About
SparkForce Summer Manufacturing Camps are part of the SparkForce programs that focus on manufacturing and the skills needed for industry careers. The camps are connected to broader SparkForce efforts that include scholarships for post-secondary students who want advanced training in manufacturing. SparkForce has maintained a focus on developing the next generation of manufacturers and advocates for the growth and sustainability of the North American metal processing, forming, and fabricating industries.
SparkForce operates with a leadership team that includes Ed Youdell, CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, and Ed Dernulc, Director of the Foundation at the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. The leadership team also includes Julie Miller, Chair at Jointpivot LLC; Emily Hathcoat, Vice Chair at Risk Placement Services; and Meg Hamann, Secretary and Treasurer at Peddinghaus Corp. Additional directors include Gina Black, Immediate Past Chair at Community Development Foundation; Robert St Aubin, Director; Patrick Crowley, Director at Crowley Capital Management, LLC; Stephan Girard, Director at PMMI; Phil G Kooima, Director at KOOIMA AG; Brad Michael, Director at Alro Steel; Ryan Scherer, Director; Colin Serling, Director at Quality Metal Stamping LLC; and Kimberly Wimer, Director at Laser Precision. FMA-appointed leaders include Eric Borman of Progressive Metal Manufacturing Co; Shane Herendeen of Mitsubishi Laser / MC Machinery Systems Inc; Matthew J Sharpe of Alltek Energy Systems; and Doug Watts of Metalworking Group. The SparkForce mission states that to keep manufacturing in America vital, the industry needs a workforce that is increasing in numbers and prepared to keep pace with advances in technology, and SparkForce has responded with programs designed to fill the pipeline of skilled workers. The organization notes that its manufacturing camps reach students at a young enough age when their career choices can be influenced and their education can include foundational training related to manufacturing.
Last updated January 15, 2026.
SparkForce operates with a leadership team that includes Ed Youdell, CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, and Ed Dernulc, Director of the Foundation at the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. The leadership team also includes Julie Miller, Chair at Jointpivot LLC; Emily Hathcoat, Vice Chair at Risk Placement Services; and Meg Hamann, Secretary and Treasurer at Peddinghaus Corp. Additional directors include Gina Black, Immediate Past Chair at Community Development Foundation; Robert St Aubin, Director; Patrick Crowley, Director at Crowley Capital Management, LLC; Stephan Girard, Director at PMMI; Phil G Kooima, Director at KOOIMA AG; Brad Michael, Director at Alro Steel; Ryan Scherer, Director; Colin Serling, Director at Quality Metal Stamping LLC; and Kimberly Wimer, Director at Laser Precision. FMA-appointed leaders include Eric Borman of Progressive Metal Manufacturing Co; Shane Herendeen of Mitsubishi Laser / MC Machinery Systems Inc; Matthew J Sharpe of Alltek Energy Systems; and Doug Watts of Metalworking Group. The SparkForce mission states that to keep manufacturing in America vital, the industry needs a workforce that is increasing in numbers and prepared to keep pace with advances in technology, and SparkForce has responded with programs designed to fill the pipeline of skilled workers. The organization notes that its manufacturing camps reach students at a young enough age when their career choices can be influenced and their education can include foundational training related to manufacturing.
Last updated January 15, 2026.
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