NACAT Board Members and and reasons for being a part of NACAT. - North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT)

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Board Members

Steve Gibson, Chairman of the Board

Steve Gibson is a 25+ year veteran of the automotive industry. Beginning as a shop helper at a friend’s garage at age 16, Steve has worked in independent repair, retail and wholesale parts sales, and for an aftermarket parts manufacturer. Steve created and managed a first of its kind education program for K&N Filters, helping students gain enthusiasm for the automotive industry through simple aftermarket performance upgrades. Steve joined NACAT in 2009 to increase student reach by training the instructors on these same principles. Joining the NACAT Board in 2013, Steve is now helping shape the organization to continue serving member instructors and their students for success in the classroom and beyond. Aside from instructor and student training, Steve enjoys competing in Land Speed Racing events with his 1971 Camaro, classic V-drive ski boats, and makes his home in Riverside, California.

Sara Heller

My name is Sara Heller and I am the instructor/coordinator of the automotive program at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in New Jersey. Before working at RVCC, I worked at Middlesex College (also in New Jersey) and at different high schools in New York. I have also worked at a few different small shops (both in New York and New Jersey). I am married to an incredible man, Josh, and we have a wonderful 3yr old son, Joey, who keeps us busy all the time. I love hiking, reading, watching movies, playing sports, driving, and much more!

Wade Johnson

Wade Johnson has been in the automotive industry for almost 25 years. After high school he spent 14 years as a Chrysler Master Certified dealership technician. He is ASE Master Certified since 2001 and later added A9 Light Duty Diesel. Wade was hired to start an automotive program at Harper High School (Oregon) in 2015 with only an empty building and a lift. Since then, with the help of many people and industry partners, it is now a fully equipped 5 year program starting at the 8th grade level.

Working in a small school district means you wear many hats. Aside from teaching, Wade is the district student transportation supervisor, fleet mechanic, bus driver, and district High School Success team lead (an Oregon Student Success Initiative). He is also the SkillsUSA advisor where the chapter has grown to be involved in many career areas. Wade has especially enjoyed judging at the National SkillsUSA Automotive Technology competitions since 2018. He has made some great friends and met many industry partners from that opportunity.

Wade has been married for 19 years, has 2 daughters and a son, 17, 15, and 11 years old. He lives in Ontario, OR and enjoys spending time helping on his family’s cattle operation and anything else outdoors.

Wade has been a NACAT member since 2017. He looks forward to being more involved with the NACAT organization and hopes to help to continue NACAT's tradition of being a one of a kind resource and crucial support system for automotive teachers.

Rafael De Leon

Professor Rafael A. De Leon, has been a longstanding member of NACAT and President of Automotive Service Institute since 2017. Motivated by a desire to contribute to the organization's ongoing success, he offers a wealth of expertise and support in various key areas. With a focus on bolstering NACAT's membership base, enhancing industry recognition, and facilitating credential acquisition for new instructors, Professor De Leon aims to promote the organization's initiatives and advance its mission.

Additionally, he pledges to champion safety standards, facilitate resource acquisition for member laboratories, and coordinate conferences and training events with the board. With a commitment to fostering the welfare of members and the organization as a whole, Professor De Leon is dedicated to driving NACAT forward as a valued team member.

Steve Boyd

Steve Boyd brings over two decades of instructional experience and nearly 20 years as a technician to the organization. He believes he can support NACAT’s mission by helping provide fellow instructors with the tools and industry connections they need to prepare the next generation of technicians. Having continually adapted his teaching methods to meet the changing needs and learning styles of students, Steve understands the challenges newer instructors face as they find their footing. He looks forward to sharing his experiences while also learning from fellow board members to grow as both a leader and educator.

Kimberly Night

Kimberly Night brings a fresh, forward-thinking perspective to the NACAT Board as a passionate automotive educator and advocate for diversity in the industry. With a strong commitment to innovation and inclusion, she is dedicated to shaping the future of automotive education by helping instructors prepare students not only in technical skills but also in adaptability and professionalism. As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Kimberly is especially driven to encourage more women and underrepresented groups to pursue careers in automotive technology. She looks forward to supporting NACAT’s mission through mentorship, curriculum development, and meaningful engagement with the next generation of educators.

Krystle Roherty

Krystle Roherty is deeply passionate about inspiring students in the automotive field and leading by example as a lifelong learner. After attending the NACAT Conference, she was moved by the welcoming community, wealth of knowledge, and collaborative spirit—elements that align closely with her own values as an educator. She returned to her school energized, sharing the insights she gained from the conference and NACAT's virtual mentor meetings. With a background in business administration, automotive, and education, Krystle is eager to work with the board to drive innovation, build strategic partnerships, and expand NACAT’s reach and impact in her province and beyond.

Charles Klasman

Charles Klasman attended his first NACAT event in 1997 at Penn College in Williamsport, PA, and has remained committed to automotive education ever since. With over 25 years of experience working with high school and post-secondary automotive programs nationwide, he currently serves as the Technical Training Education Manager for the Eastern Region at Subaru of America. Charles holds a deep appreciation for NACAT and is eager to contribute to its continued growth and sustainability as a board member. He sees it as a privilege to serve and believes both his perspective and that of his employer can positively support the organization’s mission.

David Carter

David currently teach automotive technology, welding, and science at Great Lakes Adventist Academy, and has been there since 1991. He enjoys working on cars, fine woodworking, judo, landscape photography, outdoor pursuits, and spending time with family.

View the Officer and Board Member Responsibilities