OUR TEAM
RMATS TEAM
Meet our amazing officers and board members that are here to help you in your automotive training journey!
Officers
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
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.
Scott Hadzik, Board Member
Education:
- M.S. – Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences – Utah State University
- B.S. – Automotive Technology – Weber State University
- B.S. – Computer Science – Weber State University
Certifications:
- ASE Master Automobile Technician Certification
- EPA Clean Air Act – Section 609 Refrigerant Handling Certification
- Chrysler Master Technician
Background:
- 2022 -Present – Full Professor Weber State University
- 2015-2022 – Automotive Department Chair Weber State University
- 2017-2022 – Associate Professor Weber State University
- 2012-2017 – Assistant Professor Weber State University
- 2010–2014 – Lead Instructor in the Chrysler CAP Program at Weber State University
- Summer 2010 – Intern Quality Assurance Electrical, Toyota Motor Sales, Torrance, CA
- 2008–2010 – Chrysler Technician, Quality Chrysler Jeep, and Dodge, Tooele, UT
3 years USAF Aircraft technician
- Specialized in hydraulic systems for the Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker
- Achieved journeyman skill level 5
Memberships/Affiliations:
- ASE
- Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers
Accomplishments:
- Honorably Discharged United States Air Force
- Air Force Achievement Medal with cluster
Fred Brown, Board Member
Fred brings to the Rocky Mountain Automotive Teacher Society Board of Directors a blend of successful automotive dealership operational management and extensive automotive educational program experience, which is unique. His experience as successful General Manager of multi-point locations of Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Dealership Group provides him with incredible insight on the needs and obstacles of retail and commercial/fleet service and sales operations of the region. That dealership knowledge, in combination with his experience as the program director for one of the region’s leading examples of automotive post-secondary educational programs allows him to guide our membership through the expectations of industry as well as the navigation of the administrative maze of secondary and post-secondary education in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Business Administration – University of Northern Colorado
- Undergraduate Minor, Geographic Information Science – University of Northern Colorado
- Undergraduate Minor, History – University of Northern Colorado
Career:
- Director of Automotive Programs and Career & Technical Math, (Service Technology, Diesel Technology, Collision Repair Technology, and Upholstery Program), Aims Community College (2009-2023)
- State of Colorado CTE Discipline Chair (2012-2023)
- Morrell & Associates, Management Consulting (2008-2021)
- General Manager, Garnsey & Wheeler Ford, Lincoln, Mercury (1994-2008)
- Manager, Southland Corporation (1980-1994)
Certifications:
- Leadership Management Institute – Certified Leadership & Productivity Executive
- Ford Motor Company Blue Oval Operations Certification
- Ford Motor Company Business Preferred Fleet and Commercial Vehicle Sales and Service Certification
Community Service:
- Rotary International, Rotary Club of Greeley, (Centennial), Past President
- S.T.E.M. Committee Board Member, Weld County School District #6
- University of Northern Colorado Blue & Gold Athletic Board of Directors
- Colorado Visiting Nurses Association, Board of Directors, Past-Chair
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.
Barbara Mariner, Board Member
Barbara Mariner is a seasoned talent strategist with expertise in workforce development, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence across the automotive sector. Originally from Germany, she began her career through a competitive apprenticeship program with Mercedes-Benz before earning a U.S. work visa—and later, dual citizenship—reflecting her global perspective and adaptability.
Barbara has held pivotal roles within the auto industry, where she has led recruitment strategy, training design, and business process optimization. Her experience spans sales, service, and operations, and includes large-scale hiring initiatives and project management engagements.
With a deep understanding of workforce trends and industry challenges, Barbara is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration. As a board member at RMATS, she brings strategic insight and a passion for workforce development.
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.
Christopher Layne Carroll, Board Member
30 years of experience in the automotive industry, including a significant tenure at Foss Toyota spanning 17 years. Another 8 years at CDJR.
Toyota MDT, Mazda Master Technician and Dodge Master Technician.
25 years of ASE certifications.
Dealership technician for multiple car manufacturers. Worked at a Case equipment dealer for a time and an oilfield trucking company. Also worked for an electric motor rebuilding company.
Have been the Automotive Technology Instructor at Casper College for the past 5 years.
Skills USA Chapter advisor and host of the Wyoming State Skills contest for automotive.
Transitioning from a master mechanic to an educator felt like a natural progression for me as I had already spent years mentoring apprentices. At Casper College I am dedicating myself t nurturing the next generation of automotive technicians.
In addition to my professional pursuits, I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys golfing, fly fishing and rock hounding. I am a little bit of a foodie and like to cook and bake. and of course I love tinkering with all things mechanical.