People

Workforce Education and Innovation (WEI) 
Excellence Training Center (ETC)

Jackie A. Ruller, Executive Director, WEI

Jackie Ruller has worked in research, industry outreach, project management, intellectual property and higher education. Over the past ten years, she has participated in several aspects of higher ed from cultivating industry relationships, working with faculty and students, securing grant funding and sponsorship, serving on committees, managing events, developing curricular programs, scheduling courses, directing career services, supporting accreditation efforts, marketing, directing projects, creating workforce development programs and running the Excellence Training Center at YSU. Her passion for preparing the advanced manufacturing workforce for industry 4.0 led her to this position. She is the principal investigator on the Industry 4.0 Adoption in the SME Defense Supply Chain for Metal Castings research project for YSU as well as the Pathways to Careers-Improving Post-Secondary Education Options for Students with Developmental Disabilities grant, several TechCred grants, and a gift from Burton D. Morgan Foundation for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem for YSU students. Ms. Ruller has several technical publications including a patent, is a registered patent agent, received the 2018 NEO LaunchNet University Partner award and is a Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) alumnae. 

Ms. Ruller received a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s of Science from Alfred University in Ceramic Engineering and Glass Science, respectively. 

Michelle Seifert, Technical Director, Advanced Manufacturing and Facilities Engineering

Michelle Seifert is an accomplished engineer with a strong background in mechanical design and industrial engineering.

Her professional journey has included roles as a Process Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Production Coordinator. She excelled in optimizing production processes, managing complex projects, and developed the ability to identify and mitigate risks while enhancing operational efficiency. For nearly a decade she worked at Fireline, Inc. where she designed and reverse-engineered various equipment and tooling, while focusing on enhancing manufacturing efficiency and ergonomics. Her proficiency in SolidWorks, fabrication and VFD drives set her apart as a skilled mechanical engineer.

Beyond her industrial experience, Michelle contributed to the academic world as a Ballistics Research Assistant and IT Assistant at Youngstown State University. She played a vital role in testing material samples for military and law enforcement applications utilizing cutting-edge technology for analysis.

Michelle Seifert’s dedication to engineering excellence, problem-solving skills, and diverse experience make her an asset in the field of mechanical engineering and industrial design.

Ms. Seifert has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Youngstown State University.

Robert Philpot, Program Manager, Workforce Training – Industrial Electrical

Bob Philpot has an extensive background in the electrical and maintenance fields and brings a wealth of knowledge to the Excellence Training Center (ETC) and those he is teaching. He recently retired from Ford Motor Company with 30 years of experience as a journeyman industrial electrician. Bob also has over ten years of experience working as an electronics technician for Ford Aerospace and Communications at their research and development laboratories in San Jose, California and at Rockwell Automation in Cleveland, Ohio. Bob also worked as an adjunct professor for Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering for five years prior to joining our team. He is currently leading the industrial electrical workforce training program developed for a company for western Pennsylvania. 

Bob received his Master of Technology from Kent State University. 

Steven Pownell, Program Manager, Workforce Training-Robotics

Steven Pownell has been a Production Manager in manufacturing through most of his career. Starting as a machine operator, he advanced into management with a focus on process improvement and employee development. He utilized his years of experience training employees in all aspects of operation to transition into the role of Advanced Manufacturing Instructor at NCUS and EGCC before coming to YSU. His understanding of manufacturing operations and the challenges companies face training a workforce complement his training as a robotics and manufacturing instructor.

Jay J. Wargacki, Operations Manager

Jay Wargacki's experience lies heavily within various manufacturing methods including plastic injection molding, metal stamping, rubber compression and plastic extrusion tooling. He started his career as a Tool and Die apprentice and later worked his way up to a Tool Engineer at Delphi before coming to YSU. He also held positions as a CNC programmer, technical trainer and business development manager for additive parts for a product development firm. With an interest in prototyping, additive manufacturing processes have always held his interest and he considers them a unique set of tools within the much larger toolbox of manufacturing.

Jay received his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies with a double minor in Psychology and Studio Art along with his Associate of Technical Studies in Industrial Trades Technology from Kent State University. Having completed a four-year apprenticeship through the state of Ohio and Delphi, he is also a certified Tool and Die Maker.

John R. Carballo, CNC Programmer

John Carballo taught adult education at Mahoning County Career and Technical Center. He has also served as a machining instructor at New Castle School of Trades. Mr. Carballo has extensive experience in CAD/CAM and CNC programming, mahining, RTV mold making and casting. He started at Youngstwon State University's new Excellence Training Center in January 2022 to work exclusiely on the Mazak hybrid project. The Mazak system provides a hybrid printing technology that combines the simulataneous benefits of additive manufacturing with the advantages of subtractive manufacturing. 

John has a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Youngstown State University and an Associate degree in Machinist Technology from NCST. 

Allison N. Rea, Project Technician

Allison Rea has a Bachelor Degree in Manufacturing Engineering and has recently defended her thesis for her MS degree in Mechanical Engineering at Youngstown State University. She is working as a project technician at the Excellence Training Center for the Industry 4.0 Adoption in the SME Defense Supply Chain for Metal Castings project funded by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA).

