Meet Our Team

Brian E. Fox

President & Chief Executive Officer

Brian Fox co-founded Education and Training Resources in 1991. Brian is responsible for providing leadership, management, and oversight for all ETR operations, which include: directing ETR’s corporate support team and resources; establishing policies and procedures that ensure quality assurance, compliance, and performance outcomes; coordinating technical assistance and resources; and promoting and modeling ETR’s Core Values and Operating Principles. Brian’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the company’s mission and vision statements!”

Gary E. (Rett) Dallas

Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Rett Dallas began working at Education and Training Resources in 2004. Rett is responsible for both Corporate Financial and Administrative Services Oversight and his favorite part about working for ETR is “changing students’ lives with ETR’s efforts to improve their opportunities.”

Howard S. Harmon

Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Howard Harmon began working for Education and Training Resources in 1997. He is responsible for the oversight of Corporate Operations including, but not limited to: human resources, employee benefits, legal matters, contract compliance, business development, IT, and staff training & development. Howard’s favorite part about working for ETR is the fact that “every day is like playing BINGO–you never know the next ball that will be called, but it could be a winner.”

Rose Walker Cook

Vice President of Center Operations & Support

Rose Walker Cook began working for Education and Training Resources in 2007.  Rose is responsible for providing operational support, technical assistance, and corporate oversight for ETR’s Job Corps center operations, as well as participating in proposal development, quality assurance, staff training, DOL special projects and initiatives, and a host of other corporate functions.  Rose’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the sense of confidence she gets from working for an organization with clearly defined core values, that are not just words on a page, but the basis for the decisions made in the daily operation of the business and our Job Corps Centers.”

Peter Calvo

Vice President of Business Development and Compliance

Peter J. Calvo has more than 34 years’ experience in the Job Corps program as a center, corporate, and federal manager. He joined ETR in 2023 and serves as the Vice President of Business Development and Compliance. Pete is responsible for proposal development, policy development, data integrity audits, and supports staff training & development. Pete enjoys working with ETR’s dedicated center and corporate staff to uphold the Mission and Core Values in support of student achievement.

Kathy Higgins

Executive Director of Administrative Services & Support

Kathy Higgins began working for Education and Training Resources in 2013. Kathy is responsible for the oversight and technical support of all administrative services and functions at ETR Job Corps center operations. Her favorite part about working for ETR is the fact that “the company is a team company.”

Keith White

Executive Director of Center Operations & Support

Keith White began working for Education and Training Resources in 2009. Keith is responsible for providing operational support, technical assistance, and corporate oversight for ETR’s Job Corps center operations, as well as participating in proposal development, quality assurance, staff training, DOL special projects & initiatives, and a variety of other corporate functions. Keith’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the company’s genuine effort to create a team culture where staff feel valued and contributions are encouraged, leadership is approachable, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance is a priority.”

Chris Kuhn

Executive Director of Center Operations & Support

Chris Kuhn began working for ETR in 2010 as Center Director of the Oneonta Job Corps. He provides support to the center contracts, specializing in marketing and communications at the corporate level to include the centers’ advanced training programs. His favorite part of working for ETR is the focus the company places on the students’ wellbeing, as well as on staff growth & development. “The opportunity and support to be creative, build teams, and innovate, is alive and well at ETR.”

Jennifer Simpson, CPA

Director of Finance and Administration-Compliance

Jennifer Simpson began working for Education and Training Resources in 2000. Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is responsible for overseeing accounting activities, auditing and internal controls, tax reporting and compliance, FAR related contract administration & compliance, development of cost proposals for business development, staff training, as well as assisting in overall corporate and center level finance and accounting systems, policies and procedures. Her favorite parts about working for ETR are “getting to work with great people, knowing that students are being helped by the services and training that we provide, and that there is always something new to learn.”

Mischelle Parnell 

Director of Finance and Administration-Cash Management

Mischelle Parnell began working for Education and Training Resources in 2003. Mischelle is responsible for overseeing accounting activities, financial systems, internal controls, financial reporting compliance, and staff training, as well as assisting in ETR’s personnel administration systems and reporting activities. Her favorite part about working for ETR is that “there is always something new to learn.”

