#United States #Workforce Development #Technical Education #Leesburg #SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA Elects 2026-27 National Officers to Address Skills Gap in the U.S.

On June 18, 2026, SkillsUSA proudly announced the newly elected National Officer Team for the 2026-27 school year. In the face of a growing skills gap in America, which has resulted in millions of well-paying technical jobs remaining unfilled, this diverse group of 15 student leaders is stepping forward to champion the future of the skilled workforce.

As the U.S. economy grapples with critical labor shortages, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, clean energy, healthcare, and cybersecurity, the need for skilled professionals has never been more urgent. The newly elected officers, representing high school and postsecondary divisions, are tasked with not only advocating for skilled training initiatives but also erasing the stigma surrounding vocational education. These leaders will serve as the public face of SkillsUSA and act as pivotal voices for over 444,000 student and educator members across the nation.

During their tenure, the National Officer Team will engage with corporate partners, trade associations, and federal policymakers to implement strategies that expand and enhance technical training across the country. As Chelle Travis, Executive Director of SkillsUSA, articulated, “These 15 student leaders are not just preparing for the future workforce; they are actively shaping it, serving as vital ambassadors for the career pathways our economy relies on to thrive.”

The SkillsUSA National Officer Team was elected at the SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference (NLSC) held from June 1-5, 2026, in Atlanta. Out of a highly competitive field of candidates from across the nation, these students were chosen not only for their academic prowess but also for their leadership skills and commitment to advocating for skilled trades.

Members of the 2026-27 SkillsUSA National Officer Team:

High School Division Officers

• - Robert Emrich – Texas
• - Christian Galindo – Tennessee
• - Brayden Hayes – Texas
• - Katelyn Kessler – West Virginia
• - Noor Khan – Georgia
• - Dheeraj Kudikala – California
• - Daniel Levashki – New Jersey
• - Mariyana Lords – Massachusetts
• - Brody Pettipas – North Carolina
• - Jyotsna Subramanian – Arizona

College/Postsecondary Division Officers

• - Cyna Centeno – New Mexico
• - Curtis Muecke – Wyoming
• - Brendan Peterson – Utah
• - Emma Schwantes – Wisconsin
• - Rachel Worthen – Oklahoma

These officers will also work closely together on the SkillsUSA Joint Executive Council, ensuring a harmonious approach to tackling workforce challenges that transcends educational levels. Each officer brings a unique perspective from their respective states, enriching the collective insights on training and development for the next generation.

With traditional four-year degrees becoming less accessible or desirable for many, the skills gap presents a significant barrier to sustaining economic development and innovation. SkillsUSA's leadership has a pivotal role in not only promoting the value of technical education but also in driving increased investment into these critical training programs.

The SkillsUSA National Leadership Skills Conference is the largest annual gathering of aspiring skilled professionals, featuring competitions that highlight the practical abilities needed to bridge the employment gap. This year, over 19,000 attendees engaged in 115 industry-led competitions, showcasing the immense talent and potential of the future workforce.

To explore how these student leaders are working to influence and shape the future of the American skilled workforce, visit skillsusa.org.

With this new leadership in place, SkillsUSA continues to pave the way for a robust and capable workforce, ensuring that the U.S. remains competitive in a global economy. The roadmap ahead includes fostering partnerships that promote skilled professions and elevating awareness about the crucial role they play in economic security and corporate innovation.