GSSC Announces New Board Members

GSSC welcomed two new members to the Board of Directors--Garry Mercer, Manager of Workforce Development at Ingalls Shipbuilding, and Ryan Blythe, founder of the Georgia Trade School.

Garry Mercer

With over 20 years experience in the shipbuilding industry, Garry currently manages Ingalls' Apprentice Program, which currently has over 750 registered apprentices in 15 programs. Garry holds bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and currently serves on a number of of Boards, including the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board, the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council, the Southeastern Employment and Training Association, and the Central Gulf Industrial Alliance (CGIA). He also serves as President of the American Apprenticeship Roundtable.

Ryan Blythe

Ryan Blythe, is the newest member of GSSC's Board of Directors. A leading voice on “skilled trades,” Ryan currently serves on Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s Skilled Trades Advisory Council dedicated to promoting craft work opportunities and has appeared in dozens of media forms including the Wall Street Journal, Yahoo!, Maritime Professional, and the Welding Journal.

"I am pleased to welcome Garry and Ryan to the Board. Both bring valuable skillsets and experiences that will strengthen GSSC's ability to focus on our mission," said, Jeff Allman, GSSC president.

GSSC is regional trade association whose mission focuses on establishing a steady stream of workers to the shipbuilding and ship repair industry on the Gulf Coast while raising awareness for the career opportunities the industry has to offer.