The People Behind The Craft

Our Team

Our training director, instructors and committee members are tradespeople and industry leaders who have carried a tool bag, pulled wire and run jobsites and bring that experience into every classroom.

Administrative Staff

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Glenn Rettig

Training Director

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Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, University of Toledo

About: With more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration, technical education, and industry, I bring a unique combination of leadership and engineering expertise to my role as Training Director of the Toledo Electrical JATC. My career at Owens Community College included serving as Dean of the School of STEM, following other faculty and administrative positions. My relationship with the Toledo Electrical JATC began while I was an Associate Dean at Owens, where I worked closely with the programs to facilitate the awarding of college credit for apprentices. This experience fostered a deep appreciation for the apprenticeship model and its importance in developing skilled electrical professionals. In addition to my experience in higher education, I worked in the glass industry and have maintained my Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Ohio. Today, my focus is on ensuring that the Toledo Electrical JATC continues to provide highly qualified, well-trained apprentices who meet the needs of the IBEW, NECA, and the communities they serve.

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Pat Covarrubias Jr.

Assistant Training Director

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Education: Toledo Electrical JATC Graduate (2016); currently enrolled at Northwest State Community College pursuing an Associate Degree in Electrical Supervision.

About: Pat is a proud second-generation member of IBEW Local 8, having joined the Brotherhood in 2011. A graduate of the Toledo Electrical JATC, he built a well-rounded career in electrical construction and safety before stepping into a leadership role at the training center. He previously served on both the JATC and Examining Boards, contributing to the development and oversight of training standards across the industry. During his time as Assistant Training Director, Pat was dedicated to preparing the next generation of electricians by fostering excellence in technical skills, safety practices and professional growth.

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Sarah Flores

Office Administrator

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About: Sarah’s primary responsibilities at the JATC include overseeing journeyman education, managing the TradeSchool database and processing apprentice upgrades. She takes pride in her strong problem-solving abilities, exceptional organizational skills and collaborative approach, which allow her to effectively support our apprentices, journeymen and coworkers. During busy periods, Sarah is always willing to assist wherever needed, whether that involves answering phones, troubleshooting software and program issues or stepping into another team member's role to help maintain efficient office operations. Her adaptability and willingness to support the team contribute to a positive and productive work environment. The most rewarding aspect of Sarah’s role is witnessing apprentices develop their skills, gain confidence and achieve success in the electrical industry. She also values the opportunity to learn something new each day while working alongside a supportive team that encourages professional growth, recognizes hard work and fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

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Rhonda Spitler

Office Administrator

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About: Rhonda’s primary responsibility is Accounting Procedures and Payroll. She creates the monthly financial reports for the committee meetings and maintains the vendor and employee accounts. Rhonda also processes payroll and student grants each week, which means she is responsible for the yearly tax forms sent to journeymen, apprentices and employees. For those accepted into the TEJATC, Rhonda is the individual who notifies the newly selected applicants of orientation and tracks their eligibility. She helps fellow office staff by answering phones when needed, greets front desk visitors and handles other general office administration tasks. A 22-year employee, she enjoys seeing apprentices through their apprenticeships and when they return as journeymen for continuing education classes. Rhonda especially enjoys seeing the sons and daughters of members enter the apprenticeship to keep the cycle going.

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Sally Wilkins

Office Administrator

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About: Sally’s primary roles at the JATC include answering the phones, starting the applicants with their applications, entering the work reports hours, test scores, evaluations and keeping track of all licensures for the apprentices, as well as helping anyone who stops in the office. During busy times, she is always willing to help where needed to make the office more productive. Over her 21 years at the JATC, Sally’s favorite part of the job is watching the apprentices achieve their goals and become journeymen. She also enjoys being a part of the JATC team, where everyone treats each other as family.

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Amanda Leroux

Office Administrator

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About: Amanda’s primary role is supporting applicants throughout the application process. She helps ensure each applicant has a smooth and positive experience by organizing and maintaining applicant files and documentation and preparing materials for interviews. When the office gets busy, she jumps in wherever needed. Amanda also assists with answering phones, greeting applicants and visitors at the front desk, helping with job assignments and supporting her fellow office administrators with day-to-day tasks.

One of her favorite things about working at the JATC is helping applicants begin their journey toward a rewarding career while working alongside a team that is supportive, dedicated and always willing to help one another succeed.

