Gary Herman named CEO of Industry Training Authority

Gary Herman has been named the CEO of the Industry Training Authority in B.C. The ITA has also announced it is appointing Jeff Nugent as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Both changes are effective immediately, stated a release from ITA.

"I’m thrilled to lead ITA at this exciting time for skills training in B.C.," said Herman. "ITA will capture this opportunity and work closely with our partners to ensure the voice of industry and labour is more clearly articulated."

Herman has served as interim CEO and Nugent has served as interim COO since August 2013.

The appointments follow the recently launched B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint as well as recommendations made in The Industry Training Authority and Trades Training in B.C.: Recalibrating for High Performance (McDonald Report).

"I would like to congratulate Gary and Jeff, and wish them every success in their new roles," said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs. "This is a critical time for B.C.’s apprenticeship and trades training system, and I know Gary and Jeff will provide strong leadership as the ITA moves forward with implementing the recommendations in the McDonald Report and fulfilling the goals of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint."

ITA board chair Gwyn Morgan said he looks forward to continuing working with Herman and Nugent.

"Gary and Jeff have positioned ITA for success, working with industry, government and labour to enhance ITA capability and re-align training investment to better serve apprentices and employers," Morgan said.

Nugent said he plans to build a team that will understand the ITA’s customers’ needs and that understands the group’s role in preparing a skilled workforce in the province.

Herman joined the ITA in January 2013. He began his career by apprenticing seven years in three trades and is certified as a tool and die maker and as a die sinker (forging).

For the past 20 years, Herman has served in executive roles with several companies including ThyssenKrupp Fabco, VAE Nortrak and Ebco Industries.

Nugent has been with the ITA since August 2004, joining as strategy officer. He has been involved in a number of strategic initiatives, including playing a key role in the development of the 90 Day / 9 Month Transition Plan and chairing a national working group overseeing the pilot of new assessment approaches for the Red Seal Program. Previously, Nugent worked as a senior analyst with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.