Leadership and Staff
Leading the effort to execute the Foundation’s mission are our Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Sheila LaMothe
Sheila LaMothe is the Executive Director of CCAI FEF. She also serves as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for CCAI. A graduate of Connecticut College, Sheila has 30 years of experience in marketing and development in manufacturing. Prior to joining CCAI and CCAI FEF, she was responsible for marketing and PR for the North American operations of the TRUMPF Group, a leading manufacturer of fabrication equipment and industrial lasers, for 15 years.
In addition, Sheila has been deeply involved with the development and growth of Women in Manufacturing (WiM) and the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation (WiMEF) since their inception. She served on WiM's Board of Directors for eight years, including two terms as Chairperson. WiMEF was founded during her first term as WiM's chair which led to her simultaneously serving as chairperson for both organizations.
Aaron Hughes, GAT Finishing Systems
Aaron Hughes has been a member of the GAT Finishing Systems family since November of 2002 beginning his career there as a sales engineer, developing direct and distributed product sales across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During his tenure with GAT the company’s sales revenues have increased fourfold. Product lines and services have grown to include custom industrial finishing equipment, standard batch ovens, custom gas IR ovens, and various complimentary accessories each of those business units. Today Aaron serves as executive vice president sales & marketing.
Prior to joining GAT, Aaron started his career with French Gerleman Electric, a wholesale electric supply company. He spent the next four years specializing in industrial automation solutions primarily with the Allen Bradley product line of PLC’s and variable frequency drives. From 1994 to 2002 Aaron served as a district manager with the Rittal Corporation and specialized in wholesale distribution development and support.
Aaron holds a degree in marketing from the University of Missouri. He is married with three daughters. The family enjoys outdoor activities and travel and Aaron and his wife like golf, boating, biking, and running - recently completing a marathon on their seventh continent. In addition, Aaron has been involved with the New Piasa Chautauqua Historical Community since 2004 and served on the Building and Standards Committee, the Membership Committee, Historical Society, Yacht Club, and Endowment Fund.
Courtney Jungjohann Deemer, PPG Industries
Courtney Jungjohann Deemer joined PPG Industries in 2005 as a technical sales representative. This was the first position in her 17 year and counting, career with the organization. Over this time, she held positions in technical sales, marketing, business development, product strategy, and management, working her way up the ladder with positions of increasing responsibility. Courtney currently serves as General Manager, Americas – Packaging Coatings.
Courtney has sat on the PPG's Generational Diversity Council, is an active member of the Women’s Leadership Network and has served as the Diversity Ambassador for PPG’s Industrial Coatings business.
Courtney holds a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an M.B.A. from Marquette University.
Duane Fudge, Retired
A Drexel University graduate with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Duane worked as a co-op student in a major petroleum chemical manufacturer. He accepted a position as formulation and applications expert for high performance coatings, where he was introduced to surface treatment principles. Two years later, Duane joined Betz Laboratories as an engineer in support of the coil coating process customers, working directly with customers, sales, and technical personnel. In subsequent years Duane held a variety of positions within the surface treatment business including engineering manager, corporate sales manager, product manager, among others.
After a series of acquisitions and changes in the business, General Electric divested the Surface Treatment division which was ultimately acquired by Chemetall where Duane was appointed general industry manager. From there, he moved on to an all-encompassing role as market segment manager with underlying responsibilities in product management, segment management, product group management, marketing, and field technical support. Following an acquisition by BASF ‘s Coatings Division, his role was refined to regional product manager North America. Prior to his retirement, Duane served as key industry sales manager – special products.
Over his career, Duane has been active in a wide range of industry and trade associations including the National Coil Coating Association, The Galvanizers Association, The Electrocoat Association, the Chemical Coaters Association International, ASTM, and more.
Patricia Hendrick, retired
Pat began her career in the finishing industry as a summer intern in the laboratory at Wyandotte Paint (AkzoNobel), and advanced into the role of Industrial Chemist. Pat joined Morton International (later Rohm and Haas), where she held roles as a chemist, technical service representative, sales manager, marketing manager and supply chain manager. Pat returned to AkzoNobel as North America supply chain manager prior to joining PPG Industries in 2013, where she served as the Americas supply chain director before retiring in August of 2019.
During her career, Pat served as President of the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology, Trend Catalyst committee chair for the Color Marketing Group, and was a member of the Powder Coating Institute Trade Show Committee. Pat holds an MBA from Oakland University.
Josh Gilmore, Sames
Josh Gilmore is a dedicated leader in the finishing industry committed to advancing technical education and workforce development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture with a minor in Business Administration from Kansas State University, providing a strong foundation of technical and strategic expertise. Josh serves as the Training Manager at Sames, where he leads initiatives focused on developing, educating, and supporting finishing professionals.
