PHOENIX — TechForce Foundation has hired Jennifer Bergeron to be its first chief growth officer and appointed three new members to its board of directors.
Bergeron brings 20-plus years of experience in technical education and organizational management to TechForce, the organization said. She spent 13 years as the campus president of NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., where she honed "expertise in strategic planning, team leadership and organizational growth."
Bergeron will work with TechForce staff and its board of directors "to develop and implement strategies that will catapult the organization to new heights," Executive Director Jennifer Maher said.
"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 newt members of the foundation's board of directors — Dave Smith, Bill Willetts and Matt Hartford — bring more than 90 years of combined industry expertise, TechForce said.
Smith, principal at DGS Group, spent 24 years at Enterprise Rent-A-Car including eight years as vice president of strategic solutions. Smith's most recent role was senior vice president, supply chain strategy at Caliber Collision.
Willetts, vice president of Snap-on Industrial, started with the company as a sales rep in 1994. He also has non-profit experience, having served as board chair of NC SkillsUSA from 2010 through 2022. Willetts is a sitting member of the Aircraft Maintenance Council.
Hartford, president and CEO of Total Seal Piston Rings, joined the company 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
"This is a time of exciting growth for TechForce Foundation," Board Chair Angie Babin said.
"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."
TechForce is a non-profit whose mission is to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians.
