Tamara Ward

Executive Director

A native of Indian River, Tamara earned her bachelor’s degree in business and communications from Saginaw Valley State University in 1993.  

Tamara joined the Industrial Arts Institute team in 2014 as Business & Student Services Manager, then advanced her position to Operations Manager and is now our Executive Director.  She brings a variety of knowledge of workforce development, management, and student services to her current role, with her years at IAI and more than 15 years of experience in economic and workforce development. She is proud to have been raised in Northern Michigan and understands the importance of developing a strong work ethic. She is committed to creating a noble workforce of individuals who graduate from the Industrial Arts Institute. 

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling every chance she gets. 

Dorothy Rohde

Marketing Coordinator & Administrative Assistant

Dorothy Rohde joined our team in 2022 as our Office Manager and transitioned to her role as Marketing Coordinator /Administrative Assistant in 2025. She brings 15 years of experience in office management and marketing to her position at IAI. Dorothy is a highly task-oriented individual known for her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, which she applies to all her responsibilities.  

Dorothy enjoys spending time with her family and all things outdoors outside of work.

Eric Grissom

Welding Instructor | Certified Welding Inspector 

Eric was born and raised in Petoskey, Michigan, where he learned various trades, including carpentry, electricity, and mechanics. He graduated in 2016 from the Industrial Arts Institute as part of Cohort Seven. After finishing his studies at IAI, he began working in the welding and fabrication industry for Daifuku North America. Eric has a strong work ethic and has experience in welding, fabrication, assembly, press brake operation, and overhead crane operation. Additionally, he has valuable experience mentoring students through the Petoskey Rotary Club STRIVE Program, which is a scholarship and job mentorship initiative for high school students in the area looking to improve their educational and life opportunities.

 In his spare time, Eric enjoys spending time with his family and taking part in activities such as golfing, fishing, and kayaking.

Joseph Kemper

Welding Instructor | Certified Welding Inspector 

Joe Kemper is from Wayland, Michigan, and he began his career in Traverse City after earning a degree in Manufacturing and Welding Technology from Northwestern Michigan College. With eight years of professional welding experience, Joe has worked at Industrial Magnetics Inc., LHM Tank, and Trimet Industries. He discovered his passion for teaching and preparing students for the workforce as an assistant welding instructor at Northwestern Michigan College.

Currently, he resides in Gaylord and enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time.

Joe Donna

Resident Artist

Born in New York, Joe grew up in the Detroit area. In 1985, he received an MFA in Ceramics from Michigan State University. Shortly after, he secured a teaching position at Kirtland Community College, where he taught for the next 27 years. Currently, he is an adjunct faculty member at Alpena Community College, where he has been teaching art for the past 30 years. Joe works in various mediums but favors photographic images. His subject matter ranges from whimsical portrayals of contemporary culture to the serious themes of religious dogma.

His works have been featured in numerous national exhibitions, and several pieces are held in private collections. He has participated in exhibitions at the Besser Museum and has been involved in ArtPrize in Grand Rapids for six years.