Instructors

Our instructors are journeymen, foremen and master electricians who connect code and theory to the real work happening on jobsites across the Toledo region every day.

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Dennis "Denny" Abbott Sr.

Part-Time Instructor

Inside · Residential

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Education: Roy C. Start High School (1974). Honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine Corps (1982); continued education at the University of Toledo, Owens Community College, Northwest State Community College and the Toledo Electrical JATC.

About: Dennis "Denny" Abbott St. is a proud IBEW Local 8 inside wireman by trade and has dedicated his career to the electrical industry and the education of future electricians. Throughout his career, he has completed numerous journeyman-level continuing education courses and has remained committed to professional growth and excellence in the industry. In addition to his trade work, Denny has served his fellow members through leadership roles at Eight Federal Credit Union. He was elected to the Board of Directors in 2009 and elected Treasurer in 2012, a position he continues to hold while serving the membership. Denny is also the founder of the IBEW Local 8 Motorcycle Club, reflecting his strong connection to the Brotherhood of the IBEW. As an educator, Denny taught Journeyman Education classes part-time in the evenings for 10 years. He retired from IBEW Local 8 in 2023. In February of 2026, he returned to the classroom on a part-time, day shift basis, continuing what he enjoys most - teaching apprentices the trade and helping to prepare the next generation of skilled wiremen. His passion for the trade, commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to mentoring apprentices continue to make a lasting impact on the future of the electrical industry.

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Patrick Cryan

Full-Time Instructor

Residential · Inside · Journeyperson Education

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Education: Perrysburg High School (2001). U.S. Navy Gas Turbine Systems Technician A School (2003), TEJATC Residential Apprenticeship Graduate (2006), TEJATC Inside Apprenticeship Graduate (2013), National Training Institute, University of Michigan, 2014–2019 (ongoing annually)

About: Patrick is a U.S. Navy veteran and proud member of IBEW Local 8. After his military service, he entered the electrical trade and completed both the residential and inside apprenticeship programs at TEJATC. He has worked for multiple contractors as an apprentice, journeyman and foreman before joining the TEJATC staff as a full-time instructor. Patrick continues to attend the National Training Institute every summer to renew certifications and stay current with the latest in electrical education.

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Tyler Bergman

Full-Time Instructor

Inside · Residential · Journeyperson Education

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Education: Honors Graduate Bryan High School (2010), TEJATC Inside Apprenticeship Graduate (2017), National Training Institute, 2023–present

About: Tyler was born into an IBEW family and has been a member of Local 8 since 2012. He gained experience in the field as both a service technician and project foreman before transitioning into education. He served as a part-time instructor and tutor at TEJATC from 2018 to 2023 and is now a full-time instructor delivering coursework across both the inside and residential apprenticeship tracks, as well as journeyperson education courses.

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Rob Haas

Full-Time Instructor

Inside and Residential Instructor

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Education: TEJATC Graduate (1996); Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology, Owens Community College; Career-Tech teaching certificate, University of Toledo; Career-Technical Teaching License.

About: Rob is a dedicated electrical instructor with a strong foundation in both industry and technical education. Since 1997, Rob has been a proud member of IBEW Local 8, where he has contributed to numerous projects and has taken on leadership roles that strengthened his skills in teamwork, problem-solving and jobsite management. Rob also taught the electrical trade to High School students for 13 years, where he developed curriculum and delivered instruction focused on safety, technical knowledge and hands-on electrical skills. As an instructor at the Toledo Electrical JATC, Rob is committed to training the next generations of electrical workers by combining industry expertise with a strong emphasis on safety, quality workmanship and lifelong learning.

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Todd Blair

Full-Time Instructor

Telecommunications (VDV) · Residential · BICSI Certified

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Education: Cardinal Stritch High School Graduate (2000), TEJATC VDV Apprenticeship Graduate (2004)

About: Todd has been a proud member of IBEW Local 8 since June 2000. Over his career, he worked for multiple contractors in roles ranging from cable puller and apprentice to journeyman, foreman and service technician. He joined the TEJATC staff in July 2024 as a full-time instructor, teaching VDV classes and assisting in the residential program. As a certified BICSI instructor, Todd brings specialized low-voltage and telecommunications expertise to every lesson.

