Kocher brings nearly 40 years of industry experience to his classroom. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a BS in electrical engineering and computer science, Dan started his 30 year career in telecommunications with Illinois Bell as a special services data design engineer. He retired in 2000 from SBC (now AT&T) as senior director, marketing product management. He’s worked as adjunct faculty at ECC since 1985, teaching first in the electronics program and, more recently, in integrated systems technology where he conducts credit and non-credit classes in electric controls, hydraulics, pneumatics, mechanical drives and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In addition, he operates a small consulting practice serving local industry.
William Kowalski is a human resource professional with expertise in employee /labor relations, compensation and benefits communication, and administration and EEO/legal compliance and diversity. He has lead ER and HR strategy and tactics across 14 union and nonunion manufacturing plants throughout the U.S. Bill holds a JD degree from the University of North Dakota School of Law, has completed the human resource executive program at the University of Michigan and is a DDI® (Development Dimensions International) certified leadership and targeted selections trainer.
Raymond Lacek brings 36 years of industrial experience to his classrooms. A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in electronic engineering, Ray’s career started at Reynold’s Metals Co. in McCook, IL in the electrical department. He served as an engineering tech, pyrometric department head and as project planning coordinator. His years of experience in trouble-shooting heavy mill equipment gave him invaluable experience with hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical systems. He operated his own engineering firm for a time, worked as chief automation engineer at Anatol Manufacturing, head engineer at General Packaging Products, design engineer at Chicago Electric. Ray is a certified level I hazmat incident commander.
Laura Lewis Barr has been teaching and training adults for over 15 years. Her specialties include dynamic presentation skills, emotional intelligence, time management, conflict resolution, customer service, critical thinking and developing creativity. Laura is a DDI® (Development Dimensions International) certified trainer and a Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence certified trainer. Laura has an MA in performance studies from San Francisco State University. In addition to her previous work in academia, Laura also worked as a playwright (award-winning) and theatre director.
Charles Nemer is a manufacturing professional with 28 years of industry experience. He is a proven performer in the supply chain, materials and manufacturing functions of a business. He has held positions as a materials manager, business systems analyst, purchasing agent and manager. Chuck has a degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in leadership from Augsburg College and is certified to train APIC’s CPIM classes and DDI® (Development Dimensions International) leadership, team and customer service classes. Chuck is also fairly fluent in Spanish.
Wendy Parr is an RABQSA certified quality management system lead auditor who has provided auditing, consulting and training services for 14+ years. Her clients have been involved in a diverse range of industries – from aerospace manufacturing to distribution services. Prior to her quality systems career, she worked in the chemicals and plastics industry for 15 years. Wendy holds an MBA from the University of Houston.
Jennifer Redisi is a sales leader with major account and sales management expertise, especially in marketing and operations in the retail and technology industries. She has held positions as a relationship marketing manager, senior consultant and a senior national account director. Jennifer’s areas of expertise include sales, negotiation, leadership and team training. Jennifer has a degree in marketing with a sales concentration and an MBA in organizational behavior and marketing from Kellogg, Northwestern University. Jennifer is also DDI® (Development Dimensions International) certified leadership, team and customer service trainer.
Maritza Robbennolt-Paszek is a multilingual chemical engineer with 20 years experience in management, engineering, quality assurance and third-party auditing for product accreditation and registration of quality management systems. She trains and consults in ISO 9001, 14001, TS16949, 13485, 17025, and Guide 65. Maritza has a BA in languages and a BS in chemistry from Wesleyan University and a master’s degree from New York University. She is fluent in four languages: French, German, Spanish and English. Maritza’s industry specialties are: automotive, aerospace, chemical electromechanical, printing /publishing, telecommunications, electrical, machinery, textiles, metal fabrication, medical devices, food/beverages, rubber, plastics and services.
Gary Salvador is a certified instructor in first aid, CPR, AED and OSHA training, including forklift certification. Gary also has 15+ years of experience as a firefighter and paramedic. Gary was recently one of 29 Illinois residents to receive a Heartsaver Hero Award from Governor Pat Quinn for having trained and certified over 2,000 people in CPR.
Aaron Sellers has over 25 years of experience in marketing, sales and training for Fortune 500 companies. He has worked with product and project teams to implement training for new products and services and managed global sales training teams. He is experienced in supervisory, team building and customer service training and is a DDI® (Development Dimensions International) certified instructor. He has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Michigan and is pursuing a master’s degree from Judson University.
Michael Serpe has 20 years experience in industrial and construction safety. He spent 12 years with Klein Tool in Chicago as the health and safety director. He also trained nationally for four years for Turner Construction and is currently a national trainer for NiSource Utility Corporation. Michael achieved the designation of associate safety professional, has taught at the OSHA National Training Institute, and is a member of the ANSI A10 Construction Standards Committee and ASSE Greater Chicago Chapter. Michael holds a BS degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in engineering management.
Dave Simmons has spent 22 years in manufacturing and is experienced in Lean Manufacturing, SPC, ISO, TQM and DOE. He holds an industrial technology degree and VaVe certification and has worked as a business unit manager, quality manager, manufacturing, industrial, and packaging engineer. Dave has been involved with Lean implementations that have saved companies in excess of a $1 million.
Bob Squires is an independent trainer and consultant with 30 years progressive experience in both staff and management positions in electronics, assembly, molding, machining and stamping manufacturing environment. Bob hold a BS in management along with technical degrees in electronics and quality. Bob trains in ISO quality systems, Lean, shop math, blueprint reading, GD&T, MS project, SPC, gauging and measurement, and other technical topics.