OUR TEAM

RMATS TEAM

Meet our amazing officers and board members that are here to help you in your automotive training journey!

Officers

Seth Ward, President

With many years of experience in several areas of Skilled Trades, Seth is a passionate champion of all aspects of Career Technical Education (CTE).  An enthusiasm for learning and helping others to learn is apparent in any setting.  In addition to numerous industry credentials, Seth has an A.A.S from a Colorado Community College, a Bachelor’s of Career Technical Education (CTE), and is currently completing a Master’s of Ed. with emphasis in CTE. 

As an educational leader, Seth works to support equitable access to high-quality CTE programming; removing barriers, increasing capacity, developing new programs and ensuring sustainability of existing programs, and striving to inspire learners and educators alike. 

An avid auto & motorcycle enthusiast, Seth is passionate about supporting training for the next generation of technicians.

With more than ten years of experience as an instructor in various disciplines, including instruction and mentorship in machining and fabrication, automotive and motorcycle repair/customization in industry settings including instruction and mentorship in a community garage of automotive and motorcycle enthusiasts.

An RMATS board member for many years prior to serving as RMATS President, Seth is committed to the mission of RMATS and fostering it’s growth.

Dr. Brian Manley, Vice President

I’m beginning my 32nd year as an automotive Instructor for Cherry Creek Innovation Campus/Smoky Hill HS in our Cherry Creek School District. I was hired as the Automotive Pathway lead for our brand-new Cherry Creek Education Campus in 2018, and I’m excited that we are expanding our program to provide more opportunities for our students. 

I’m a proud ASE Certified ASE Certified Master Technician for 40 years with L-1 and G-1 certifications.

I’m a 26-Year Evaluation Team Leader for the ASE Education Foundation (formerly NATEF) certifying over 30 high school and college-level automotive training programs.
I was a 6-year National Board member for the ASE Education Foundation, serving as their Secondary school advisor, and I’m a 20-year consultant for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the ASE Education Foundation for test writing and certification manual revision.

We are active in SkillsUSA, often hosting our Regional SkillsUSA Auto Contest, and we have helped grow our school’s SkillsUSA program by collaborating with our Aviation and Construction programs.
We became 1 of 2 first-ever Toyota TECS Elite programs in the nation, offering pre-college Toyota training for our HS students, and we also have developed the same partnerships with VW, Ford and Subaru, with Discount Tire becoming a sponsor this fall.

I’m a 27-year cross country & track coach at the high school level, completing the USA Track & Field (USATF) Level 1, 2 and 3 Schools. 

During my own running lifetime, I have raced every distance from the 1 mile to 100-plus mile ultra-marathons. I began running in middle school 40 years ago, and progressed to 5K’s, 10K’s, 1/2 marathons, then on to marathons. I ran the Badwater 135 Ultramarathon once in 1999 and have finished the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Run 13 times. 
One of my favorite quotes is from the race director for the Leadville Trail 100, Ken Chlouber, who says “You are better than you think you are, and can do more than you think you can!”

Education:

Scott Rill, Treasure

Career

Scott is a Field Technical Specialist for Toyota Motor Sales. In this role, he is involved with helping technicians fix vehicles right the first time. He also helps with technical and dealer service department training. Previously, Scott was the Assistant Manager/Foreman at Groove and Burt Toyota for 25 years. While working at the dealer, he was a two-time Toyota Master Technician Skills Contest national finalist. He has been a longtime advocate for career and technical education and has been involved with SkillsUSA since 1988. He has been a co-chairperson for the Colorado Skills USA automotive contest 12 times.

BOARD MEMBERS

Peter Smith, Board Member

  • Automotive Instructor, Falcon High School, Peyton, CO
  • ASE Master technician
  • Teaching: 10yrs
  • In industry since 1995, full time technician since 2000

I started learning the industry early on, designing, building, fabricating custom off road vehicles and parts with current industry leading companies. Mid high school I became an apprentice technician at a Ford dealer, progressing up and gaining knowledge and the experience allowed me to move into the other domestic manufacturers. By mid 2006, I moved into the independent side of the industry. I found success and happiness in continuing education, mentoring programs, and teaching specialized classes on an as needed basis at local high school programs. I started teaching full time in 2016 for Peyton High School, taking success in building a program from scratch to having students compete in SkillsUSA for both State and National titles. Starting in 2024, I am building another automotive program for Falcon High School. I enjoy teaching full time, mentoring, and sponsoring SkillsUSA allows me to share me knowledge and love of the automobile to our next generations.

Wes Bond, Board Member

As an Automotive Recruiter and Advisor, I am dedicated to connecting students with life-changing opportunities in the automotive industry. With a background in GIS/SUAS drone technology, data collection and marketing, i bring a unique approach to outreach and promotion, ensuring that every program receives the visibility it deserves. My passion lies in helping students achieve success by providing them with the tools, resources and connections they need to fast-track their careers. Committed to fostering community and growth within the automotive field, I strive to build networks that support both personal and professional development. 

Robert D. McCartney, Board Member

Career

Automotive Instructor, San Juan College

Years Teaching: 9

Years in Industry: 23

As a senior in high school I began working at the Toyota dealership. I competed and placed first in state at the Ford and AAA trouble shooting contest. I Came to San Juan College and entered into the TTEN program and graduated as an Expert Technician. I worked there as a line tech and increased my knowledge and experience becoming Master Technician and then Master Diagnostic Technician. I spent some time as a shop foreman and lead technician.  I trained apprentice technicians while working at the dealers with most of them moving on to being very successful technicians.

Robert also sits on the RMATS conference Committee and has been instrumental in preparing for the first ever virtual RMATS conference.

Mark Zeigler, Board Member

Education

  • Bachelor of Business Administration –  The Ohio State University

Career

  • Director – Clear The Air Foundation (2018 – Present)

Brad Wheaton, Board Member

Bio here

 

Kyle Cadarette, Board Member

Bio here