Mark Tupper

Director of Quality Assurance & Technology Support

Mark Tupper began working for Education and Training Resources in 2009. He is responsible for corporate IT administration, systems support, compliance management, and document management, as well as additional technical assistance for center operations. Mark’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the really great people that he has the pleasure to work for and with – and the common goal of making better lives for the young people we support.”

Sue Clark

Director of OA/CTS Support

Sue Clark began working for Education and Training Resources in 2018. Sue is responsible for providing oversight, support, staff training, and technical assistance to all Outreach, Admissions (OA) and Career Transition Services (CTS) under ETR’s center operation contracts. Her favorite part about working for ETR is “the people [she gets] to work with every day!”

Bobby Sheets

Executive Director of Center Operations & Support

Bobby Sheets began working for Education and Training Resources in 2021. She serves as the Director of Operations & Support. Bobby is responsible for providing support, specialized staff training & development, and an array of technical assistance to all ETR center operations. Her favorite part about working for ETR is “the culture.”

Brooke Dunn

Executive Director of Center Operations & Support

Brooke Dunn began working for Education and Training Resources in 2018. She is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and providing support for staff development and training programs at the corporate and center level. Brooke’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the collaboration and dedication, by all employees, to our mission of serving youth and supporting each other in achieving this mission.”

Carin Jeffers

Employee Benefits Coordinator

Carin Jeffers began working for Education and Training Resources in 1993. Carin is responsible for coordinating benefits for all ETR employees, collaborating with insurance brokers and insurance carriers, organizing, attending, and assisting with Open Enrollment at all ETR centers, providing operational and administrative support to HR departments for all ETR centers, overseeing Workers Compensation, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability. Carin’s favorite part about working for ETR is the ability to “[provide] educational, vocational training and job placement for the disadvantaged population.”

Beckie Petty

Assistant Director of Administration Support

Beckie Petty began working for Education and Training Resources in 2007. She serves as Accounts Payable Supervisor, where she is responsible for the oversight of accounts payable and supports ETR’s center operations in purchasing, property, and finance.  Beckie’s favorite part of working for ETR is the chance to “[be] a part of something larger that makes a life-changing difference for our young people.”

Laura Reels

Finance Specialist

Laura Reels began working for Education and Training Resources in 2013. She is responsible for assisting in multiple areas of finance and cost accounting, including, but not limited to: account receivables, cash management, invoicing and vouchering, bookkeeping, contract modifications and reconciliations, petty cash, CRA financial management, and CRA quarterly reports. Laura’s favorite part about working for ETR is “the family atmosphere!”

Merle L. (Skip) Draper

Corporate Business Engagement Specialist & Government Affairs Officer

Skip Draper began working for Education and Training Resources in 2005. Within this role, Merle is responsible for providing outreach to Members of Congress, Job Corps stakeholders, and all ETR community and Center partners. His favorite part about working for ETR is “the family working environment.”

Phyllis Kavanaugh

OA/CTS Support Specialist

Phyllis Kavanaugh began working for Education and Training Resources in 2021. Phyllis is responsible for providing corporate support and technical assistance for all OA/CTS functions at ETR center operations. Her favorite part about working for ETR is “the fact that each and every employee [shares] the same vision and are all working together towards the same mission.”

Vailiida (Vai) Niifa

NCCER Master Trainer & Center Support Specialist

Vai Niifa began working for Education and Training Resources in 2004. Vai is responsible for supporting the career technical training and residential living/social development components of center life; as well as, serving as ETR’s Sponsor Representative for NCCER. Her favorite part about working for ETR is the fact that “They accept [her] with all [her] quirks, as well as the opportunity to work with awesome senior management individuals who have actually worked on a center and demonstrate compassion and understanding for the students we serve.”

Mae Heins

Assistant Director of Administration Support

Mae Heins began working for Education and Training Resources in 2021. Mae is responsible for providing technical support to all administrative services and functions at ETR Job Corps center operations. Her favorite part about working for ETR is the fact that “ETR consists of individuals who are approachable and supportive of one another and work as a team in achieving the company’s mission.”

Michael Mills

Assistant Director of Facility Support

Mike began working for Education and Training Resources in 2018. Mike has worked at Northlands Job Corps Center in a variety of positions since 1984. He provides assistance to ETR centers Security and Occupational Safety operations. He also supports various facility functions. The thing Mike likes best about working at ETR is “ETR has given me the opportunity to gain experience and focus on making a difference.”

Anjel Petty

Payroll and Finance Specialist

Anjel Petty began working for Education and Training Resources in 2016. Anjel provides oversight and support to ETR center operations and payroll administration systems by ensuring all employees are paid timely, accurately, and in compliance with all federal, state and local wage and hour laws and regulations. Anjel’s favorite part of working for ETR is the team atmosphere and sense of belonging.

Kathy Thornton

Accounts Payable Specialist

Kathy Thornton began working for Education and Training Resources in 2009. She supports ETR’s center operations in supplier/vendor accounts payables, corporate travel, and finance. 

Branden Fox

Accounts Payable Specialist

Branden Fox began working for Education and Training Resources in 2021. He supports ETR’s center operations in supplier/vendor accounts payables, purchasing, property, and finance.  Branden’s favorite part of working for ETR is helping all the corporate and center staff support the Job Corps mission.

Viki Morgan

Accounts Payable Specialist

Viki Morgan began working for Education and Training Resources in 2021. She supports ETR’s center operations in supplier/vendor accounts payables, purchasing, property, and finance.  Viki’s favorite part of working for ETR is knowing that every day I am contributing to help students further their education, advance in their trade skills, and fulfill their career goals to become the professionals they know they can be, and want to be.

Ashley Jeffers

Accounts Payable Specialist

Ashely Jeffers began working for Education and Training Resources in 2022. She supports ETR’s center operations in supplier/vendor accounts payables, purchasing, property, and finance.  Ashley’s favorite part of working for ETR is the positive work environment and the amazing people!

Rose Tomasov

Finance Specialist

Rose Tomasov began working for Education and Training Resources in 2015. She supports ETR’s center operations in finance, accounting, purchasing, and property. Rose’s favorite part of working with ETR is her love for meeting and working with center staff on all the ETR Job Corps Centers as well as all corporate staff. I have made great friendships through my years at Job Corps and never have a boring day as there is always something to do by helping or supporting others.”

Jeff Kozicki

Corporate Property Support Manager

Jeff Kozicki began working for Education and Training Resources in 2022 but has worked at the corporate level in Job Corps for 22 years. He serves as ETR’s Corporate Property Officer. Jeff is responsible for providing operational support, technical assistance and corporate oversight for ETR’s Job Corps center operations, focusing specifically on safeguarding the accountability of all Government owned property at ETR center locations. Jeff’s favorite part of working for ETR is the company’s compassion for its employees that develop a team oriented workplace while providing an environment that fosters open communication and growth.

Niv Fogel

Corporate Procurement Support Manager

Niv Fogel began working for Education and Training Resources in December, 2022 but has worked several positions at Northlands JCC since July 2020. He assists ETR’s center operations in finance, purchasing, and property; and, provides ongoing training and support for both the corporate office and center operations. Niv “really enjoys my time with ETR. There is a large sense of community and culture in our work environment. On a day-to-day basis, there is a lot of support and teamwork on display.”

Lisa Tripp

Administrative Support Specialist

Lisa Tripp began working for Education and Training Resources in 2023. Lisa has over 30+ years of experience in working in various administrative and executive support positions on center.  Lisa is responsible for providing administrative support and services within ETR’s corporate administrative support team, as well as to our center administrative operations.  Additionally, Lisa provides technical writing and support to ETR’s business and proposal development efforts.  Lisa’s favorite part about working with ETR is “All the amazing people I get to work with every day and knowing we all share the same enthusiasm and motivation to help the students we serve build a successful future.”