For the Boating Industry 40 Under 40 issue , who better to profile than an individual who champions workforce development and attracting young people for a successful marine industry career ?

Nikki Storey , president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School , was a relatively unknown player prior to her recognition as the Darlene Briggs Marine Woman of the Year in 2022 . She has earned her place in the national spotlight and emerged as a fierce crusader , innovator and spokesperson for workforce development .

Nikki reports to the GLBBS board of directors with responsibility for external affairs , resources and fiscal management . She coaches the leadership team and oversees operations , programming , development , alumnae / community relations and

By Wanda Kenton Smith enrollment initiatives . In this candid profile , Nikki shares inspiring insights that have contributed to her professional success along with equally compelling commentary on key issues facing the marine industry .

Boating Industry ( BI ): When did you join the Great Lakes Boat Building School ? Nikki Storey ( NS ): I started eight years ago as business manager . The executive committee assigned me the responsibility of national accreditation , which was tedious , but we were approved in 2020 . The board determined I was capable and promoted me to executive director .

BI : What led to your appointment to president ? NS : Accreditors and the Federal Department of Education put a significant amount of emphasis on student outcomes : graduation rates , employment , and salaries . The board of directors and program advisory board created a committee which I participated in to align a new mission and vision with our goals and requirements for maintaining accreditation .

We were not just a boat building school anymore ; we were ready to offer industry relevant new programs . Our advisory board recommended we add a very needed industry program - Marine Service Technology . We began the program out of our current facility , utilizing available space . The addition of our new program exploded enrollment ; we were and are bursting at the seams . This lack of space led us to apply for an EDA grant for a facility expansion for the Marine Service Technology program , and the addition of a new Marine Electrical and Electronics Technology program . GLBBS also raised , through private funds , an additional $ 1.1 million match for the EDA grant . Based on achievement , the board changed my title from executive director to president .

Nikki Storey , president of the Great Lakes Boat Building School in Cedarville , MI

BI : What ’ s your technical training background ? NS : I spent two summers as a college student / summer intern laborer working at the quarry where my father and grandfather worked . I received an eyeopening education about the skills trades . I had the opportunity to learn how to operate BIG machinery , cut and weld steel .

BI : What did you learn growing up in a skilled trades family ? NS : I never imagined what I learned from my family conversations would benefit my career . I frequently heard the challenges my skilled trades family members talked about … not being valued by employers , working in challenging environments and working with a team . I understand quite a bit today about union dynamics : politics , apprenticeship training and membership .

BI : Your resume includes stints in HR for a university and hospital administration . Why the shift to tech trades ? NS : I always felt like I would find myself in education . doing something to impact the lives of others . What I have always enjoyed the most is students : interacting with students ; watching students succeed and even sometimes fail and helping them to recover . Making an impact on the lives of students is a driver in my everyday life . It ’ s an absolute perfect fit for my skill set and life experience .

BI : How would you describe your acceptance as a professional woman and leader in the industry ? NS : I have absolutely grown to love working in the marine industry , despite a rocky start . My first event in the industry didn ’ t leave me feeling welcomed . I was so excited to attend IBEX and meet industry people and talk about what I had to offer at GLBBS – workforce solutions . I had exactly the answers to the # 1 issue I was hearing across the industry ( other than supply issues ).

www . boatingindustry . com march 2024

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