NIMS names executive director

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Fairfax, Va., has appointed James A. Wall as executive director. As executive director, Wall is focused on improving and expanding the NIMS mission to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce. He succeeds Stephen C. Mandes, who served in this position since 1999.

Wall has experience as a metalworking company owner and educator. He taught at both the secondary and postsecondary levels and has served as a school administrator in technical education. Serving as deputy director of NIMS since 2002, Wall has been responsible for the continued development and maintenance of NIMS standards, performance requirements, and theory exams. Before joining the organization, he directed the statewide metalworking program at The Pennsylvania State University.

NIMS is a nonprofit developer of precision manufacturing skill standards and competency assessments. The organization certifies individual skills against standards and accredits programs that meet its quality requirements.