Wall named new NIMS executive director

Longtime administrator, educator to focus on workforce development

Source: National Institute for Metalworking Skills

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The National Institute for Metalworking Skills has named James A. Wall as its new executive director.  He will succeed Stephen C. Mandes, who served in this position since 1999.

As executive director, Wall will be focused on improving and expanding the NIMS mission to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce.

“Jim has been all over the world advocating the benefits of performance standards. His dedication to the advanced manufacturing industry and his experience as an operator, educator and owner give him a unique perspective on the problems and issues currently facing us,” said Greg Chambers, chairman of the NIMS board of directors. “I am confident that under his leadership NIMS will continue to drive the performance of the American metalworking workforce upwards to make us more innovative and competitive in the global marketplace of today.”

“Precision manufacturing is fundamental to the success of our economy" said Wall. “I am committed to developing expanded partnerships with industry, secondary and postsecondary educational institutions, and apprenticeship programs to build the 21st Century workforce required for sustained economic development.”

Wall has the combined experience as a metalworking company owner and educator. He taught at both the secondary and postsecondary levels and has served as a school administrator in technical education. Wall has been deputy director of NIMS since 2002 and has been responsible for the continued development and maintenance of NIMS standards, performance requirements and theory exams. Prior to joining NIMS, Wall directed the statewide metalworking program at Penn State University.