SkillsUSA Ohio
State Staff Directory

As you meet Robert Kornack, President of the Board of Directors for SkillsUSA Ohio, you will be impressed with his authenticity, level of commitment to his family and career, as well as his passion for public service. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Robert relocated to Columbus, Ohio to attend The Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor’s in Business Economics. Subsequently in 2022, he earned his MBA from Youngstown State University.

Upon graduation from High School, Robert began an apprenticeship at Gulu Electric and received three promotions, ultimately fulfilling the role of Training Director. “I was always good with my hands and strong in leadership skills but decided in 2018 that I wanted to redirect my career to public service, so that I could impact others through policy change, support those less fortunate, and advocate for inclusivity.” Therefore, in March 2018, Robert was hired as an Intern at The Accountability Office of The Ohio Department of Education. One year later, he was promoted to The Education Program Specialist Office of Career Technology and currently, Robert is the Assistant Director of Career Technical Education at The Ohio Department of Education.

Serving on the Executive Board of SkillsUSA Ohio allows Robert the opportunity to provide advice and discuss strategic planning with Jackie Walker, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Ohio. Together their focus is to encourage students to enter skilled trades, to provide professional development and leadership opportunities, to facilitate competitive events, and to celebrate the success of the Student Members. “We are intentional about aligning competitions to industry standards as well as to the standards of The Ohio Department of Education. Our model is sustainable, and we have grown the number of industry partnerships while growing the number of SkillsUSA Ohio Board Members. We are proud to say that all Board Members are engaged and dedicated to the Mission.”

The framework provided by SkillsUSA Ohio is applied to both the Professional Members and the Student Members and connects students to industry partners. Robert attended the SkillsUSA Regional Officer Training Institute in Washington D.C. While there, he observed a SkillsUSA Regional Competition. One of the competitors came up to Robert after she won a Bronze-Level Award. She knew who Robert was, addressed him by name, and shared her difficult and challenging home-life with him. Additionally, she went on to share how meaningful this award was and to thank him for the opportunity that SkillsUSA provides. “She explained to me, this was the first time in her life that she felt part of something. She would always treasure this award and could look back on it with accomplishment and pride. At this point, I was hooked and knew exactly where my mission and responsibilities needed to be.”

The Student Members’ lives are forever changed due to the experiences and opportunities provided through SkillsUSA Ohio. They emerge more confident, not only in themselves, but regarding their pathway and where they want to go. Due to SkillsUSA Ohio, the likelihood that the students will remain in and excel in their chosen career is greater than those who attend ‘traditional college.’ “We are on a mission to remain aggressive in expanding opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to benefit from the SkillsUSA Ohio framework and programs.” Robert Kornack channels his competitive drive and ambition into the creativity and strategy which he brings to the Executive Committee. “We must always continue to move forward because complacency kills!”