Mastering the Transition: From Technical Role to Inspiring Leader
About the event
Moving from a technical role into leadership comes with new challenges, unexpected opportunities, and a shift in mindset. If you could go back, knowing what you know now—what would you do differently?
Join us for an insightful discussion with experienced industry leaders who have navigated this transition successfully. They’ll share hard-earned lessons, practical strategies, and the key skills they wish they had developed earlier.
Come prepared with your questions! This is your chance to ask seasoned leaders about the challenges you’re facing, the skills you should focus on, and the best ways to position yourself for leadership.
Whether you’re an engineer, technologist, software developer, or someone aspiring to move up, this session will equip you with the mindset and tools to take the next step with confidence. Don’t miss this chance to gain real-world insights from leaders who have been in your shoes!
GUEST SPEAKERS
John Pricco was associate adjunct professor in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University from Sep 2014 to May 2021. He taught management and leadership classes within the Engineering and Technology Management Master’s Program. John retired from Boeing in January 2014 after 34 years with the company. At the time of his retirement, John was vice president, Field Operations and Delivery for the 737 Program. In this capacity, he was responsible for ground and flight testing, aircraft preparation and delivery of all 737 aircraft. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Washington. He also completed the Seattle University Executive Leadership Program in 2005.
Jenette Ramos is an accomplished executive, C-suite leader, and board member. She has extensive experience leading global manufacturing, end-to-end supply chain, infrastructure, and sustainability teams. Jenette retired from The Boeing Company after 34 years. Jenette is currently the Lead Director of Beneficial State Bank. She serves as faculty for World50, and volunteers for various global community initiatives. In 2022, Jenette was recognized as one of the Most Influential Filipina Leaders in the World by FWN100. Jenette completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, earned a Master’s degree in Business from Seattle Pacific University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington State University.
Dave Hyem served as vice president for Boeing Fabrication, which produces parts and assemblies for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Boeing Defense and Space and Boeing Global Services. In this role Hyem was responsible for strategy and operations of Fabrication metals production at several factories throughout North America and Europe. Hyem held several leadership assignments across the company in Engineering, Operations and Supply Chain during his career at Boeing. These assignments ranged from Business Unit leader to Enterprise Functional optimization. Hyem also led the startup of Boeing Additive Manufacturing. Dave currently keeps busy volunteering is time through mentoring, board service and doing his best helping organizations and people thrive in their work place.Hyem received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering at Montana State University and has completed programs through the Advanced Management Program at Duke University and the Aerospace Industry program at the University of Washington. Hyem is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the state of Washington.