PORTSMOUTH ELEC JATC

ETA STAFF & BIOS

Meet Our Director Matthew Louanglath

Matt brings over two decades of electrical industry experience to his role as Director of the Electrical Training Academy. His journey in the electrical field began as a high school student at Eastland Career Center, where he first discovered his passion for the skilled trades. This early exposure to Career and Technical Education would later shape his vision for training the next generation of electrical professionals.

After completing his initial electrical technology program, Matt embraced the apprenticeship pathway, graduating from the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee program in 2007. His field experience includes work with several premier electrical contractors through IBEW Locals 683 and 575, giving him valuable hands-on perspective that he brings to our training programs today.

Matt's commitment to education led him to transition from the field to the classroom, serving as an Electrical Technology Instructor at Russell Area Technology Center and later as an Assistant Professor at Ashland Community & Technical College. These experiences deepened his understanding of effective teaching methods and curriculum development, while reinforcing his belief in the power of hands-on, practical education.

As our Director since 2015, Matt combines his technical expertise with his passion for apprenticeship and career education. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Kentucky Master Electrical License and various OSHA certifications, ensuring our programs maintain the highest standards of safety and technical excellence.

Currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Career and Technical Education and Technology Management at Morehead State University, Matt exemplifies the principle of lifelong learning that we instill in our students. His dedication to continuous improvement and professional development reflects our academy's commitment to staying at the forefront of electrical education.

"I believe in the transformative power of apprenticeship and career technical education," says Matt. "Every day, I see how quality training programs change lives and build stronger communities. That's what drives our mission at the Electrical Training Academy."

Under Matt's leadership, the Electrical Training Academy continues to evolve and innovate, preparing skilled electrical professionals who are ready to meet the challenges of today's industry while adapting to tomorrow's technologies.

Meet Our Training Coordinator Jordan Finfrock

Jordan brings fresh perspective and diverse electrical industry experience to his role as Training Coordinator at the Electrical Training Academy. His unique journey through multiple facets of electrical education and hands-on experience makes him particularly well-suited to guide and support our apprentices.

Jordan's path in the electrical field began at Russell Area Technology Center, where he completed the Electrical Technology Program, laying a strong foundation for his future career. His dedication to education continued at Ashland Community & Technical College, where he not only pursued his own studies but also served as an Instructional Aid in the Electrical Department, developing his talent for helping others learn.

After gaining valuable commercial electrical experience as an apprentice with JMK Electric Company, Jordan joined IBEW Local 575, where he has worked as a Journeyman Wireman since 2018. His field experience spans commercial and industrial environments, including expertise in high and low voltage systems, motor controls, fire alarm systems, and complex blueprint interpretation.

As an instructor at the Portsmouth Electrical JATC since 2022, Jordan has demonstrated his commitment to sharing knowledge and developing the next generation of electrical professionals. His teaching focuses on foundations for the trades and skill-based training, ensuring apprentices receive practical, applicable instruction.

Jordan holds multiple certifications and licenses, including:

Kentucky Master Electrician license
Ohio Fire Alarm license
OSHA 30 certification
Welding certification
First Aid/CPR certification

"The electrical trade offers countless opportunities for growth and advancement," Jordan often tells his students. "My goal is to help our apprentices build not just technical skills, but the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in this dynamic industry."

As Training Coordinator, Jordan combines his technical expertise, teaching experience, and industry knowledge to ensure our apprentices receive the highest quality training and support throughout their educational journey at the Electrical Training Academy.

Meet Our Lead Instructor James "Richie" Ford

As Lead Instructor at the Electrical Training Academy, Richie exemplifies the highest standards of electrical expertise through his unique blend of military, industrial, and construction experience. His journey in the electrical field showcases the diverse career paths available in our industry.

Richie began his electrical career serving in the United States Air Force as an Electrical Power Production specialist. During his service from 2009 to 2015, he advanced to a supervisory role and completed multiple deployments, including assignments at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan and Al Dhafra Air Base in the U.A.E. His military experience formed the foundation of his commitment to precision, safety, and leadership.

After transitioning from military service, Richie expanded his expertise through roles at AK Steel Ashland Works and SRG Global before joining IBEW Local 575. He completed the rigorous five-year Inside Wireman apprenticeship program at Portsmouth Electrical JATC in 2022, adding commercial and industrial construction expertise to his already impressive skill set.

As our Lead Instructor, Richie brings comprehensive technical knowledge that includes:

Experience with electrical systems ranging from 12 to 13,800 volts
Advanced troubleshooting of AC and DC circuits
Expertise in motor controls, including motor starters and VFDs
Installation and maintenance of fire alarm systems
Proficiency in print reading and technical documentation

Richie holds a Kentucky Master Electrician license and an Associate of Applied Science in Mechanical & Electrical Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. His combination of military discipline, industrial knowledge, and passion for teaching creates an engaging learning environment that prepares our apprentices for successful careers in the electrical industry.

"In the electrical field, there's no substitute for proper training and attention to detail," Richie emphasizes. "Every day, I strive to instill these values in our apprentices, ensuring they develop into skilled, safety-conscious professionals ready to meet the challenges of our evolving industry."

Meet our Administrative Assistant Julie Price

Julie serves as the Administrative Assistant at the Electrical Training Academy, where her diverse professional background and strong organizational skills help keep our training center running smoothly. Her warm, welcoming presence and dedication to helping others make her an invaluable first point of contact for our students, instructors, and industry partners.

With experience spanning from restaurant management to disability case management, Julie brings a unique perspective to her role at the academy. Her background as an Employment Career Specialist and Behavioral Health Case Manager has equipped her with exceptional people skills and a deep understanding of the importance of career development - qualities that prove invaluable when working with our apprentices and industry partners.

As our Administrative Assistant, Julie performs many of the day-to-day operations of the academy with efficiency and care. Her attention to detail, combined with her natural ability to connect with people, ensures that everyone who interacts with our facility receives the support they need to succeed.

"I believe in the power of apprenticeship to transform lives," Julie says. "Being part of an organization that helps people build successful careers in the electrical industry is truly rewarding."

Beyond her professional role, Julie is deeply committed to family and faith. As a devoted grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, and wife, she brings the same level of care and dedication to our academy family that she shows to her own.

Contact Julie at office@eta575.org for information about our programs or assistance with administrative matters.

Meet our Coordinator Dana Gallaher

Dana brings over 18 years of administrative excellence to her role as Coordinator at the Electrical Training Academy. Her extensive background in education, coupled with her expertise in program management and curriculum development, makes her an invaluable asset to our training programs.

Since joining the academy in 2018, Dana has played a crucial role in streamlining our operations and enhancing our educational initiatives. Her experience in grant writing and program development has been instrumental in expanding our offerings, including the successful implementation of the Foundations for the Trades program.

Dana holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with an English focus from Hobe Sound Bible College, and her academic excellence is evidenced by her induction into the Delta Epsilon Tau International Honor Society. As a certified American Heart Association instructor in both Basic Life Support and First Aid/CPR/AED, she ensures our apprentices receive comprehensive safety training alongside their technical education.

In her role as Coordinator, Dana manages our Foundation for the Trades pre apprenticeship program as well as multiple aspects of our training programs

"Education and professional development are transformative forces," Dana often says. "Watching our apprentices grow from beginners to skilled professionals is incredibly rewarding."

Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and dedication to excellence ensure that our academy maintains the highest standards of educational quality while providing outstanding support to our apprentices, instructors, and industry partners.

Contact Dana at dg@eta575.org for information about our programs and training initiatives.