Board Members - North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT)

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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.

Louie Longhi

Louie Longhi is the Training Director/Lead since the creation of the Training Center in 2011.

Prior to joining IAM Local 701, Longhi worked as a Senior Instructor at Chicago’s Lincoln College of Technology for more than 18 years. An ASE Master Certified Technician, G1, L1, T6 & T7.

In 1996 began working with the Illinois chapter of SkillsUSA, in 2020 became the supervisor for the automotive technology competition. Since 2015 has been a judge for National Skills USA automotive technology competition. In 2008 was the recipient of the SkillsUSA Illinois “Red Blazer Award,” the organization’s highest honor. Has held an elected Official for the Justice Park district for the last 10 years. Presently holds the position of president.

Longhi’s career started as an automotive technician in 1982, where he worked his way up to Senior Lead Automotive Technician and Shop Foreman. In 1985, became a Journeyman Mechanic.

Has served as Steward, Negotiating Committee Member and President of the Lincoln Technical Instructor’s Union.

An Eagle Scout and has served as a boy scout leader for 13 years. Graduated from Allied Institute of Technology with a certificate in automotive technology in 1982 with highest honors.

Martin Duvic

Married with four grown children. Born in New Orleans raised in Jackson MS lived in the Baton Rouge area for the past 45 years.

Currently an Equipment inspector at Louisiana DOTD. In the Statewide signal light and sign section out of Baton Rouge. In addition to my inspection duties are employee training on Bucket, Platform, Derrick Digger trucks, and Forklifts too. A Great job transition from the classroom at this point in my career.

Instructor at the Post-secondary level for 16 years in Baton Rouge.

Left the Exxon Mobil refinery in Baton Rouge as a fleet mechanic in 1999 after 15 years to teach.

Graduated from a high school auto program in 1975. Worked at a few dealerships and independent shops before going into fleets in 1980.

ASE Master Auto and HD truck.

Served two previous terms on the NACAT Board 2011-2017

Bible Study along with fishing are a few of my passions

Ronald Morris

Ronald Morris has been in the automotive industry for over 30 years. Ron started as a shop helper, then became a general technician, which led to becoming a lead technician. During his time as a technician, he specialized in drivability and transmission. Eventually, Ron transitioned into the owner/operator role while continuing his education.

For the last 13 years, Ron has been a full-time Automotive Instructor. He has taught at high school and community college levels. He is currently serving as Automotive instructor at Guilford Technical Community College.

Ron has served in numerous capacities with SkillsUSA North Carolina. Since 2016, he has served as a committee member/judge. In 2019 he expanded his engagement by taking on the College Chair role and serving as a judge for Nationals SkillsUSA Automotive Competitions.

Ron holds a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology from Southern Illinois University. Ron also holds an Associate Degree from Kankakee Community College in Automotive technology and Associates Degree from Brown Mackie College in Business Administration.

Ron is certified as an ASE Master Automotive Technician and "L1" Advanced Engine Performance. He is also certified in A9 Light Vehicle Diesel Engines, L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist, C1 Automotive Service.

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!

Todd Richardson

Todd entered the automotive industry at 10 years old after his family bought an American Parts System parts store that later changed names to Big A Auto parts. He worked in the aftermarket parts industry for almost 20 years before joining a GM dealership parts department. Three years later he was promoted to Service Department Manager and continued doing that for nine years until he entered the business of Education at Utah State University, formerly College of Eastern Utah. He has taught college automotive technology courses since 2013.

Todd is married, has four children and lives in Price, Utah. As an active member of his church, he serves in a Bishopric for young single adults. He enjoys the outdoors especially fishing, hunting and ATV riding. Camping with the family is his all-time favorite activity.

Hobbies include construction equipment repair and operation, old cars, and remodeling houses. Currently working to learn post and beam building systems, sawyer, sawmills, and water well drilling.

Todd looks forward to making a difference in the automotive industry by serving on the NACAT board to help plan successful conferences and develop superior automotive technology instructors.

Tom Millard

Tom started his automotive career in High school in an entry level automotive class as a sophomore. He then attended Warren Tech in Lakewood Colorado for the next two years. He then continued his education at red Rock Community College. As a sophomore, he obtained a 1962 Chevy 2 Nova convertible. Tom worked as a tune up technician and then went to work at Stevinson Chevrolet in Golden for the next seven years. Most of his career has been on the dealership life including shop foreman, dispatcher, Service manager and also a time in sales. Tom worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a vehicle technician from 1993 to 2004 working on small and large fleet vehicles.

Tom has a wife, Bonnie and have been married for 42 years. He has two sons (Bill and Daniel) who are both Eagle scouts. Tom and Bonnie worked together in scouting for 30 years and are both Wood Badge leader trained. He has been a staffer on 11 Wood Badge courses. He has two grandchildren (Emerson and Elodie). Tom spends time working with woodwork, likes to fish and do gardening.

Tom has been an ASE master certified since 1975 (when it was called NIASE) and has had his G-1, L-1, P-1 and P-2 since 2010. Tom started teaching at Warren Tech, (where he was a student) in 2004. He has been a registered member with the NACAT organization since 2004. Currently Tom is the Current NACAT Vice President/ President Protem 2019/2022. He is also a member of the Election and Finance committees. Tom has been with the board since 2017. He received the Jack Erjavec Innovative Instructor Scholarship recipient in 2017. He is also a member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Teachers Society (formerly Colorado Automotive Teachers Society) member since 2004 and a former state president.

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.

Kenneth Hardy

Kenneth Hardy, an esteemed veteran of the automotive repair industry with over 50 years of experience, including 18 years as an automotive shop owner, introduces himself to the NACAT community. His journey began in the aftermarket industry as a mechanic, eventually transitioning to a role at an emerging GM dealership where he underwent regular training at the General Motors Training Center in Atlanta. It was during this time that he developed a profound understanding of technician responsibilities and felt a calling to become an instructor. Recognizing the importance of staying abreast of industry advancements, Kenneth diligently pursued ongoing education and training seminars to remain current with evolving technology trends. In 2010, he transitioned to a full-time instructor position at Central Georgia Technical College, which he regards as the pinnacle of his professional career.

Driven by a desire to give back and share his wealth of experience, Kenneth is eager to contribute to the NACAT community as an instructor and mentor.

View the Officer and Board Member Responsibilities