Leadership team
Matt Campanario
Executive Director – All areas except Minnesota Floor Covering and Greater Wisconsin
During this time he also served as a subject matter expert for the Rigging Program at the International Training Center and was heavily involved in the Career Connections and ICRA programs.
In 2017, he was selected for the Executive Director position of the Carpenters and Joiners Training Fund. As Director, Matt has enjoyed the challenges of updating curriculum and standards, building a high functioning team, and improving technology in the programs.
When Matt is not working he can be found spending time with his family and enjoys fishing on Lake Superior.
Dwayne Benson
Director
Dwayne began working for the Carpenters Training Institute (CTI) in 2014 after spending 22 years working in the field as a millwright. As much as he enjoyed his career up until that point, he found a home at CTI, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as an instructor. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to both CTI and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). This includes serving on several curriculum panels as a subject matter expert, both locally and internationally, and teaching train the trainer courses at the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) International Training Center. One of Dwayne’s career highlights was to be chosen to write the latest edition of the UBC’s Rigging training manual.
As a training director for CTI, Dwayne remains committed to advancing the quality of education and training for the next generation of professional carpenters, pile drivers, and millwrights. Although his role has changed slightly, his dedication to CTI and all the members contained therein will continue to be steadfast.
Christopher Favreau
Floor Covering Coordinator
Chris is a third-generation floor coverer and a 30-year UBC member. His background and experience as a floor coverer includes ten years in residential work in the 1980s and 11 years on commercial contract work in the 1990s, before beginning his teaching career in 2007. After instructing apprentices for three years, he became Coordinator in 2010. Over the past decade, Chris has participated in more than 40 manufacturer training classes. “It is with this continued education and manufacturer partnership that INSTALL and the JATC continue to be at the leading edge of quality, professionalism, and value to our contractors.”
Rob Giese
Training Director for Greater Wisconsin
Rob has 27 years in the trade as a millwright. He has worked for a number of contractors throughout the United States, starting as journeyman, progressing to foreman, then superintendent, then site superintendent. He has a passion for the trades and believes the skills we possess shape the country we live in. He believes that with training functioning at a high level, we have the ability to shape our culture through the students that leave our programs—enabling our contractors to have a highly skilled workforce that will serve their needs for generations to come.
Brittini Kircher
Director
After earning her Bachelor of Science in 2011, Brittini joined the team with a background in marketing and education in October of the same year. Brittini’s focus after entering the industry was to bridge communication gaps, create an apprenticeship model that’s competitive with the overall construction commerce, and explore curriculum advancements within the program, all while building long-lasting relationships with our industry partners.
Brittini has since expanded her offering across four training centers in Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, where she continues to pursue excellence in education and strong community partnerships while offering first-class learning experiences to all valued members within the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.
John DeLany
Cedar Rapids Training Campus Coordinator
John has worked in the construction industry for more than 38 years with an extensive background in commercial construction and has worked for several large contractors as lead person, foreman, and superintendent with a wide array of leadership responsibilities. From 1984-2023 John obtained numerous certifications from the US Army Corps of Engineers, Kirkwood Community College, Five Rivers Carpenters Training Center, as well as the Carpenters International Training Facility.
In 2012, John started with Five Rivers Carpenters Training Fund as Instructor/Coordinator and was instrumental in developing the current apprenticeship training curriculum for the program. He is currently responsible for continued development and training of instructors and staff, and building relationships with members, apprentices, contractors, and vendors. As the Training Coordinator for the Five Rivers Campus of the Carpenters Training Institute in Eastern Iowa John works diligently recruiting young people through school visits, career fairs, and many outreach organizations to meet the needs of his contractors.
John has been happily married for more than 35 years and is blessed with three sons and nine grandchildren. He believes “Through Education, Preparation, and Perseverance comes success.”
