SkillsUSA Ohio
State Staff Directory

Jackie Walker

Executive Director

As you meet Jackie Walker, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Ohio, you will immediately sense her authenticity, energy, and passion for seeking out the potential in others. Her obvious ‘can do’ attitude is contagious and the collective 36,000+ Student and Professional Members will attest to her dedication for their immediate and future success. Jackie was introduced to ‘Career Tech’ training at an early age of 16. “I fell head over heels in love with leadership development and I recognized the positive impact that leadership training was having in my life.”

 

In 2008, Jackie accepted a contract position with SkillsUSA Ohio, was promoted to Assistant State Director in 2011, and was offered the Executive Director position in 2018. Jackie is talented at combining passion and compassion for the Members she serves. She possesses the ability to form relationships, think creatively, recognize the potential in others, and ensure SkillsUSA Ohio is always moving forward. “I will never say, ‘We can’t do that.’ There is always a way to get results and to change the narrative to ‘We can do that!’’

 

As the fearless and confident Executive Director of SkillsUSA Ohio, Jackie Walker embodies several roles such as Counselor, ‘Mom’ and Mentor. She would not have it any other way. “Our words are powerful, and they matter! I openly provide direction and support while nurturing our Student Members to rewrite their story.” This authentic connection is felt by the Student Members in a real and trusting manner. As current and former Student Members reach out to Jackie and call her “Mama Walker”–she lights up on the inside—knowing in her heart and soul that she is impacting their lives. “My students are positioned for success, and I feel blessed to be part of their journey. It doesn’t get any better than this!”

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Robert Kornack

Assistant Administrator

Board of Directors President

Office of Career Technical Education Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

As you meet Robert Kornack, President of the Board of Directors for SkillsUSA Ohio, you will be impressed with his authenticity, level of commitment to his family and career, as well as his passion for public service. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Robert relocated to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Business Economics. Subsequently in 2022, he earned his MBA from Youngstown State University.

 

Upon graduation from High School, Robert began an apprenticeship at Gulu Electric and received three promotions, ultimately fulfilling the role of Training Director. “I was always good with my hands and strong in leadership skills but decided in 2018 that I wanted to redirect my career to public service, so that I could impact others through policy change, support those less fortunate, and advocate for inclusivity.” Therefore, in March 2018, Robert was hired as an Intern at The Accountability Office of The Ohio Department of Education. One year later, he was promoted to The Education Program Specialist Office of Career Technology and currently, Robert is the Assistant Director of Career Technical Education at The Ohio Department of Education.

 

Serving on the Executive Board of SkillsUSA Ohio allows Robert the opportunity to provide advice and discuss strategic planning with Jackie Walker, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Ohio. Together their focus is to encourage students to enter skilled trades, to provide professional development and leadership opportunities, to facilitate competitive events, and to celebrate the success of the Student Members. “We are intentional about aligning competitions to industry standards as well as to the standards of The Ohio Department of Education. Our model is sustainable, and we have grown the number of industry partnerships while growing the number of SkillsUSA Ohio Board Members. We are proud to say that all Board Members are engaged and dedicated to the Mission.”

 

The framework provided by SkillsUSA Ohio is applied to both the Professional Members and the Student Members and connects students to industry partners. Robert attended the SkillsUSA Regional Officer Training Institute in Washington D.C. While there, he observed a SkillsUSA Regional Competition. One of the competitors came up to Robert after she won a Bronze-Level Award. She knew who Robert was, addressed him by name, and shared her difficult and challenging home-life with him. Additionally, she went on to share how meaningful this award was and to thank him for the opportunity that SkillsUSA provides. “She explained to me, this was the first time in her life that she felt part of something. She would always treasure this award and could look back on it with accomplishment and pride. At this point, I was hooked and knew exactly where my mission and responsibilities needed to be.”

 

The Student Members’ lives are forever changed due to the experiences and opportunities provided through SkillsUSA Ohio. They emerge more confident, not only in themselves, but regarding their pathway and where they want to go. Due to SkillsUSA Ohio, the likelihood that the students will remain in and excel in their chosen career is greater than those who attend ‘traditional college.’ “We are on a mission to remain aggressive in expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to benefit from the SkillsUSA Ohio framework and programs.” Robert Kornack channels his competitive drive and ambition into the creativity and strategy which he brings to the Executive Committee. “We must always continue to move forward because complacency kills!”

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Jaymi Binkley

Executive Assistant

Jaymi Binkley serves as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director at SkillsUSA Ohio. With over 20 years of administrative experience across various sectors, Jaymi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector has been a new and rewarding experience for her, allowing her to apply her skills in a mission-driven environment. Jaymi holds an associate degree in business administration and has also worked as a real estate agent in Texas. After following her husband’s career to North Carolina and Texas, Jaymi and her family have returned to the Buckeye State, settling in Circleville with their two beloved dogs, Astro and June.
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Frits Rizor

Education Program Specialist

Law & Public Safety, Construction, and Transportation Systems

Office of Career Technical Education, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

Frits has worked at the Department of Education for seven years and holds an undergraduate degree in Landscape Horticulture from The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Fisher College of Business. He currently is the Education Program Specialist for Construction, Law & Public Safety and Transportation. Frits is also a member of the Quality Program Review and Data and Accountability teams. Before coming to the Department of Education, Frits worked in the construction industry for 25 years and served as faculty, department chair, and dean at Hocking College.

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Kris Vigneron

Education Program Specialist

Human Services, Information Technology, and Arts & Communication

Office of Career Technical Education, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

Kris Vigneron has worked in education for nearly 20 years, serving as an education program specialist in the office of Career and Technical Education since 2015. He works with programs in Arts & Communication, Information Technology, and Cosmetology. Prior to working at ODEW, Kris taught philosophy and worked in administration at numerous post-secondary institutions, including Columbus State Community College, Franklin University, and Akron University. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Otterbein College (now University) and a Master’s Degree in Social Theory at the University of Warwick. Kris believes deeply in the transformational value of education and that every person deserves one that will prepare them for the world they inherit. He is thrilled to support the efforts of SkillsUSA Ohio.

 

Kris lives in northwest Columbus with his wife Alyson and their children Adam and Judah.

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Joshua Miller

Education Program Specialist

Engineering & Science Technologies, and Manufacturing

Office of Career Technical Education, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

Joshua Miller serves as the Education Program Specialist for Engineering and Manufacturing in the Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) at the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. A Midwest Ohio native, Joshua earned his BA from Capital University, prior to earning his Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University. He came to this role after having worked as a graduate intern and program administrator for industry-recognized credentials within the Office of CTE. While at Capital and Ohio State, Joshua competed for the Men’s Track and Field team for both universities earning NCAA All-American and winning the Big Ten Track and Field Team Championships in 2022. Joshua currently lives in Marysville, Ohio with his wife Allison and his two puppies Teddy and Franklin.
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Jacob Hain

Education Program SpecialistHealth Sciences and Allied Professions
Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
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Tammy Plotts

Administrative Professional

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce

Tammy has been with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) since 1998 as the Administrative Professional for the Trade & Industrial Unit in Career-Technical Education. Prior to finding her true calling at ODEW, she worked in the insurance industry and with a local law firm. Tammy has a passion for helping students to develop their professional skills training to become leaders in the skilled workforce.
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COMING SOON

CONTACT US

SkillsUSA Ohio Office:

2550 Corporate Exchange Drive, Suite 115
Columbus, OH 43231
director@ohioskillsusa.org
events@ohioskillsusa.org
614-604-6150

Ohio Department of Education:

25 S. Front St. Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-8782