Leadership appointments to industry education bodies can influence workforce training, apprenticeship development and skills programs across the construction sector. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed 13 members to the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council, bringing representatives from concrete producers, masonry contractors, material suppliers and industry organizations to the council.
The appointments include Mark Arbuckle, Arnaldo Capote, Josh Hutchinson, James Johnson, Treavor Kuipers, Bob Marion, Jason Morin, Lisa Pelham and Kyle Phelps. David Cerniglia, Shawn McGee, Robert Melgaard and Jerry Painter were reappointed.
The new and returning members bring experience across concrete production, construction materials, purchasing, sales, operations and masonry contracting.
Several appointees also have direct connections to workforce and education initiatives. Arbuckle serves on the Masonry Apprentice Foundation, while Cerniglia has chaired the Florida Masonry Apprenticeship and Education Foundation. Melgaard is involved with outreach and education for the Masonry Contractors Association of America.
Other members have held leadership roles with organizations representing Florida's concrete and masonry industries, including the Florida Independent Concrete and Products Association and the Masonry Association of Florida.
The council's membership brings industry expertise into programs focused on concrete masonry education and workforce development. For contractors and construction employers, stronger connections between industry organizations, education programs and apprenticeship initiatives can help support the development of skilled workers for masonry and related construction trades.
Source: Florida Govt.
