2024 Apprenticeship TN Conference

ERIC H. COONS

Special Representative to TVA

Eric H. Coons was appointed to Special Representative in May 2024 and is responsible for overseeing Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) projects.

Eric has been the Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 572 in Nashville since he was elected in July 2017. Before that, he was elected President of Local 572 in 2015.

Eric has sought to grow market share, organize new members, and grow the apprenticeship. Through media campaigns and boots on the ground, UA Local 572 has increased its membership from just over 1,100 members to more than 1,600. Under Eric's leadership, the apprenticeship, which numbered roughly 120 students, is now approaching 500 students. 

At the 2024 North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) Conference, Eric received the Mark H. Ayers Community Achievement Award for the development of Nashville’s Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP), known as MC3. 

After completing his apprenticeship in 2005, Eric worked on high-profile projects in Local 572’s jurisdiction. During that time, he became an Instructor for Local 572’s JATC. He began to attend the UA’s Instructor Training Program (ITP), as well as pursue his degree through Washtenaw Community College, where he graduated with honors in 2022.

GLENN KELLY JR.

Southern Field Representative for North America's Building Trades Unions

A native of Georgia, Glenn Kelly Jr. is a 14-year member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers (IUBAC). Before joining North America's Building Trades Unions, Glenn served as President of the Georgia State Building Trades Council and also managed nine Southeastern states as President of IUBAC’s Local 8 region.

Glenn sits on several boards, including the AFL-CIO General Board representing Young Workers, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ Executive Board, the IUBAC Executive Council, and the Georgia State AFL-CIO. He also serves on the National Labor Task Force for Racial Justice as co-chair of the Criminal Justice Reform Committee.  Throughout his career, Glenn's leadership and relationship building have progressed the building trades' market share and footprint across the Southeast.

HEATHER MONTGOMERY

Director of Labor Supply at TVA

Heather Montgomery is the Director of Labor Supply at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Heather is responsible for identifying represented labor gaps and implementing solutions that align with TVA-wide strategic goals. Heather has more than 23 years of experience at TVA, most recently serving as the Senior Manager, Regulatory & Corporate Training.  Heather has held various roles across the enterprise, including supporting the Power Service Shops, Real Estate Strategy and Support Group, Reservoir Land Planning, and Manager of Corporate & Regulatory Training.  She has also played an integral role in supporting the enterprise-wide Workforce Optimization, Homeward Bound, Muscle Shoals Reservation Redevelopment, and Natural Resource Plan projects.

A University of North Alabama graduate, Heather received her Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology. She also received her Master of Science degree in environmental planning and management from Johns Hopkins University and a post-graduate Certification in Higher Education from Harvard University.

Heather serves on the Board of Directors for the TVA Community Credit Union and volunteers as a pitching coach for a local softball team.

CHARLES RAINS

10th District International Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Charles Rains begin his career with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1991 working for Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative. He completed his lineman apprenticeship program in 1995. Charles served as an Assistant Business Manager at Local 175 in Chattanooga from 2002 through 2015.

He was appointed as IBEW International Representative for the Tenth District in 2015. His duties include serving as a 10th Journeyman Lineman Testing Coordinator and an Adviser to the IBEW/NECA Lineman Apprenticeship Program. He also is responsible for contract negotiations, organizing, and local union administration for IBEW local unions in Middle and East Tennessee. Charles also serves as the IBEW Council Representative on the TVA Trades and Labor Council, where he serves on many boards and committees, including the TVA Apprenticeship Utilization Committee. 

JAMES T. FARMER JR.

Director of Workforce Development and Director of Brownsville Campus, Tennessee College of Applied Technology

James T. Farmer Jr. serves as the Director of Workforce Development and Campus Director for Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Jackson, the Brownsville/Haywood Extension Campus.

As part of his role, he develops and implements workforce development and special industry training programs in collaboration with business and industry partners. He also   secures funding for workforce development and special industry training initiatives and apprenticeships. 

James also serves as the Senior Pastor of the Historic Woodlawn Missionary Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tennessee.

James worked in the manufacturing Industry for over 25 years with companies such as Dana Corp., All Steel Seating, Tower Automotive, and Tennalum. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business from Bethel University in 2009. He is currently pursuing an MBA from Bethel University.

DANIEL L. HUFFMAN

Training Director, Memphis Electrical JATC

Daniel L. Huffman has been the Training Director for the Memphis Electrical JATC since August 2024. He completed the JATC apprenticeship program in 2016 with honors.

Daniel has been working in the electrical industry since 2007. He has served in a variety of roles, such as Installer/Technician, Journeyman Wireman, Service Technician, Foreman, General Foreman, and JATC Instructor.

He holds certifications in the fields of fiber optics and thermography and is licensed in Shelby County and in Arkansas. 

LARRY MEEKS

Director of Safety and Training, Delta Electrical Inc.

