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Retiring Honda executive Scot McLemore joins Columbus State as Executive in Residence

Campus News | Wednesday, August 24, 2022

McLemore, longtime contributor to College and State of Ohio workforce initiatives, to promote multisector advanced manufacturing education partnerships

Careerlong American Honda Motor Company engineering leader Scot McLemore is joining Columbus State as Executive in Residence following his retirement from Honda, carrying over his immediate past experience with the international automotive manufacturer in workforce partnerships, government and industry relations, and talent acquisition and deployment.

Scot McLemore joins Columbus State as Executive in Residence

“The synergy of Scot bringing his immense talent to Columbus State is a benchmark moment in our continuing maturation as a critical regional partner advancing Central Ohio’s growing economy,” said President David T. Harrison. “Scot has deep experience working alongside the Columbus State academic and workforce teams to successfully launch, foster, grow and extend our innovative advanced manufacturing education model: the Modern Manufacturing Work Study that provides paid real-world work learning experience to our engineering technology students. His expertise will be instrumental in expanding our advanced manufacturing programs and equip the Central Ohio workforce to fill the current and future high-paying career opportunities in this growing sector, as well as further similar innovative learn-and-earn education models align with in-demand jobs.”

“I can’t wait to dig into what’s next for Columbus State’s talent pipeline lifting up local students into rewarding positions that set them up for lifelong learning and success,” McLemore said. “Whether it’s a short-term certificate laying the groundwork for entry into the in-demand advanced manufacturing profession, or a pathway to a four-year degree and beyond, we want to be a core partner for both students and employers to realize their full potential for a robust and sustained career lifecycle.”

McLemore’s career at Honda spans 32 years, including both engineering and human resource functions, focusing on technical development and acquisition. Following the completion of his Bachelor of Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing Technology from Purdue University, McLemore began his career with Honda in 1990 as a manufacturing engineer in the welding department at the Marysville Auto Plant. He then served as the manager of corporate technical development for Honda of America Mfg., Inc., leading engineering development, as well as an extensive technical training program providing skill enhancement for equipment technicians, engineers and production associates. 

“Scot has a wealth of experience in workforce development and advanced manufacturing, which he has shared with Ohio as a volunteer board member on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “I’m certain his expertise will be of great service to Columbus State.”

In addition to his appointed service on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board, McLemore serves on several advisory committees for regional career/technical centers and workforce development organizations. He is past Vice-President of the Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership, and a past member of the Higher Learning Advocates Network of Champions.

“Scot has built a career at the intersection of partnership, innovation, technical skills training, and education pathways,” said Cheryl Hay, executive director of Columbus State’s Office of Talent Strategy. “He has honed his practice of anticipating where industry is going and developing relevant training and education solutions in real-time to advance equitable opportunity that supports local workforce needs. As a trusted and respected collaborator among industry, government, and education partners, Scot is the right leader at the right time to accelerate and scale up Columbus State’s workforce-aligned education offerings for the benefit of our students, area employers and our community.”

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