An active member of the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), Josh has contributed to industry education through his presentations at the CCAI FINISHING Conference at FABTECH, involvement in the FAB to FINISH Production Experience, and leadership within the CCAI Central States Chapter, where he earned the Member of the Year Award. He is also passionate about educating and engaging the next generation of industry leaders and is a strong supporter of CCAI’s Young Professionals initiative.
Through his role at Sames, his involvement with CCAI, and now as a member of the CCAI FEF Board of Directors, Josh has reaffirmed his commitment to educational growth, diversity, and technical excellence within the finishing community.
Holly Gotfredson, American Metalcraft, Inc./Finishing Dynamics
Holly Gotfredson is president and owner of American Metalcraft and Finishing Dynamics. She purchased American Metalcraft Inc. in 2017 and Finishing Dynamics in late 2021. As a second-generation owner of two family companies, she learned the business starting off as part of the office staff, eventually moving into several leadership positions prior to her current role.
Holly holds an undergraduate degree in Art/Art History from the University of Georgia. She is part of AIA Atlanta, Construction Specifiers Institute, ABC of Georgia, National Association of Women in Construction and RAINA (Rainscreen Association in North America). In 2021, she completed her CDT certification (construction document technician) through the Construction Specifiers Institute.
Holly is passionate about sharing the career opportunities that are available in the manufacturing world – especially to young women. She is part of the Board of Directors for the Architecture Foundation of Georgia – a non-profit that provides scholarships to students seeking a career in architecture and sits on the Advisory Board for She Built This City – a non-profit that seeks to raise awareness of careers in the trades and construction for women.
Josh Hildre, Sherwin-Williams
Josh is the area director for the MAC region (Midwest and Canada) of Sherwin-Williams North America General Industrial Coatings. Josh and his team focus on building and sustaining mutually beneficial customer relationships to grow this market segment of the company.
Josh’s 18-year career with Sherwin-Williams started as a market manager. Since then, he has held roles with increasing responsibility and leadership in sales and marketing. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration, operations management and supervision from St. Cloud State University, GR Herberger College of Business.
Josh has been a member of the CCAI Twin Cities Chapter since 2016 and attends the annual summer event where Sherwin-Williams is a major sponsor. As a region director in sales, Josh sees firsthand the importance of developing skilled professionals who can meet the evolving demands of the industry. As a CCAI FEF Board member, he looks forward to contributing to program development, scholarship, and outreach efforts.
Jane Knoblock, Raphael Industries
After nearly a decade in speech therapy, Jane transitioned into the finishing industry in 2021 when she joined Raphael Industries, a family-owned paint and powder coating company based in Milwaukee, WI. As Vice President, she helps guide the team’s growth and strategy, combining her communication background with a passion for learning and connecting people.
Jane’s introduction to the finishing world began through the Wisconsin Chapter of the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) when she toured a local facility in 2022. That experience sparked a deep curiosity about the art and science behind coatings, leading her to enroll in the CCAI Online Finishing Academy to study powder coating. Soon after, she became actively involved with Women in Finishing, where she was honored to receive the Elizabeth Teska Scholarship to attend the annual Women in Finishing Forum.
Through her engagement with Women in Finishing and the Wisconsin CCAI Chapter, Jane has developed a strong appreciation for every aspect of finishing—from pre-treatment and metal finishing to paint, powder, and process innovation. These organizations have provided invaluable education, mentorship, and camaraderie, which she strives to pay forward by sharing resources, fostering collaboration, and encouraging others to get involved.
Marhya Osheaski, WolfRayet
Marhya Osheaski has built her career on a passion for innovation, education, and excellence in the plastics and coatings industries. As President of WolfRayet, she leads a company known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in coating technology — specializing in gas catalytic infrared ovens that redefine speed, efficiency, and quality in both powder and liquid finishing.
With more than two decades of experience across coatings, manufacturing, and business development, Marhya brings a unique blend of technical insight and strategic leadership. Her work connects the science of finishing with real-world application helping manufacturers and coaters achieve cleaner finishes, reduce waste, and operate more sustainably.
Beyond the plant floor, Marhya is an active voice in the finishing community through industry publications, panels, and her growing online presence, she champions learning, coatings advancement, and partnership — believing that sharing expertise helps drive progress for everyone in the field.
As a member of the CCAI Finishing Education Foundation Board, Marhya is eager to help develop resources that make technical training more accessible, inspire the next generation of finishers, and strengthen the connection between technology and craftsmanship. Marhya is also a member of the CCAI National Board of Directors.