As Director of Safety and Training, Larry Mr. Meeks brings over 35 years of trade knowledge to Delta Electrical Inc. From apprenticeship to business ownership, a wide gap of knowledge has been gained throughout his career.

Delta Electrical is partnered with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and their curriculum in a four-year certified apprenticeship program. Involvement includes curriculum updating of the NEC and subject matter. 

Professional accomplishments include:

• Journeyman Electrical Licenses: Texas, Unlimited Journeyman License Oklahoma 
• Master Electrical Licenses: Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Texas, West Virginia
• Authorized OSHA Trainer, 10- and 30-hour courses in Aerial Lift, Arc Flash, Forklift, and LOTO

Outside of work, Larry dedicates time to the Masonic Lodge, where he has served as a Past Master, and appendant bodies of the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Shriners, where he enjoys being part of the Jackson Shrine Clown Unit.

GINGER POWELL

Deputy Director of Workforce Innovations Inc.

Ginger Powell began her career in workforce development in 2004 developing strategic plans and performing outreach for the American Job Center programs. 

In 2011, she moved into supervision of job center operations and coordinator level staff for the delivery of employment and training services for job seekers and employers. In 2013, Ginger transitioned into an employer services role overseeing business services throughout northwest Tennessee.

Most recently, she serves as Deputy Director for Workforce Innovations Inc., overseeing business services and special projects such as rural healthcare, apprenticeship, and GROWWTH, and target population projects such as reentry for the 17-county region of northwest and southwest Tennessee. She has spent her career in workforce development implementing the programs of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Workforce Innovations and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through the American Job Centers.  

Ginger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration degree through the University of Tennessee at Martin.

STEWART STANFILL

Adult Education Supervisor, Henderson County Public Schools  

Stewart Stanfill has worked for years with seasoned experts in pre-apprentice and apprenticeships.

Stewart recently collaborated with the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) Midwest and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Division of Adult Education to create a pre-apprenticeship in Brownsville, Tennessee. This Finishing Trades pre-apprenticeship will help participants learn about the importance of the final phase of construction while receiving high-quality education and earning credentials to be used in the construction fields.

Stewart has 34 years of experience in Adult Education. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in secondary education and education guidance and career counseling from the University of Tennessee at Martin. He also received his Education Specialist degree in administrative supervision from Freed-Hardeman University. 

KEVIN BYRD

Workforce Development Coordinator, Tennessee Association of Utility Districts

Kevin Byrd is the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Tennessee Association of Utility Districts (TAUD), a water/gas industry association that provides technical support and training to water, wastewater, and natural gas facilities across Tennessee.  

Kevin coordinates a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program that trains individuals in the water and wastewater industry. He has been employed with TAUD for 4.5 years. 

Kevin, who lives in Oneida, Tennessee, also is a retired teacher/principal with 30 years of experience. 

LARRY DICKENS

Training Manager, North American Stamping Group

Larry Dickens is the Apprenticeship Training Manager for North American Stamping Group.

He has an associate degree in mechanical engineering and has worked in the tool and die/metal stamping field for 45 years.

He has a passion for sharing what life has taught him with the next generation of skilled workers who will work to keep America competitive in the global marketplace.

ALLEN T. FARLEY

Apprenticeship Committee Chairman, General Motors

Allen T. Farley is the Apprenticeship Committee Chairman and a Stationary Engineer at General Motors, where he has worked since February 1985. The apprenticeship program currently has 60 active apprentices and 21 recent graduates.

During his career at GM, Allen has served in various roles, including as a future product/site program launch leader and the leader for the new Journeyman in Training (JIT) Program.

Allen is on the Columbia State Community College Advisory Board. He is a UAW-GM Internal Consultant Curriculum graduate.

MARLA RYE

President, Workforce Essentials

Marla Rye is President of Workforce Essentials Inc., which is headquartered in Clarksville, Tennessee. She has worked there for 32 years. Workforce Essentials provides workforce and economic development services in 20 counties in Middle Tennessee.

She also serves as Director of the Northern Middle Workforce Board.

Marla has been recognized on local, state, and national levels for leadership through community service and economic development. She was the recipient of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals' Thomas Ahlers System Building Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession through the development or enhancement of workforce systems or the building of strategic alliances and partnerships.

Her work at Fort Campbell was instrumental in a multimillion-dollar award to implement the Campbell Strong Workforce Partnership.

Marla has assisted in many economic development initiatives, including workforce support to new businesses locating in Tennessee.

She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Austin Peay State University. 

RICHARD URBAN

Program Director of Engineering Systems Technology at Columbia State Community College

Richard Urban is the Program Director of Engineering Systems Technology at Columbia State Community College, where he was worked since 2022. He previously served as an Adjunct Instructor in math. 

Richard has over 20 years of industry experience, including as a Sales Engineer, a Product Manager, and Director of Forecasting and Business Planning. 

Richard has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Virginia Tech. He also has a Master of Business Administration degree from Xavier University.