SETIAB Welcomes Newly Elected Leadership Team

The Florida Statewide Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board (SETIAB) was created in Spring 2023 to engage Florida manufacturers with the state colleges that offer two- and four-year degree programs in Engineering Technology (ET). SETIAB's goal is to ensure that the more than twenty ET programs across the state continue to meet the rapidly evolving needs of industry, to raise the visibility of the skills and competencies of program completers, and to elevate awareness of the A.S. and B.S. Engineering Technology degree programs statewide.

As SETIAB continues this important work, the board is proud to introduce its newly elected Chair, Vice Chair, and the continued support of the Secretary, who will help lead the organization into its next chapter.

New Chair: Joe Corley

Joe Corley, the newly elected chair of SETIAB, is a seasoned manufacturing executive with extensive leadership experience in quality and operations. Prior to his retirement, he held management roles in both large and small organizations, where he focused on building high-performing teams, driving product excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a strong ability to identify and implement data-driven process enhancements by collaborating effectively with employees and drawing on operational best practices.

Deeply committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, Joe serves on multiple boards dedicated to strengthening connections between education and industry. These roles enable him to support initiatives that prepare future employees and leaders for careers in manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.

New Vice Chair: Kon Champavannarath

Kon Champavannarath, the newly elected vice chair of SETIAB, is driving digital transformation across healthcare and manufacturing. After serving 13 years in healthcare IT leadership, followed by a decade as Chief Information Officer in manufacturing, he now leads Operational Technology for a Fortune 500 wood products manufacturer.

Throughout his career, Kon has focused on aligning technology with business strategy, helping organizations improve safety, productivity, and profitability through automation, data-driven decision-making, AI, and smart manufacturing initiatives. He is passionate about bridging the gap between executive leadership and technology teams, demonstrating how technology investments create lasting business value through operational improvement rather than implementation alone.

Kon is an advocate for developing future leaders and frequently shares insights on digital transformation, manufacturing innovation, leadership, and operational excellence.

Continuing as Secretary: Vincent Harmon

Vincent Harmon is continuing as the Secretary of SETIAB. Vincent serves as Senior Manager of Operational Excellence at Coca-Cola, bringing valuable industry experience to the board's record-keeping and administrative leadership.

Board Members

SETIAB's leadership is supported by a dedicated group of board members representing manufacturing, workforce development, and education across Florida:

•  Abraham (Abe) Alangadan – CEO, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

•  Mike Aller – Vice President, Manufacturing Intelligence & Programs, FloridaMakes

•  Robert “Bob” Blevins – Assistant Director, Office of Career and Technical Education

•  Peter Cirak – Vice President of Quality, Seal Dynamics

•  James Gillard – Regional Human Resources Manager, Stellar Energy

•  Jessica Lovatt – President & CEO, Volusia Manufacturing Association (VMA)

•  Chris Nelson – President, Machine Technology Manufacturing

•  Josette Twait – Assistant Director of Career & Technical Education

Congratulations to Joe, Kon, Vincent, and all of SETIAB's board members. The board looks forward to continuing its work strengthening the connection between Florida's manufacturers and the state's Engineering Technology degree programs.