ROI adds Stefan Welsh to lead new rural microelectronics workforce initiative

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is pleased to announce the addition of Stefan Welsh to lead its new multi-layered microelectronics (ME) initiative. Welsh began his role on January 13 as the Program Director for Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics initiative.

ROI was awarded a contract late last year through the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) program. ROI’s ME initiative supports the goals of the National Imperative for Industrial Skills (NIIS) initiative to promote the prestige of manufacturing and industrial careers, accelerate training development pipelines, and elevate U.S. manufacturing to world-leading status.

“This initiative underscores ROI’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, regionally relevant, and demand-driven strategies to the Indiana Uplands that address the evolving needs of our workforce and key industry clusters,” said ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson. “By aligning education, training, and economic development with the specific demands of our region, we are equipping businesses and communities with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. This new initiative, and the addition of Stefan to our team, not only reinforces our dedication to fostering opportunity and prosperity but also positions the Indiana Uplands to drive innovative solutions to fuel regional and statewide growth.”

Welsh will lead a team to deploy this new initiative in the Indiana Uplands region with a multi-tiered focus on promoting microelectronics-related careers, accelerating students and workers into and through training and development pipelines, and inspiring the next generation of industrial skilled professionals. The Rural Indiana Workforce Development for ME program will include four main components: K-12 education outreach; fabrication of physical spaces for microelectronics training (“cleanrooms”); youth apprenticeship programs with high school and industry partners; and a post-secondary microelectronics certificate program. 

"We are excited to welcome Stefan Welsh as the new Program Director for the workforce development initiative focused on building a robust and skilled workforce for the growing microelectronics sector," said Michi McClaine, VP of Talent Development. "Stefan’s extensive experience working with multiple state departments, as well as experience working in education positions, makes Stefan well suited to lead this program. Stefan is deeply committed to the Indiana Uplands region, and we look forward to this opportunity to create pathways for sustainable career growth and enhance the quality of life for individuals in the Uplands region."

Welsh most recently served as the Director of Digital Communications for the Office of Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Prior to this role, Welsh worked at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a non-partisan research organization focused on National Security. 

Welsh also has a background in K-12 education, working in Indianapolis and rural Colorado before relocating to Indiana. His experience in public education, in both administrative and classroom roles, will be particularly relevant as he leads this initiative heavily focused on transitional ME programming in both K-12 and post-secondary.  

“I am excited to join ROI and help lead the microelectronics workforce initiative in my home region, the Uplands,” said Welsh. “During my time in Governor Holcomb’s administration, a key focus was growing and retaining Indiana’s workforce to meet emerging challenges and opportunities. This initiative is an incredible chance to build a skilled workforce that will bring prosperity to our communities and serve a critical purpose in supporting our nation’s strategic security. I look forward to collaborating with schools, industry partners, and local leaders to ensure the Uplands is at the forefront of this vital work.”

For more information on the Rural Indiana Workforce Development for Microelectronics initiative, visit www.regionalopportunityinc.org/microelectronics/.