The Charlottesville Albemarle Technical Education Center has begun a search for a new leader.
CATEC’s current director, Adam Hastings, is moving to Piedmont Virginia Community College where he will take over as Dean of Business, Mathematics and Technologies August 1.
“Adam Hastings has been a highly effective leader in transitioning CATEC into an organization more closely aligned with 21st century workforce requirements and we wish him the best in his new role,” said Matt Haas, assistant superintendent for Albemarle County Public Schools.
Hastings’ departure comes as CATEC is in the midst of implementing a strategic plan that would see the technical education center align more closely with PVCC. The plan’s aim is to better prepare students for middle-skill jobs that require more education than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree.
Despite the timing, Hastings said part of his new role will be to remain involved in the plan’s implementation.
“Really the whole thing hinges on CATEC and PVCC working together,” Hastings said. “I’ll still be doing that, just from the college side.”
Haas said that CATEC’s foundation remains strong.
“Among CATEC’s strongest assets is the quality of leadership on its Board and its community outreach,” Haas said. “These resources will serve CATEC students very well as the school moves forward with its strategic plan.”
CATEC Board chair Willa Neale said a new director will add to the work.
“With the strategic plan in hand, we are in a good position to look for a director who can help us implement these goals in conjunction with our excellent staff,” Neale said.
“We’re sorry to see Adam leave CATEC but will be happy to continue working with him at PVCC,” said Rosa Atkins, superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools. “Through the development of the strategic plan, he has set CATEC on a strong course.”
The plan will see the rise of five institutes—Skilled Trades, Customer Service, Health and Medical Sciences, Manufacturing and Information Technology and Early Childhood Education.
Since the plan’s March adoption, Hastings and a steering committee have met with local employers to build community buy-in, and in some cases to develop curriculum.
The plan’s next major phase is to evaluate the cost of renovating CATEC’s current facility to meet the school’s new demands, or to construct a new building at PVCC. Earlier this year, PVCC president Frank Friedman offered to donate land for the project.
Established in 1973, CATEC has had eight principals, with Lyman Comey serving the longest consecutive term at 18 years. The new director will be CATEC’s fourth in the last 10 years.
