Sheri Plain

Sheri Plain serves as the Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC). She leads the College’s 40+ member Workforce Solutions team in developing and delivering customized technical and professional development training, high-stakes assessments, adult education services, short-term healthcare certifications, apprenticeships, work-and-learn programs, AMTEC, and nationally funded initiatives designed to address critical workforce needs.

Sheri began her career at OCTC in 1998, when she started teaching communications courses part-time in the college’s humanities division. In 1990, Sheri became OCTC’s first public relations director when the college was part of the University of Kentucky. After working in public relations for several years, she began working with the college’s community outreach division, which is now called Workforce Solutions. Sheri serves as the Principal Investigator for OCTC’s National Science Foundation (NSF)–funded (DUE 2200761) “Reskilling Manufacturing Technicians Post-COVID with an Industry 4.0 Competency-Based Solution” project. Previously, she served as the PI for OCTC’s NSF ATE Project (DUE 1800489) “Advancing Female Incumbent Workers in the Manufacturing Industry.”

Prior to that, she served as regional project manager for the NSF “Jobs to Manufacturing Careers” project (DUE 1304249), a partnership initiative with Jobs for the Future, WGBH Educational Foundation, and OCTC. Before that, she was project manager for OCTC’s career pathways initiatives including Accelerating Opportunity, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation–funded Breaking Through project, Robert Wood Johnson/Hitachi-funded Jobs to Careers project, and a U. S. Department of Labor Community-Based Job Training grant-funded advanced manufacturing project. In addition, Sheri served as Co-PI for the National Science Foundation ATE project (DUE 0702960) “Discover Mechatronics – Next Generation Manufacturing.” In 2019, she was chosen as a member of the class of honorees for the Influential Women in Manufacturing National Award. Sheri was one of only 27 women chosen from a pool of over 120 nominations.

Sheri has a master’s in organizational communication from Western Kentucky University and a bachelor’s in journalism, radio, and television from Murray State University. She and her husband, Scott, are proud to be a part of the Owensboro community.

Jason Simon

Jason.Simon@kctcs.edu
270-686-4616

Jason Simon serves as the Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC) at OCTC in Owensboro, Kentucky. With over two decades of expertise in instructional design, workforce training, and advanced manufacturing education, Jason leads AMTEC’s mission to prepare students and professionals for manufacturing careers through innovative curricula, skill standards, and strategic partnerships.

Under Jason’s leadership, AMTEC has developed nationally recognized programs, including Industry 4.0 and automation training, in collaboration with industry leaders like Boeing, Toyota, and zSpace. He has spearheaded initiatives funded by NSF, such as the development of the AMTEC Integrated System Simulator in virtual reality and a professional development series for educators. Jason is a frequent presenter at national conferences, sharing insights on integrating technologies like IoT, robotics, and extended reality into manufacturing education.

Before becoming Director, Jason built a distinguished career at OCTC, designing impactful training solutions, including a computer-based safety program that certified over 2,500 manufacturing contractors and an online learning platform for a multi-state employer. His early career included service as Production Manager for the 1st Marine Division Combat Camera, United States Marine Corps, followed by roles in educational television, video production, and multimedia development.

Jason holds a graduate degree in Career and Technical Education from Morehead State University, specializing in systems management. This foundation equips him to navigate the complexities of advanced manufacturing education in a rapidly evolving industry. Outside of work, Jason and his wife manage a family farm in Owensboro, raising their seven children and two dogs, Rey and Moose.

Cadie Underwood

Cadie.Underwood@kctcs.edu
270-686-4410

Cadie Underwood serves as the Project Manager for the AMTEC Institute for Industry 4.0 Innovation (AI3), a National Science Foundation grant-funded initiative (DUE 2350012). The institute delivers a comprehensive training program designed for career and technical education (CTE) instructors at high schools, colleges, and universities across the United States. Participants engage in a two-day, in-person training that features hands-on lab experiences focused on integrating Industry 4.0 skills into their classrooms. Following the training, instructors receive ongoing support through monthly virtual Community-of-Practice sessions, where industry partners and fellow educators share best practices and innovative teaching strategies.

In her role, Cadie manages the behind-the-scenes coordination of the institute, overseeing registration, logistics, and event planning to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

Prior to joining the AMTEC team at Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) in January 2025, Cadie served as the Advancement Specialist in OCTC’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Cadie holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University. She is also a proud alumna of OCTC.