Board of Governors
The Manatee Technical College Board of Governors advises and recommends actions relevant to the programs and operations at the college and serves as the Main Advisory Council for Manatee Technical College. Our Board of Governors guides the vision, strategic direction, and overall goals and outcomes of Manatee Technical College. Authorized by the School Board of Manatee County, the MTC Board of Governors advises and makes recommendations to the School Board on matters pertaining to the programs and operations of Manatee Technical College.
The Board’s Duties and Responsibilities
Board Members
Lauren Kratsch
Area of Representation:
Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
EJ Ledesma
Area of Representation:
Allied Health
Programs Represented:
Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Medical Coder/Biller, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Surgical Technology
Charles Murray
Area of Representation:
Business
Programs Represented:
Accounting Operations, Administrative Office Specialist
Joshua Matlock
Area of Representation:
CareerSource Suncoast
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Michele Jones
Area of Representation:
Chamber of Commerce
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Stewart Moon
Area of Representation:
Construction / Building
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Deborah Hawkes
Danielle McIntyre
Area of Representation:
Health Care
Programs Represented:
Dental Assisting, EMT/Paramedic, Nursing Assisting, Patient Care Technician, Practical Nursing
John Horne
Area of Representation:
Hospitality
Programs Represented:
Baking and Pastry Arts, Professional Culinary Arts and Hospitality
Chris Kopp
Area of Representation:
Manatee County Government
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Carmen Purpus
Area of Representation:
Manatee County High School
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Richard Tatem
Area of Representation:
School District of Manatee County Board Member
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Jason Wysong,
Darek Jensen,
Paul Gansemer
Area of Representation:
School District of Manatee County
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Liza Chan
Area of Representation:
Manatee Technical College Rep 1
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Linda Chamberlain
Area of Representation:
Manatee Technical College Rep 2
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
John Ziemnicki
Area of Representation:
Manufacturing
Programs Represented:
Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology, CNC Production Specialist, Computer Aided Drawing and Modeling, Electrical and Instrumentation Technology, Global Logistics and Supply Chain Technology, Industrial Technology, Machining, Welding Technology
Melanie Bevan
Area of Representation:
Public Service
Programs Represented:
Fire Fighter/EMT Combined, Law Enforcement Academy
Nick Choat
Area of Representation:
Service Industry
Programs Represented:
Barbering, Cosmetology, Facials, Nails, Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship
Todd Fritch
Area of Representation:
State College of Florida
Programs Represented:
All Technical and Adult Education Programs
Kristie O’Kon
Area of Representation:
Technology
Programs Represented:
Applied Cybersecurity, Computer Systems and Information Technology, Digital Design, Digital Photography, Digital Video Technology
Bill Lee
Area of Representation:
Transportation
Programs Represented:
Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing, Master Automotive Service Technology, Marine Service Technologies
MTC’s Board of Governors
Our Board of Governors guides the vision, strategic direction, and overall goals and outcomes of Manatee Technical College. Authorized by the School Board of Manatee County, the MTC Board of Governors advises and makes recommendations to the School Board on matters pertaining to the programs and operations of Manatee Technical College.
Ex-Officio Members
Dr. Richard Conard, Chair Emeritus
Doug Wagner, Director, Manatee Technical College
Laura Roberts, MTC Business and Industry Specialist