Chairman
Gerard Grim brings over three decades of expertise in higher education and private secondary education. With leadership roles at John Carroll University, Mary Baldwin University, University of Saint Francis, Archbishop Hoban High School, Beaumont High School, and Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Gerard has directed initiatives ranging from alumni relations to capital campaigns.
His proficiency lies in managing and growing endowments, a skill vital for shaping the growth of the American Trade Foundation. Gerard emphasizes the importance of a foundation's clear purpose, inspiring donors to support it. He envisions contributing to the team that transforms the American Trade Foundation into an institution always meeting the needs of deserving students.
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Scholarship Opportunities
At the core of our mission, as articulated by Vice Chairman Dr. Scott Fitzgibbon, is the unwavering commitment to providing scholarship support for students embarking on careers in the skilled trades. Join us, along with our esteemed board members, in championing this cause and contributing to our mission through the G.R.A.D. Program. Together, we shape a future where the skilled trades thrive, fostering an environment that not only supports but also encourages excellence in trades education.
Vice Chairman
Dr. Scott Fitzgibbon, a prominent figure in higher education since 1991, specializes in teaching, admissions, student services, and career services. With a focus on cognitive-behavioral training, adult learning, and a learner-centered approach, he has played a pivotal role in student persistence and retention.
As a distributor and consultant for Wiley Publishing and The Pacific Institute, Dr. Fitzgibbon has utilized the Everything DiSC® assessment since 1998, teaching behavioral understanding in areas such as communication, sales, teamwork, conflict resolution, customer service, leadership, and management. His impact extends to co-authoring The Pacific Institute’s Mindsetting for Success and Well-Being in the Digital Age™ curriculum, implemented in over 500 career schools in North America, reaching over 1,600,000 students and 35,000 school employees. He is a sought-after guest lecturer for numerous state, national, and international associations.
Board Member
Colleen Chamberlain, Site Administrator at PA CareerLink® Lawrence County since October 2019, brings 27 years of HR experience and diverse leadership roles, including with Youngstown City Schools, Sears Holdings Corporation/Kmart Distribution Center, and Joy Cone Company. Her expertise spans manufacturing, warehousing/logistics, and education, providing a strong foundation in business management, employer needs, and skills training.
Actively engaged in various boards, Colleen serves as President of the Lawrence County Learning Center Board of Directors, Vice President of the United Way of Lawrence County, and contributes to organizations like Adult Literacy Lawrence County and Nine Point Nine. Her commitment extends to advisory committees for institutions such as New Castle School of Trades, Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, Laurel School District’s Agriculture Program, and ACTS. Residing in Neshannock Township with her husband, Wayne, Colleen remains involved with the Boy Scouts of America, Moraine Trails Council, conducting adult leadership training and serving as the Unit Commissioner in Lawrence County.
Board Member
Kevin Preston, an owner and Vice President of the Preston Auto Group, brings a wealth of automotive industry experience to the foundation. The Preston Auto Group, with 10 rooftops and 13 franchises in New Castle, Erie, PA, and Boardman, Ohio, ranks among the top 150 dealer groups in the country, as recognized by Automotive News.
A second-generation owner, Kevin has been part of the automotive industry for 19 years, following in his father's footsteps who started the business in 1989. After graduating from Neshannock High School in 2006, Kevin pursued his education at Robert Morris University, earning his degree in 2010. In 2011, he further honed his expertise by graduating from the NADA dealer academy.
Board Member
Pat Moran embarked on his career in the home improvement business in 1977, immediately after graduating from high school. Guided by his father's entrepreneurial wisdom, Pat learned the value of hard work and dedication to business success. In 1988, he took the entrepreneurial leap, opening replacement window companies in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Virginia.
In 2003, Pat and his father ventured into the Window World franchise, purchasing their first one in Youngstown, Ohio. Today, they own seven franchises spanning Youngstown, Pittsburgh, Toledo, Cleveland, Akron, Weirton, WV, and Detroit, MI. The family business has flourished, with both of Pat's children, Patrick and Mandi, contributing to its success. Witnessing their record-setting pace brings joy to Pat, who views work as a vacation due to his deep love for what he does every day. His philosophy: love what you do, and you are certain to achieve great things.
Board Member
Jim Rach launched his career in the summer of 1985, working part-time for a local independent welding supply and industrial gas distributor in Youngstown, Ohio. Within three months, his talents led him to another division specializing in installing cryogenic and piping systems nationwide.
Within a year, Jim embraced a pivotal role that involved managing warehouse inventory, dispatching trucks for local deliveries, and supervising industrial gas filling operations. His dedication resulted in a swift promotion to the purchasing department. Approximately 8-9 months later, Jim transitioned to the role of an outside sales representative, a position he has passionately held for 38 years.
With no retirement ambitions, Jim emphasizes that when you love what you do, it never feels like a job.
Board Member
Dena Baptiste is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in the human resources field. She has worked across multiple industries, including healthcare, construction, real estate, and manufacturing.
Dena is currently the Director of Human Resources for the ELLWOOD Group. She is responsible for workforce initiatives, training and development, and talent acquisition. Dena is passionate about connecting people with great careers and encouraging them to achieve their full potential.
Dena received her Masters in Business Administration from Chatham University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources management from Geneve College. Dena serves as a board member for the Lawrence County Learning Center and is an active member of Toastmasters International.
Support Our Cause
Join America’s Trades Foundation in supporting the growth of the trades through educational scholarships. Please make a gift today.
America’s Trades Foundation proudly supports the education and training for skilled trades. Scholarships awarded to high school students accepted into accredited institutions for the trades. These scholarships are available to students of accredited high schools or home school programs. A three-member committee from America’s Trades Foundation will review and select scholarship recipients. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be accepted to an accredited institution for the trades.
- Submit the acceptance letter from the institution.
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher/educator.
- Complete a minimum 200-word essay to explain why the student is pursuing skilled trades education.
Monetary awards will be sent directly to the incoming scholarship recipient’s educational institution on the student’s behalf.
High School Graduates Pursuing Skilled Trades Training
High School Graduates
The America’s Trades Foundation Mission is to provide scholarships opportunities for students pursing a career in the skilled trades.
Current Scholarships Available:
Timeline:
- Completed application packages must be submitted by the applicant by June 15th to the American’s Trades Foundation.
- Applicants will be informed by the America’s Trades Foundation Board of Directors of their successfully request for a scholarship by July 20th.
- America’s Trades Foundation will pay the scholarship direct to the student’s educational institution.
Scholarships for Students currently enrolled at New Castle School of Trades in New Castle Pennsylvania, East Liverpool, Ohio or Baltimore, Maryland: Criteria and application click here: