Skip To Main Content

CTC Positions for the Future with Leadership Transitions

CTC Positions for the Future with Leadership Transitions
Big changes are on the horizon at Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center as several key leadership roles shift in preparation for the future. These transitions are part of a thoughtful and strategic plan to maintain CTC’s commitment to excellence in career-tech education.
 
Most of this year’s changes are happening at the building level, where new leaders are stepping into roles focused on the day-to-day experience of students and staff. At the district-level, a position was added to provide support for our growing instructional staff and increasing compliance requirements. Together both teams work to serve students and empower staff. From retirements and role redefinitions to new hires, each change was thoughtfully planned to strengthen leadership and support student success.
 

Executive Director Chris James Announces Retirement

With more than 30 years in education, Executive Director Mr. Chris James has announced his retirement, effective December 1, 2025. James has served as a steady and visionary building leader, guiding CTC through changes, growth, and innovation for just over 12 years.
 
“After 33 years in education I’ve made the decision to retire. CTC has become such a special place for so many students and staff, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Over the past several months, I’ve been working closely with building and district administration to build a dynamic leadership team that will continue moving CTC forward. I truly believe we’ve made this the school of choice for students looking to finish their high school journey with purpose, direction, and hands-on experience. It’s been an honor to serve alongside such a dedicated team, and I’m looking forward to helping guide this transition through the first semester.”
 
Over the coming months, James will work closely with his successor, Mr. Chad Mossing, to ensure a smooth transition. Mossing will utilize this time to gain insight into building and district operations, and to continue to build strong relationships with staff, students, and community leaders. This intentional handoff is designed to maintain momentum and stability across the district.
 

Building Leadership Team Updates

Stepping into the Executive Director role is Mr. Chad Mossing, who joined CTC in July 2024. Mossing brings extensive experience in educational leadership, most recently as a building principal at Shawnee High School. His leadership style, dedication to student success, and commitment to the mission of CTC make him well-positioned to lead the district into its next chapter.
 
“I’m excited to accept the position of Incoming Executive Director at Springfield-Clark CTC and to have the opportunity to lead such a strong and caring learning community! This transition gives me the chance to co-lead with Mr. James, which is an incredible opportunity to learn from a respected and experienced educator. I’m looking forward to building strong relationships and continuing the great work already happening at CTC.”
 
With Mossing’s transition to Executive Director, CTC welcomes Mr. Mike Foster as the new Director of CTE & Student Development. Foster, a 24-year education veteran, previously served as the Assistant Principal of Tecumseh High School and also taught mathematics there for 12 years.
 
The Assistant Director role, recently vacated by Mrs. Christina Wilbur, was redefined as a Director of CTE & Student Services to reflect the scope of leadership and responsibilities it entails. We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Janel Bumgardner, CTC’s longtime Special Education Coordinator, will step into this key position! Bumgardner joined CTC in 2005 and has served as CTC’s Special Education Coordinator for the last 13 years.
 
Mossing, Foster, and Bumgardner will join CTC veteran Mrs. Jennifer Shaffer, Director of Career-Tech Education & Student Success, to form a well-balanced, student-centered leadership team committed to CTC’s mission of preparing students to be Career Ready, College Ready, and Life Ready.

Additional Building Staff Updates

Mrs. Katie Coy has been named Special Education Coordinator, stepping into the role recently vacated by Bumgardner. A 14-year veteran of CTC and a familiar face to students and staff, Coy previously served as the Transition Intervention Specialist, giving her deep insight into the day-to-day operations of the special education team. This fall marks her 16th year in education.

Stepping into the Transition Intervention Specialist role is Beth Conover, a dedicated educator with 14 years of experience as an Intervention Specialist. Now entering her fourth year at CTC, Conover brings a wealth of knowledge and passion. She’s excited to assist students with creating personalized transition plans to meet their goals for transitioning to college, career, or life after high school.

Mr. Luke Campbell joins CTC as the new Executive Director Administrative Assistant. Campbell comes to us from the Dayton Dragons baseball operations team, where he developed a strong background in organization, logistics, and team support. His experience in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment will be a valuable asset as he supports the work of the Executive Director and administrative team.

New District-Level Role Added

At the district level, veteran-educator Mrs. Michelle Carn has transitioned from her role as an English Instructor and Curriculum Coach to serve as the Compliance Administrator. This role supports continued alignment with state and federal requirements, helps new instructors obtain their teaching licenses, and ensures CTC’s operations remain efficient and student-focused.

Looking Ahead

“We recognize that this season brings more leadership transitions than usual, and it’s natural for that to feel like a lot of change at once,” shared Michelle Patrick, Superintendent of CTC. “These changes are part of a strategic plan to keep our momentum moving forward with a strong, student-focused team in place. We sincerely thank Chris James for his service and leadership over the past decade. The new leadership team is ready to build on the strong foundation that has been laid and continue advancing the mission that drives everything we do at CTC.”

Woman wearing a CTC t-shirt stands in front of lockers.
Mrs. Beth Conover
Transition Intervention Specialist
 
Mrs. Conover serves as the Transition Intervention Specialist at CTC, where she works closely with special education students to create individualized transition plans that support their goals for college, career, and life after high school. She brings 14 years of experience as an Intervention Specialist, providing inclusion support and helping students make meaningful progress on their IEP goals and objectives.
 
Mrs. Conover lives in Cedarville with her husband, Andy. Their daughter, Hannah, recently graduated from Cedarville University and was married in June.
Photo of Janel Bumgardner with text: “Director – Congrats on the New Role.”
Mrs. Janel Bumgardner
Director of Career-Technical Education & Student Services

A dedicated member of the CTC family since 2005, Mrs. Bumgardner steps into the Director of Career-Technical Education & Student Services role after serving 13 years as CTC’s Special Education Coordinator. In her new position, she will provide collaborative leadership to career-tech and special education staff, foster a culture of inclusivity, and guide the development of responsive, data-informed supports for student success.
 
She and her husband of 22 years have two sons—one a recent CTC graduate and the other joining as a student this year. Outside of school, Janel enjoys walking her two dogs and supporting Autumn Trails Stables, a nonprofit offering therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services.
Photo of Luke Campbell with text: “Executive Director Admin Assistant – Welcome to the Team.”
Mr. Luke Campbell
Executive Director Administrative Assistant
 
Mr. Campbell joins CTC as the Executive Director Administrative Assistant, serving as a main point of contact for students, parents, staff, and visitors while ensuring a welcoming atmosphere. A graduate of Wittenberg University with a degree in Education, Luke began his career teaching third grade in Nolensville, Tennessee, before shifting into professional sports, where he spent three seasons as Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the Dayton Dragons. Now, he’s excited to return to education and join a team dedicated to preparing students to be Career Ready, College Ready, and Life Ready.
 
A former collegiate baseball player, Luke enjoys watching Ohio sports teams, playing disc golf, and spending time with his wife, Taylor, and their dog, Arlo.
Mrs. Michelle Carn
Compliance Administrator
 
Mrs. Carn steps into the newly created role of Compliance Administrator at CTC, where she will oversee the Ohio CTE Alternative Licensure Program (LEAD Program), SB 29, Virtual Academy, professional development, staff onboarding, curriculum, and literacy initiatives. She is especially excited to support new instructors through professional development, observational opportunities, and mentorship to help them thrive in their roles. Michelle has previously served as an instructional coach and as an English Language Arts instructor.
 
Outside of work, Michelle is an adjunct professor at Wittenberg University, is pursuing her PhD at The Ohio State University, and works with Project Jericho on community projects. She and her husband have two children, and she enjoys theater, reading, and time with family.
Mrs. Katie Coy
Special Education Coordinator
 
With over 10 years of experience at CTC, Mrs. Coy is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities and ensuring they get the services they need to succeed. Mrs. Coy has been an intervention specialist at CTC since 2012 and is passionate about helping students thrive.
 
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Robert, and their two kids, Jackson and Emma.
Photo of Mike Foster with text: “Director of Career-Technical Education – Welcome to the Team.”
Mr. Mike Foster
Director of Career Tech Education & Student Development
 
Mr. Foster brings more than two decades of classroom and leadership experience to the CTC team. He served as Assistant Principal at Tecumseh High School for 12 years, where he oversaw discipline, evaluations, state testing, and graduation. Prior to that he taught math for 12 years, also at Tecumseh High School.
 
Outside of work, Mr. Foster enjoys boating and time at the lake with his family.
 Photo of Chris James with text: “Executive Director – Congrats on your Retirement!”

Mr. Chris James
Outgoing Executive Director

After 32 years in education and 13 years at Springfield-Clark CTC, Executive Director Chris James will retire on December 1, 2025. His career began as a math teacher in Columbus and Hilliard, followed by serving as principal at Northeastern High School and later as a Director at CTC before assuming the Executive Director roleThroughout his career, Chris has been committed to fostering student success and leading with vision.

He and his wife, Adrienne, have six children, two grandchildren, and a family dog. As he transitions into retirement, Chris looks forward to more time with family, giving back to his church, and more time to golf.

Photo of Chad Mossing with text: “Incoming Executive Director – Congrats on the New Role.”
Mr. Chad Mossing
Incoming Executive Director

Mr. Mossing joined CTC in 2024 as Director of Career-Technical Education & Student Services, overseeing career-tech programs, academics, and student support services. On December 1, 2025, he will step into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of Mr. Chris James. Mr. Mossing brings nine years of administrative experience from Shawnee High School—five as principal and four as assistant principal—and is committed to continuing CTC’s mission of preparing students to be Career Ready, College Ready, and Life Ready.
 
He and his wife, Karen, have four children and two dogs, and he enjoys woodworking, coaching basketball, and cheering on his kids in their many activities.