-- Monica Pfarr to Spearhead the AWS Foundation's SOS Program for Workforce Development

Miami, FL, February 20, 2008 – The American Welding Society (AWS), the world's largest organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology and application of welding, announced today the appointment of Monica Pfarr as corporate director of the AWS Foundation Solutions Opportunity Squad (SOS).

In this role, Ms. Pfarr will spearhead the SOS, which is made up of AWS staff individuals who will consult with and build strategies for local AWS Sections, businesses and other organizations that have specific workforce development needs. The SOS was created as part of the AWS Foundation's Welder Workforce Development Program, which was launched in 2006 to contend with the growing shortage of skilled welders in the United States. It is estimated that there will be a shortage of at least 200,000 welders by 2010.

"We are pleased to welcome Monica to our AWS Foundation and new SOS," said Ray Shook, AWS executive director. "Our SOS initiative is integral to the Society and the strength of our Welder Workforce Development Program. Monica's appointment demonstrates our commitment to operate this important endeavor with dedicated resources that enable us to execute well, while also maintaining focus on our core initiatives. Her passion, extensive background in manufacturing operations, curriculum development and instruction, as well as her proven record of success and innovation make her very well-suited to take the key role in our Foundation's SOS program."

Ms. Pfarr is a 20-year industry veteran with wide-ranging expertise in manufacturing systems development and operations management. For the last seven years, she served at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, OH as the director of workforce development, where she consulted with local engineering, technology and manufacturing businesses and designed approaches to address their specific workforce needs. While at Sinclair, Ms. Pfarr also directed the Project Lead the Way Ohio program, during which she was responsible for the implementation and promotion of pre-engineering curriculum in Ohio middle and high schools. In addition, she directed the National Center for Manufacturing Education, where she supervised programs at the college's Advanced Innovative Manufacturing Center and helped over 170 local manufacturers. Prior to that, Ms. Pfarr spent 12 years with General Motors where she held such positions as industrial and reliability engineer, superintendent and training manager.

AWS' Welder Workforce Development Program is intended to address the critical need for recruitment and specialized training of entry level welders while providing for industry workforce needs. This is an entirely new kind of program designed to fulfill an immediate need for welders across North America. The program was born out of a generous $1 million donation from Miller Electric Manufacturing and Hobart Brothers, as well as a $100,000 contribution from AWS Past President Ron Pierce and his wife, Joyce. It is a critical component of the AWS Foundation's $10 million capital campaign, Welding for the Strength of America, which is aimed at facilitating programs, scholarships and other initiatives in support of the welding industry. At year-end 2007, the AWS Foundation has raised $2.6 million toward the campaign effort.

Ms. Pfarr received her bachelor of science degree in industrial and systems engineering at The Ohio State University and her master of science degree in administration from the Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. In addition, she completed an executive development program at Northwestern University and is a Certified Quality Engineer. Ms. Pfarr chairs several national advisory committees, is a sought after industry speaker and a mentor for the Women in Engineering Technologies Institute.

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 districts with about 160 sections and student chapters. For more information, visit the Society's website at and click on "pressroom."