Wally Kirchoff
Regional Coordinator
Wally began his Union career in 1998 with a Twin Cities area drywall contractor. He attended one of the first UBC Journeymen Leadership classes in 2012 at the International Training Center where he gained enthusiasm to take the next step with the union. Soon after in 2013, he started teaching part time at the Twin Cities training campus for nearly 6 months before making the decision to teach full time. Wally earned his instructor certification through the ITC in 2017. Demonstrating hard work and perseverance, he was advanced into the Southern MN Regional Coordinator position in 2020 taking on more responsibility. By keeping up with new technology, Wally is reinforcing time tested industry best practices and incorporating that into our training as the key to staying on the cutting edge and giving our apprentices the best training in the industry.
Andy Pinneo
Regional Coordinator
Andy Pinneo currently serves as the Regional Coordinator for Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota, where he oversees training operations across four training centers. In this role, he is responsible for ensuring all programs meet required standards while delivering the highest-quality training experience for both apprentices and contractors. Andy manages instructors and coordinates the daily activities that keep each center running efficiently and effectively.
With a career in the carpentry trade that began in the late 1990s, Andy started in residential framing before joining Local 444 in Omaha, where he expanded his expertise into the commercial sector. Over the years, he has gained hands-on experience in every phase of construction—from footings to final turnover—providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the craft and the needs of today’s workforce.
A third-generation union member, Andy has always been driven by a commitment to serve fellow members at the highest level. That dedication has guided his career and continues to shape his leadership approach. Along the way, he has achieved numerous professional milestones, including becoming a Certified Weld Inspector, Door Safety Inspector, and Master Instructor at the International Training Center.
Outside of work, Andy is a devoted family man who values time spent with his wife and three children. Whether catfishing or camping, he enjoys being outdoors and making lasting memories with his family.
Justin Krimmer
Campus Coordinator
Justin Krimmer currently serves at the campus coordinator for Pewaukee, WI. Justin began his apprenticeship in 1999 and completed it in 2003, specializing primarily in Interior Systems. He spent much of his apprenticeship with the same contractor, an experience that allowed him to grow into leadership roles early in his career. Over the years, Justin took on increasing responsibility, managing a wide range of projects and gaining valuable experience that fueled both his professional growth and passion for the trade.
Throughout his career, Justin has had the privilege of working on several iconic projects in the Milwaukee area, including American Family Field (formerly Miller Park), Fiserv Forum, the State Fair Expo Center, and multiple high-rise developments downtown. These projects not only strengthened his technical expertise but also reinforced his appreciation for teamwork, leadership, and craftsmanship.
In 2016, Justin attended the Journeyman Leadership Program at the International Training Center (ITC), an experience that reshaped his perspective on the importance of mentorship and apprentice development. The program emphasized the critical role journeymen play in shaping the future culture of the industry. Returning with a renewed focus, Justin made it a priority to mentor and train apprentices to the highest standard while balancing the demands of his role as a foreman.
When the opportunity arose in 2021 to move into a full-time instructor position, Justin enthusiastically embraced it. Teaching quickly became the most rewarding chapter of his career. Today, as Campus Coordinator, he is excited to focus on the success and strength of the entire program—while always holding a deep appreciation for the instructor role that inspired him along the way.
Outside of work, Justin is an avid bowler and competes multiple nights a week during the season. Whether bowling, playing cornhole, or staying active, he enjoys keeping busy and embracing new challenges both professionally and personally.
Taylor Johnson
Northern Regional Coordinator
Taylor serves as the Northern Regional Coordinator for the Carpenters Training Institute, supporting programs across Northern Minnesota and North Dakota. Since joining the Institute in December 2019, Taylor has played a key role in advancing training initiatives and strengthening community partnerships throughout the region.
With nearly 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Taylor brings a diverse and practical background to this role. His career began in highway maintenance, followed by time as a bricklayer apprentice, before joining the Carpenters Union in 2013. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into the needs of apprentices and members in the field.
Guided by the belief that “you should be the change you want to see in the world,” Taylor transitioned into an instructional role and later into leadership, driven by a commitment to continuous improvement and meaningful impact.
Taylor takes pride in several key accomplishments at the Carpenters Training Institute, including the successful implementation of elective-based training, enhancements to welding programs, and ongoing collaboration with volunteer partners to support local communities.