The Architectural Woodwork Institute hired Doug Hague as its new national education director. Hague will work with AWI longtime chief learning officer Greg Heuer as he transitions into retirement in December. Hague says he looks forward to bringing the organization’s education program to the next level.

“My goal is to continue to work alongside members to further education and workforce training. That would be an asset for our employer members to provide them with qualified help. Finding employees is difficult for many shops right now. Right now is an opportune time,” Hague says.

“We are excited that Doug has chosen to join the AWI professional staff team as education director,” AWI executive vice president Phil Duvic added. “He brings a proven track record of university-level career and technical education, broad-based industry involvement and, with his passion for adult education, Doug will certainly challenge AWI’s education programming to reach new levels of excellence and quality.”

Hague has a diverse background of industry involvement. He is a Pittsburg State (Kan.) University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree in wood technology and a Master of Science degree in career and technical education. He has participated in all areas of fabrication from design and sales to final installation. His other industry roles include estimating, project management, drafting/engineering and CNC programming, which are all key components of AWI’s current education offerings for woodworkers, according to the group.

For the last nine years, Hague has served as an associate professor at Pittsburg State University. During this time, he taught a variety of coursework and helped prepare individuals for the woodworking industry.

“I am proud to be a part of the wood industry. It is an honor to join AWI and work alongside passionate woodworking industry professionals that share the same vision, to further our industry and enhance lives through education,” Hague added.

AWI’s professional development initiatives currently include regional, chapter-hosted one- and two-day specialized education outreach programs; online one-hour webinars on business and technical topics; leadership and management seminars offered in conjunction with AWI’s annual spring leadership conference and annual convention, and specialized publications and other online resources and communications.

The AWI represents nearly 4,000 members consisting of architectural woodworkers, suppliers, design professionals and students from around the world.

For more, visit www.awinet.org.

This article originally appeared in the August 2016 issue.