The Joint Operating Committee of the Carbon Career and Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe hired Ryan Van Norman at a special meeting to fill the position of administrative director.

Van Norman will start Jan. 4, 2027, at a prorated salary of $122,500.

Van Norman will replace David Reinbold, who will be retiring. His last day is expected to be March 18, 2027.

“As director, my primary plan is to optimize our resources so our instructors have the tools and equipment they need to deliver industry-standard training,” Van Norman said in an interview.

“My goal is to ensure our students receive the most realistic, hands-on preparation possible while instilling a strong work ethic that leads directly to rewarding careers within our local community.”

He began his career in education in 2004 as a social studies teacher at Panther Valley before transitioning to Lehigh Career and Technical Institute in 2006.

In 2019, he became vice principal at the Career Institute of Technology in Easton, and was promoted to principal in 2022.

“(At CIT) I oversaw daily operations, including student services, cooperative education, safety, staffing, and professional development.”

Outside of career and technical education, he has been a varsity football coach, a Rotary Club member, a Credit Union Director and briefly a school board member.

“I’m excited to bring my various experiences to CCTI and take on this new role in my career,” Van Norman concluded.

Also at that meeting, the JOC voted to appoint Joanne Maurer to the position of Adult Education Site Supervisor and approve her agreement effective Nov. 9, through Nov. 8, 2027. Her pay rate will be $30 per hour for 30 to 35 hours per week.