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Kyle Blair

Full-Time Instructor

Telecommunications (VDV) · Residential

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Education: Toledo Electrical JATC Graduate (2015), Currently enrolled at Northwest State Community College · NTI Instructor Development Training (annual)

About: Kyle is a proud member of IBEW Local 8. Coming from a family dedicated to the electrical trade, Kyle is one of three brothers who have all earned their journeyman status through IBEW Local 8. Before becoming an instructor, Kyle spent 12 years as a VDV installer and foreman, gaining extensive hands-on field experience. He then transitioned to the office, serving five years as an estimator and project manager, during which he developed a strong understanding of project planning, customer relations and leadership. As an instructor, Kyle is committed to preparing the next generation of skilled VDV professionals by combining real-world experience with quality education. He is passionate about instilling the values of craftsmanship, safety, professionalism and continuous learning, ensuring apprentices have the knowledge, confidence and work ethic to succeed throughout their careers while upholding the proud traditions of IBEW Local 8.

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Michael Nino

Full-Time Instructor

Residential · Inside (Commercial)

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Education: IBEW Local 8 Construction Wireman (2012); TEJATC Residential Apprenticeship Graduate; TEJATC Inside Apprenticeship Graduate, Journeyman Inside Wireman (2021)

About: Mike comes from a proud family of union workers and union electricians who instilled in him the values of hard work, Brotherhood and service from an early age. He began his career with IBEW Local 8 in 2012 as a Construction Wireman before being accepted into the Residential Apprenticeship. Driven to keep advancing, he upgraded into the Inside Wireman Apprenticeship and topped out as a Journeyman Inside Wireman in 2021. Over the course of his career, Mike built a diverse background in electrical construction, working on commercial, industrial and large-scale projects throughout Local 8 and several surrounding sister Locals. He gained experience in roles ranging from apprentice and foreman to Union Steward and Examining Board member. He joined the TEJATC staff as a first-year electrical instructor and also leads the Thursday evening ALEKS tutoring program, believing every apprentice deserves the opportunity to succeed. Mike is committed to building a culture of accountability, professionalism and Brotherhood in the classroom and to developing not just skilled electricians, but leaders who will strengthen the IBEW for generations to come.

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Randy Szalkowski

Part-Time Instructor

Inside · Residential · OSHA 30 · NFPA 70E · Code of Excellence · Current NEC Code Cycle

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Education: Graduate of Macomber Vocational Technical High School, Toledo (1972). Continued education at the University of Toledo and Owens Community College. Entered the IBEW apprenticeship program in 1977 and completed it in 1981. Graduate of the National Training Institute (2003); continues attending NTI annually to stay current with the latest in electrical education and industry standards.

About: Randy has been a member in good standing with IBEW Local 8 for nearly five decades, working throughout his career for signatory electrical contractors in the region. He began teaching as a part-time instructor at TEJATC in 1999 and transitioned to full-time in 2014. After semi-retiring in 2024, Randy continues to assist with classes wherever he is needed. After all, when you love the trade, you do not just walk away from it. His ongoing commitment to education, including annual NTI attendance and current certifications in OSHA 30, NFPA 70E and the National Electrical Code, sets an example for every apprentice who comes through the door.

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Dan Payne

Full-Time Instructor

Industrial

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Education: Toledo Electrical JATC Inside Apprenticeship (2019). Dan is looking to expand his knowledge and skills through continued education at Northwest State Community College. He also attends NTI Instructor Development Training annually to enhance his instructional techniques and stay current with industry best practices.

About: Dan is a U.S. Army veteran and has been a proud member of the IBEW since 2019. Throughout his career, he has gained valuable field experience as both a journeyman and a foreman. In 2025, Dan joined the JATC staff as a part-time instructor, providing tutoring and academic support. He now serves as a full-time instructor for industrial apprentices.

Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee

TEJATC is governed by a board of equal labor and management trustees appointed in accordance with the Taft-Hartley Act, ensuring every decision serves the long-term health of the trade.

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Michael Deaton

Committee Member · Management

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Education: St. John's Jesuit High School Graduate; Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Bowling Green State University

Certifications: BICSI RCDD, Contractor Licenses in 26 states

About: Michael Deaton entered the IBEW Local 8/NECA JATC apprenticeship program in 2005 and graduated in 2009. He then joined Laibe Electric Technology as an Estimator/Project Manager before being promoted to Executive Vice President in 2016 and President in 2017.

