The Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation (BCTCEF) has announced the election of Mr. Robert A. Heckman as its new Board President. Mr. Heckman succeeds Gavin Milligan, who served a two-year term as the Foundation’s inaugural Board President. Milligan will continue serving on the board as a trustee and Development Committee member as he shifts towards new endeavors to advocate for economic and workforce development.
Mr. Heckman brings a wealth of experience in both public service and industry. A longtime advocate for career and technical education, he served for 36 years on the Oley Valley School Board and represented Oley Valley on the Berks Career & Technology Center’s Joint Operating Committee (JOC) for 20 years, including 2 years as JOC Chair. In this role, he led a group of representatives from each of the 16 sending school districts, working collaboratively to support career and technical education and workforce readiness initiatives across Berks County.
Professionally, Mr. Heckman retired from Carpenter Technology Corporation, where he served as a Metallurgist and Senior Manager in various technical areas. His combined background in governance, quality, and manufacturing brings both strategic insight and operational perspective to the Foundation’s leadership.
“It is an honor to be entrusted with this leadership role at such an important time in the Foundation’s development,” said Mr. Heckman. “Career and technical education is vital to providing students with practical skills, confidence, and career opportunities. The need for workforce development in Berks County and beyond is critical to the future success of many industries and institutions. As enrollment continues to increase, we must support the students, staff, and programs at BCTC. I look forward to continuing to work alongside our dedicated board, school districts, local officials, industry and educational leaders, and community partners as we continually improve the opportunities for BCTC students.”
Under Mr. Milligan’s leadership, the Foundation established its governance structure, launched early development initiatives, and partnered closely with BCTC’s administrative team to definestrategic funding priorities. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance opportunities for students and instructors through scholarships, instructional equipment, program support, and advocacy.
“Serving as the inaugural Board President of the BCTC Education Foundation has been an incredible honor,” said Gavin Milligan. “Over the past two years, we’ve worked hard to build a strong foundation, structurally and strategically, for long-term impact. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and grateful to have led such a dedicated group of trustees in partnership with BCTC and our 16 sending school districts. While I’m stepping down as President, I remain fully committed to the Foundation’s mission and look forward to continuing my service as a trustee and member of the Development Committee under Bob’s leadership.”
The Berks Career & Technology Center Education Foundation supports both BCTC campuses and their more than 30 technical programs, helping ensure that students are prepared to thrive in high-demand, high-skill careers across the region.
To learn more about the Foundation or support its mission, visit berkscareerfoundation.org.
