August 2025 Board Chair Update

By Steve Gibson, NACAT Board Chair

Greetings NACAT family members! As you embark on a new school year, I hope you have taken a moment over the summer break to be thankful for the opportunity you have as an educator. Although it is stressful and draining at times, there are not many professions which have the direct impact on a person's future than a teacher. Your role is invaluable!

The past few months have been a busy time for NACAT! We held our (51st) annual educator training conference this past June in Detroit, Michigan and what a great time it was! We had a wonderful selection of training seminars to attend, a great expo where our sponsors showcased their products and services they offer, networking opportunities at every corner, social events, and of course the activities for family members, it was a busy and fun week in the Motor City!

Congratulations to all of the award winners who were announced and recognized at the NACAT Conference! Your contributions to automotive education did not go unnoticed and NACAT is proud to recognize your accomplishments with these special awards:

• NACAT Award of Appreciation – Randy Klitzke

• Lisse Duvic Memorial Scholarship – Misti Runyan

• Cengage Automotive Instructor Scholarship – Maury Calhoun

• Mitchell1 Educator of the Year – Guy Tiberio

• Larry Cotten Memorial Scholarship – Alexia Valdez

• Mitchell1 Outstanding Student Scholarship – Julian Moreno

• Friend of NACAT Award – Tomorrow’s Technician

• NACAT MVP – Sara Heller

We are also celebrating several changes to the leadership team at NACAT, with lots of new faces joining the NACAT Board. Welcome to Steve Boyd, Krystle Roherty, Kimberly Night, and Charles Klasman, whose board terms “officially” start August 1st. Board member Wade Johnson will begin a new role as Secretary/Treasurer, and board member Sara Heller will move into a new role as NACAT Vice President. Drew Barnes, Tom Millard, Ron Morris, Todd Richardson, and Steve Tucker exited their respective terms as NACAT officers or board members on July 31st. I would like to thank each of them for the invaluable input, direction, and leadership they have shown!

Finally, as announced at the awards lunch at the NACAT Conference I am excited to say that NACAT will return to the West Coast in 2026! In partnership with the California Automotive Teachers, the 2026 NACAT Conference will be held in the Golden State – and the state where I was born and raised – California ! Conference dates and location are still being finalized, so watch our NACAT social feeds for the latest updates and announcements.

I hope you have enjoyed a memorable summer and wish you success for the upcoming school year.