Greg Phillips, left, is pictured with Milton Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jon Cruzan.
The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce recognized Greg Phillips, Blackhawk Dean of Manufacturing, Apprenticeship, Training and Technology (MATT), as Educator of the Year on Thursday during the chamber’s annual dinner and awards event.
As the Dean of Blackhawk’s MATT Division, Phillips has been a driving force behind forging vital partnerships between industry, community and K-12 institutions. His efforts have ensured the alignment and provision of crucial training and educational resources essential for workforce development.
Phillips’s leadership played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Stateline Manufacturing Alliance (SMA), a collaborative initiative aimed at addressing talent pipeline development needs within the manufacturing sector. Under his guidance, the SMA has facilitated programs like the Accelerated Industrial Maintenance (AIM) program, providing paid summer training opportunities for participants and exposing them to manufacturing careers.
Phillips’s commitment to community engagement is evident through his involvement in events like the Milton Maker Market where he and his team were part of the planning team and offered hands-on activities at the event, including welding and robotics. Phillips also does volunteer work at Milton High School for the Academic Career Planning presentations.
"I am humbled and honored to receive the Educator of the Year Award," said Phillips. "It has been a privilege to serve the Milton community and work alongside dedicated partners and colleagues. I look forward to continuing our efforts in advancing education and workforce development."
Upon graduation from Parker High School, Phillips joined the Marine Corps, training in diesel and gasoline engine troubleshooting and repair. He then worked at Simmons Bedding Company as a maintenance technician before becoming a construction electrical apprentice instructor for Blackhawk in 2010. In July 2020, Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk, appointed Phillips as the Dean of the MATT Division.
"Greg Phillips embodies the spirit of dedication and leadership in education," said Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk. "His pursuit of excellence in all that he does and his commitment to partnership-building make him a deserving recipient of this award."