Allison has experience working in the medical manufacturing industry as well as on research projects such as the “Maturation of Advanced Manufacturing for Low Cost Sustainment” (MAMLS). She has extensive knowledge in additive manufacturing, especially polymer printing, CT Scanning and Robotics. Ms. Rea has spent time working with students of all ages, teaching them about additive manufacturing and robotics with the hope to inspire them to go into STEM

Kaari Wentz, Office Administrator

Kaari Wentz has an extensive background working in office administration, communications, and customer service. She has worked in material handling/purchasing at GM Lordstown, her own entrepreneurial e-commerce business, administrative secretarial work with Mahoning County Board of Development Disabilities, and as the Communications Administrator for a large local church. She will use her diverse work experience and strong organizational skills to provide excellent customer service and support to the Excellence Training Center.

Kaari has an Associate’s degree of Arts & Sciences from Kent State University.

Silvestri Hall 
Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator (ATWA)

Sherri Downie, M.Ed., Program Manager, Workforce Education - Information Technology

Sherri currently serves as a Program Manager for Information Technology within Workforce Education and Innovation at Youngstown State University. Throughout her tenure at YSU, she has collaborated with the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio to expand pre-apprenticeship opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing, IT, and Telecommunications for high school students. She also works with adult learners, incumbent workers, and emerging talent across Ohio to provide industry-recognized credentials and career pathways for individuals seeking to upskill or reskill in their careers.

As a former music educator, Sherri has a passion for teaching and supporting learners of all ages. She is also an advocate for career programming in schools and helping students discover meaningful and lasting career opportunities. She holds a bachelor's in music education (K–12) and a Master’s in curriculum and instruction from Otterbein University, and she is currently a doctoral candidate in Instructional Design at National University.

Chris Riedel, Program Manager, Networking and Telecommunications

Chris Riedel serves as Program Manager for Networking and Telecommunications within Youngstown State University’s Workforce Education and Innovation division. In this role, she supports training programs in broadband, 5G, and fiber technologies that prepare students and professionals for careers in Ohio’s growing connectivity sector. She helps manage multiple grant-funded initiatives and works closely with educators, employers, and community partners to strengthen pathways into high-demand technical fields.

Before joining YSU, Chris gained extensive experience in program and event operations and team leadership with Marriott International, where she oversaw daily operations, team development, and guest experience at properties including The Ritz-Carlton. She continues to bring that same people-focused, detail-oriented approach to her work in workforce development – helping build programs that connect learners and industry needs across Northeast Ohio.

Chris earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration from Kent State University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Saarib Sheikh, Instructor, Networking and Telecommunications

Saarib Sheikh is an instructor in Networking and Telecommunications for Youngstown State University’s Workforce Education and Innovation unit. He teaches advanced hands-on courses in 5G Readiness, including Line Sweeping and PIM Testing, as well as Fiber Optics training focused on splicing, testing, and troubleshooting. He will also be teaching USI Drone Training for FAA Part 107 certification. His certifications are through the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), and the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI). His goal is to bridge the gap between education and industry by delivering practical, industry-aligned training that prepares students for success in broadband, wireless, and unmanned systems careers.

Saarib has a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a master’s degree in Computer Science.

Moser Hall

Rachel McCartney, Director, Grants Development

Rachel’s background spans environmental planning, community development, economic development program management, grant administration, and grant writing. She joined Youngstown State University in 2014, beginning her work in the Center for Urban and Regional Studies before moving to the College of STEM. As a close partner to Workforce Education and Innovation (WEI) initiatives, she identifies and secures the state, federal, and foundation grants that help sustain WEI’s operations. One of her early successes—an Appalachian Regional Commission planning grant she authored in 2016—laid the foundation for the Excellence Training Center (ETC). Four years and several additional awards later, that vision became reality with the opening of YSU’s newest campus facility which is now a regional hub for workforce training.

Rachel has a Bachelor degree from Ohio University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Development, and Design from Cleveland State University.

Erica Shirilla, Assistant Director, Online Skills Accelerator

Erica Shirilla oversees the Learning Management System (LMS) for the Online Skills Accelerator, managing Genius (Skills Accelerator) operations, credential tracking, and reporting. She collaborates across Workforce Education and Innovation—including the Excellence Training Center (ETC) and Advanced Technology Workforce Accelerator (ATWA)—to support program managers and ensure smooth course delivery and learner engagement.

In her role, Erica maintains LMS functionality by integrating content, managing curriculum and user roles, overseeing the course catalog, and reporting metrics. She leads LMS audits, user experience improvements, and creates training and documentation for colleagues and partners.

Her experience has built a strong foundation in leadership, communication, and process improvement. Before becoming Assistant Director, Erica advanced from graduate student worker to Office Administrator within Workforce, building on prior management experience in hospitality and retail. She holds both a Bachelor's in Hospitality Management and a Master of Business Administration from Youngstown State University.

Youngstown Warren Airport 
YSU Truck Driving School

Brian Beckett

Jon Young

Adam Lumpkin, Administrative Assistant

Adam Lumpkin has a background in Education and Logistics, with extensive experience working with students, commercial drivers, trucking and warehousing. He has worked with students in Residence Life and Career Services at The University of Toledo, and Baldwin Wallace University. Adam has also recruited and trained CDL drivers with ArcBest, and supervised receiving with Macy's. Adam is bringing this combination of experience with higher education and the transportation industry to support and grow YSU's Truck Driving School.

Adam received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo and his Master of Science in Education from Youngstown State University.