The IAI Team
Our welding instructors come from different industry backgrounds, providing expert support to produce workforce-ready employees with welding certifications and qualifications.
Tamara Ward
Executive Director
Tamara is an accomplished executive leader with a proven record of strengthening workforce development systems, expanding institutional capacity, and driving operational excellence. A native of Indian River, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business and communications from Saginaw Valley State University and has dedicated her career to advancing economic opportunity and skilled‑trades education throughout Northern Michigan.
Tamara joined the Industrial Arts Institute in 2014 as Business & Student Services Manager and quickly became an integral part of the organization’s growth. She later became Operations Manager and now serves as Executive Director, leading strategic planning, program development, employer engagement, financial stewardship, and continuous improvement across all student‑facing and operational systems. Her leadership has been central to IAI’s evolution into a premier welding and fabrication training institution recognized for its high standards, strong employer partnerships, and exceptional graduate outcomes.
With more than 15 years of prior experience in economic and workforce development, Tamara brings deep expertise in organizational management, process optimization, HR administration, and building community partnerships. She is known for streamlining systems, strengthening team performance, and creating environments where students and staff can thrive. Her commitment to cultivating a “noble workforce” reflects her belief in hard work, personal responsibility, and the life‑changing impact of skilled trades careers.
Outside of her professional role, Tamara enjoys spending time with her family and traveling whenever she can—always returning with a renewed appreciation for the Northern Michigan community she proudly calls home.
Dorothy Rhode
Marketing Coordinator & Administrative Assistant
Dorothy Rohde joined the Industrial Arts Institute in 2022 as Office Manager and transitioned to Marketing Coordinator & Administrative Assistant in 2025. She brings more than 15 years of experience in office management, marketing support, administrative coordination, and customer service. Known for her exceptional attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and dependable work ethic, Dorothy plays a key role in supporting IAI’s daily operations and long-term initiatives.
Before joining IAI, Dorothy built a strong foundation in administrative coordination, scheduling, documentation management, and customer service through various professional roles. These experiences strengthened her ability to multitask, communicate clearly, maintain accuracy, and support team workflows — all skills that directly enhance her work in marketing, office management, and administrative operations at IAI.
At the Institute, Dorothy manages social media, website updates, branding efforts, and promotional materials that support student recruitment and community engagement. She also provides comprehensive administrative support to the Executive Director, oversees office operations, coordinates events, maintains student documentation, and ensures quality control across educational records. Her work is consistently recognized for its initiative, sound judgment, independence, and forward‑thinking approach to improving systems and processes.
Dorothy is valued for her professionalism, reliability, and ability to keep complex projects organized and moving forward. Her innovative ideas and strong work ethic contribute significantly to IAI’s continued growth and visibility.
Outside of work, Dorothy enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors throughout Northern Michigan.
Eric Grissom
Welding & Fabrication Instructor | Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Eric joined the Industrial Arts Institute in 2023 as a Welding & Fabrication Instructor and advanced his status to American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector in 2024. His AWS CWI credential reflects advanced competency in weld quality evaluation, code compliance, and inspection practices — strengthening IAI’s commitment to delivering industry‑standard training.
A 2016 graduate of IAI’s Cohort Seven, Eric brings strong knowledge, skills, and field experience across all major welding processes, positions, and metals. His background includes fabrication, welding automation, operating manual and CNC plasma cutting equipment, operating press brakes, operating overhead cranes, and interpreting blueprints. He also has experience in mechanical and plumbing systems and has held leadership roles on high‑volume production teams.
At IAI, Eric teaches both high school and adult learners, overseeing lab operations, curriculum delivery, and student skill development. He is known for his calm, practical teaching style and his ability to mentor students through real‑world problem-solving and professional expectations.
As a Certified Welding Inspector, Eric evaluates welds and welding processes to ensure they meet AWS, ASME, and API standards. His inspection responsibilities include visual and NDT methods, reviewing WPS and qualification records, documenting results, and guiding students on quality improvements and corrective actions. This expertise lets Eric train students using the same criteria used in fabrication shops and industrial facilities nationwide.
Eric also holds multiple precision measurement certifications through Starrett, NC3, and Snap‑On, along with OSHA‑aligned safety training in ladder safety, forklift operation, lockout/tagout, electrical safety, and scissor lift operation.
Outside of IAI, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring Northern Michigan through golfing, fishing, and kayaking.
Neuman Altakrouri
Welding & Fabrication Instructor
Neuman joined the Industrial Arts Institute in October of 2026 as a Welding & Fabrication Instructor, bringing a strong blend of industry experience, teaching expertise, and advanced welding knowledge to the IAI team. Originally from Texas, Neuman has spent the past several years teaching welding and agricultural mechanics at both the high school and college levels, preparing students with the skills the welding and fabrication industry needs. His background includes dual‑credit instruction, curriculum development, and hands‑on training in all major welding processes, oxyfuel, and fabrication.
Before joining IAI, Neuman taught at St. Philip’s College, Highlands High School, and Southwest High School in San Antonio, where he served as an FFA Advisor and led students in Agriculture Mechanics and Applied Agriculture Engineering competitions. He is certified in Trade and Industrial Education (Grades 9–12) through the Texas Education Agency and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology and an Associate of Applied Science in Agriculture Mechanics/Education. Neuman is also an Alamo Colleges Master Teacher and holds advanced qualifications in welder testing and visual inspection.
Neuman’s instructional approach emphasizes safety, precision, and real‑world readiness. He has experience teaching students to AWS standards and delivering hands‑on training in CNC plasma cutting, layout and fabrication, blueprint reading, and welding robotics. His industry background includes welding repairs on heavy equipment, customer service and diagnostics in equipment sales, and fabrication work alongside engineers and welders in a military‑focused externship.
Neuman recently relocated to Northern Michigan with his family and is enjoying the transition from Texas to the Great Lakes region. As a new father, he is excited to build roots in the community and contribute to IAI’s mission of developing a noble, highly skilled workforce.
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.
