The American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA) is pleased to announce the promotion of Casandra Blassingame to vice president, education services. She will continue to serve as the leader of the Education Department at AGMA and remains responsible for the development and execution of AGMA gear education and industry partnerships. 

Blassingame joined AGMA as director of education in 2016 and quickly re-energized the department with new ideas, partnerships and understanding of adult learning.  Her background includes a B.A. in computer science from Talladega College and a M.Ed. in adult and higher education from University of Missouri. With 20 years of academic experience, Blassingame combines her knowledge with AGMA’s commitment to education to ensure a strong position for AGMA moving forward. With Blassingame’s direction, AGMA’s Education Services is now a multi-platform, continuing education program that offers more options to gear industry professionals at both the engineering and operator level, on a global scale. 

“Casandra’s expertise in the higher education learning environment has been a critical differentiator in delivering new value to member companies and in creating the right partnerships to expand our programs,” Matthew E. Croson, president of AGMA said. “Education is a strategic imperative for our industry because it drives innovation in our space, and Casandra has done a great job guiding all aspects of our response strategies, working closely with industry leaders at all levels.”

Blassingame has spearheaded several programs, but most recently has secured and strengthened partnerships with Richard J. Daley College and Ranken Technical College to put AGMA at the forefront of technical schools. By completing the rigorous process of obtaining an IACET accreditation, students who take courses with AGMA are now able to receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to further their professional careers and certifications. Additionally, through her efforts, new classes and instructors have been developed to ensure the future of the AGMA education while staying on the cutting edge of the latest in gear education.

“Please join me in congratulating Casandra for a job well-done,” added Croson. “Believe it or not, AGMA Education is just starting to get moving, and we are excited about the new opportunities we are discussing for the next five years as we begin to update the AGMA Long Range Plan.”