Every day at AME, I am reminded that it truly takes a village. Collaboration and support in our community are crucial for change and innovation. We know we cannot do it alone, and this reflects AME's values – we share, learn and grow. Our network provides opportunities every day, and I am so grateful for all of you.
AME is a community bonded by a common purpose and shared continuous improvement goals. That means we expand on what we do well while continuously seeking ways to improve. Each of us brings unique perspectives that only enhance our outcomes. In this spirit of continuous improvement, I am pleased to announce some exciting changes within AME's management team. AME's volunteer management team guides and leads our strategy and is the heartbeat of AME. These team members listen to our customers, provide the best support and direction to the organization, and are trailblazers for specific programs.
Please help me welcome Dr. Latitia McCane, AME director of workforce engagement, and Lisa Weiss, AME director of people-centric leadership.
Latitia McCane is the director of education for The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries located in Newport News, VA. Named to this position in 2018, she is responsible for overall leadership, vision and strategic direction of craft training, academic delivery, student services, accreditation and recruitment for a student body of 800 in addition to staff and faculty. The school, founded in 1919, has produced more than 11,000 graduates with four to eight-year apprentice program certificates. The Apprentice School is a partner with Jobs for the Future (JFF) Center of Excellence for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access in Apprenticeships.
McCane earned doctoral degrees in urban higher education administration and education administration from Jackson State University and Lacrosse University. She holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in organic chemistry and chemistry from the University of Alabama and Texas Southern University.
Lisa Weiss is the lean program director at DEMEP. Weiss is a lean and continuous improvement expert with over 25 years of demonstrated success in helping hundreds of public and private organizations achieve their vision and meet their strategic goals by engaging people, implementing enterprise excellence and inspiring innovation. She is a certified professor for the "Listen Like a Leader" training at Barry-Wehmiller University. She is currently the lean program director for the Delaware Manufacturing Extension.
Weiss has a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and serves on the AME MidAtlantic regional board.
I am personally so honored and humbled that Latitia McCane and Lisa Weiss are sharing their knowledge and expertise with the AME community. We look forward to their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and continued dedication as we navigate the future together.
It is not too late to sign up for the AME Cleveland 2023 International Conference. Come to Cleveland to congratulate and thank these new management team members and introduce yourself to our 2023-2024 international Board of Directors. As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
