Training Center Staff Updates
Meet the New Executive Director and Training Director at OLTC!
Matt Flynn
Training Director Matt Flynn was promoted to Executive Director of The Ohio Laborers’ Training Center on June 1, 2024. Matt is a fourth-generation member of the Laborers’ Local 530 in Zanesville, Ohio. Matt has been a member since 1993 and worked primarily in the asphalt, concrete, and masonry industries from his time in the field. Before his promotion, Matt faithfully served as an educational instructor for seventeen years and taught a wide variety of classes. Matt graduated from Ohio University and earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology in 1998. “My experience here at The Ohio Laborers’ Training Center has always been a rewarding one. Whether I was attending classes as a trainee or leading a class as an instructor,” said Matt. “I am very honored and privileged to have the opportunity to continue to serve the hard-working members of our great Union here in the state of Ohio as we continue to fulfill our obligation to provide the outstanding skill and safety training that our members and contractors have come to expect and deserve. My goal is to ensure that the entire staff here at The Ohio Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Fund will continue to create a positive experience for our membership, both in and out of the classroom.”
Neil Prouty
In the wake of Matt’s new position, Neil was promoted to Training Director. Neil looks forward to this new role at OLTC, working with an excellent staff of Instructors, Administration, Apprentice Coordinators, and Supporting staff. Neil joined OLTC in 2018 as an Educational Instructor and is a member of Local 423. He spent 20 years working for Shelly & Sands, 13 of those years as a paving foreman. Neil has experience working with asphalt, involving resurfacing programs, new construction, airport runways, milling, skid steer operation, site prep, and grade checking. He taught the following: "A" courses, C courses, Work Zone Construction, Traffic Supervisor, OSHA, CDL, and Skid Steer Operation. When asked about his recent promotion, Neil mentioned his goals to “Continue to provide LIUNA Construction Craft Laborers’ Apprentices and Journeymen with the most current theory and skills training available, which leads to opportunities for advancement and a better life for each member.”
Retirement Announcement
Dennis Underwood
Dennis has been an integral part of our organization, contributing immensely to our success with his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dennis for his years of service and wish him all the best in this new chapter of his life. Dennis James Underwood, hailing from Aurora, Indiana, retired as Executive Director of the Ohio Laborers’ Training & Apprenticeship Fund at the Drexel J. Thrash Training Center (“OLTC”) effective May 31, 2024. Dennis began his career at OLTC on October 14, 2002, as an Instructor under the leadership of Dirk Worden, then announced as Executive Director on March 1, 2019. He holds an Associate Degree in Construction Management and Surveying from Cincinnati State Technical College. Throughout his tenure, Dennis, a dedicated member of Laborers Local #265 in Cincinnati, Ohio, progressed from instructing various construction courses to becoming Training Director in April 2013, appointed by Robert Chatterson. On March 1, 2019, he was further promoted to Executive Director by the retiring Robert Chatterson. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dennis for his years of dedicated service and wish him every happiness in his well-earned retirement.
New Staff
Emma Laymon
Emma Laymon is the latest addition to the OLTC team, joining us this July. She is a member of Local 1216. Emma is excited about her new position because she feels she is starting a career position and not just a job. She is excited to see where the position takes her and the experience she will gain at the training center.