Meet the SkillsUSA Illinois Board of Directors
Behind every opportunity we create for Illinois students is a community of people committed to helping them succeed. Our SkillsUSA Illinois Board of Directors provides leadership, guidance and support to help strengthen our organization and expand opportunities for students across the state.
Our Board members bring a wide range of experience, expertise and connections from education, business and industry, workforce development and the SkillsUSA community. Their service helps SkillsUSA Illinois grow partnerships, strengthen programs, support career-ready initiatives, and ensure students have access to meaningful leadership and career opportunities.
Serving on the Board is more than a position - it is a commitment to the future of Illinois students and the skilled workforce they will become. We are grateful for the time, expertise and passion each of our Board members gives to SkillsUSA Illinois.
Thank you to our Board of Directors for your service, leadership and dedication to the students of Illinois!
Meet the SkillsUSA Illinois Board of Directors
Kraig Kistinger is the Director of Human Resources for National Tube Supply where he is responsible for the full scope of human resources services across NTS’s 8 locations. During his time at National Tube Supply, Kraig has shifted NTS’s HR focus from being tactical to being a strategic partner. Kraig has worked to streamline and drive efficiencies within the HR processes including the implementation of the company’s first applicant tracking system, automating the benefits process, connecting employees electronically to their company data and developing alternative recruitment strategies to meet organizational challenges and building a comprehensive training system.
Kraig is passionate about workforce development and is active not only in his own organization but also, within his profession and community. He serves as Vice-Chair for the Will County Workforce Investment Board, the Personnel Committee for Guardian Angel Community Services, and the business workforce lead for the Calumet Manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership.
At the state level, Kraig previously served as Chair of the Career Pathways for Target Populations Committee of the IWIB and continues to advocate for private business on various state committees. Additionally, he is on the board for SkillsUSA Illinois. Kraig was also selected to the US Chamber of Commerce, the Multistate Career Readiness TPM Academy®.
Kraig's 25+ years experience in human resources spans across the industrial sector including steel, paper, rail & petrochemical. Prior to joining National Tube Supply, Kraig was responsible for corporate HR services and recruiting for a national mechanical contractor in the petrochemical industry with an average employee base of 1500.
Mark has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2019, and an advisor since student teaching in 2001. Mark is currently in his 22nd year at Andrew High School in Tinley Park, and 26th year overall in teaching. He focuses on CAD, Engineering, and Graphic Design courses, while sponsoring SkillsUSA and coaching the boys bowling team. He is also the sponsor for the STEM Germany Exchange program and is the VP for the District 230 teachers union, where he serves as lead contract negotiator. Previously, Mark held trustee and council member positions for Homer Township Fire District and City of Lockport.
Terry started his professional career in aviation and business management, moving into education after being laid off from the airline industry as part of the aftermath following Sept. 11, 2001. His career in education has afforded Terry the opportunity to serve in various roles including teaching, coaching and administration at the K-12 level in Illinois. His passion for education motivated Terry in his work on developing curriculum and programs in both the science and Career and Technical Education content areas, including the development of intervention programs to assist and support at-risk student populations.
In his current role, Terry is the Director for the Northern Kane County Regional Vocational System EFE 110. In this role Terry is responsible for the administration of state and federal career and technical education grants to support program enhancements in his regional school districts. His work in supporting and improving Career and Technical Education programs over the last four years has resulted in an increase in work based learning opportunities and student earned industry recognized credentials for numerous career pathways across the region.
He holds a BS in Aviation Administration from Lewis University, an MAT in Secondary Education and an MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Terry is a frequent presenter on best practices within curriculum and program development at local, state and national conferences. Terry lives in Crystal Lake, IL with his wife and two children.
Nick Elder has been the Director of the Education for Employment (EFE) System #330 K-12 career and technical education (CTE) cooperative since 2012. As Director, Nick provides regional administration for CTE programs and initiatives at 14 school districts in Champaign, Ford, Piatt, and Douglas Counties, and serves as Director of the Early College and Career Academy (ECCA). Nick led the effort to create ECCA, a partnership with Parkland College to offer a regional dual credit CTE academy for high school juniors and seniors. Prior to 2012, Nick taught Business and Cooperative Education courses at GCMS High School in Gibson City and Rock Falls High School in Rock Falls. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois State University and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
Stephanie Cobb serves as the Director of Team Services for Otto Baum Company, Inc., where she is passionate about building the next generation of construction professionals. Through recruiting, workforce development, employee engagement, and industry outreach, she works to connect individuals with rewarding careers in the skilled trades while helping strengthen the future of the construction industry. Stephanie is committed to creating opportunities for people to learn, grow, and build successful careers that leave a lasting impact on their communities.