OUR TEAM
RMATS TEAM
Meet our amazing officers and board members that are here to help you in your automotive training journey!
Officers
Rick Mercado, President
Education
- Business and Economics University of Montana (1981)
- Associate of Applied Science University of Montana (1997)
- Graduated Cum Laude
Certification
- ASE Master Technician (A1-A8) (1996-current)
- ASE Certified Advanced Level Specialist in Engine Performance (1997- 2020)
- General Motors Certifications including Duramax diesel
- Ford Certifications including Power Stroke diesel
- Chrysler Certifications including Cummins diesel
- MACS Air Condition Certified
Career
- 1994 NHRA Track Champion
- 1994 NHRA Division Driver of the Year
- Automotive technician (1990-2010)
- Automotive Instructor (2005-Current)
- Program Supervisor (2005-2008)
- Department Chair (2014-Current)
- National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) Master Trainer
Mark Zeigler, Vice President
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration – The Ohio State University
Career
- Director – Clear The Air Foundation (2018 – Present)
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