Today, Michael leads Laibe Electric Technology, a company with a 100 years of history serving commercial, industrial, healthcare, institutional, and technology clients. He maintains contractor licenses in more than 30 states and holds a BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification.

As a JATC Committee Member, Michael is committed to supporting apprenticeship training and developing the next generation of highly skilled electricians and technology professionals.

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Dana Hostetler

Committee · Management

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About: Dana Hostetler has more than 30 years of experience in the electrical contracting industry. As President of Romanoff Electric Company and Vice President of Chapel-Romanoff Technologies, he has helped guide major projects and complex operations throughout the Toledo region, earning a reputation for professionalism, technical expertise, and industry leadership.

He currently serves on the Toledo Electrical JATC and as President of the Ohio/Michigan NECA Board of Directors. Dana is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Thayer Leadership at West Point, and the NECA Executive Management Program. He holds electrical contracting licenses in both Ohio and Michigan and has contributed to the development of the next generation of electrical professionals as a past instructor of fourth- and fifth-year apprentices and as an instructor of electrical estimating at the BGSU Construction Management School.

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Ross Bollin

Committee · Management

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Education: Ross Bollin serves as Vice President of Transtar Electric, Security, & Technologies. A 2007 graduate of St. John's Jesuit High School and a 2011 graduate of the University of Dayton with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Ross further strengthened his industry expertise by completing the JATC Inside Wireman Electrical Apprenticeship in December 2019.

About: Having grown up in the electrical industry and within the family business, Ross brings a unique blend of firsthand experience and leadership to his role. He began working for the company as a shop helper while still in junior high school and steadily progressed through the organization, gaining valuable experience at every level.

Throughout his career, Ross has successfully overseen numerous multifamily construction projects and has played a pivotal role in expanding Transtar's presence and success within this market sector. As one of the younger members of the JATC committee, he offers a transformative leadership style. Ross holds several certifications, including a State of Ohio Contractors License, State of Ohio Fire Alarm License, and State of Michigan Journeyman’s License.

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Ben Motylinski

Committee · Management

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Education:

About: Ben Motylinski is the Field Operations Manager for GEM Inc. and brings more than 25 years of experience in the electrical construction industry. He has led major industrial and commercial projects throughout the Midwest. Ben serves on the Toledo Electrical JATC and the Industrial Relations Committee for The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). He holds multiple credentials including a Michigan Master Electrician License, Toledo JIW certification, state of Ohio Fire alarm license, and a BICSI Level II certification.

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Tom Enright

Committee · Labor

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About: Tom Enright is a dedicated labor leader in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), currently serving as Assistant Business Manager and Union President for IBEW Local 8. Over the course of his trade career, he has held key leadership positions including Treasurer and Executive Board member, where he has advocated for working conditions, fair wages, and member welfare.

In his role as a Labor Trustee for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Enright bridges administrative leadership with workforce education.

Through his dual roles in local union administration and JATC governance, Enright remains actively involved in maintaining high trade standards and developing the next generation of skilled electrical workers.

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Kevin Dutton

Committee · Labor

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Education: Roy C. Start High School graduate (1998) Stautzenberger College graduate CompTIA A+ program (2004) Toledo Electrical JATC graduate (2019)

About: Kevin has been a proud member of IBEW Local 8 beginning in 2013. He completed the Inside Wireman apprenticeship program in 2019 and was nominated Apprentice of the Year. Kevin attained his STSC credential from the BCSP in 2021 and continues to promote safety, quality, and training as a JIW, Foreman and General Foreman. He has served on the JATC Committee as a guest from 2019-2021 and as a Labor Trustee beginning in 2023.

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Roger Barney

Committee · Labor

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About: Roger Barney serves as a Labor Trustee for the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and is a member of the Executive Board for IBEW Local 8.

A grounded, steady presence in local union leadership, Barney brings real-world trade experience directly into the committee room. Rather than seeking the spotlight, he focuses on doing the quiet work that keeps the local strong; making sure apprentices get top-notch, hands-on training and that working members have the backing they need on the job site.

As a JATC Labor Trustee, he stays focused on protecting the integrity of the craft, advocating for fair working conditions, and quietly guiding the next generation of electricians toward solid careers in the trade.

Trained By The Best. Ready For The Field.

Our instructors do not just teach from textbooks;
they have lived the work.

If you are ready to learn from people who have done it, schedule your appointment to apply to the Toledo Electrical JATC apprenticeship program today.