Meet the PLA University Team

Vice President - PLA University 

   James has been with PLA since May of 2021 and oversees the day-to-day operations of PLA University. James has been in the education industry for over twenty-five years and has worked for multiple educational institutions as a Director of Career Services, Director of Admissions, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Career Services and School President. James is also the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a non-for-profit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education and prevention services. James holds a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in management.  

Regional Executive Director - Indianapolis, IN

Alex has 20+ years adult education experience in the construction, engineering, and manufacturing sectors. He holds a master's degree in adult education and is passionate about education as a path to independence, advancement, and wealth. Originally from New York City, Alex is a lifelong learner residing in Fishers, IN and is currently working on a doctoral degree in education with a concentration in adult and community education. 

Executive Director - Fort Worth, TX

Tammy has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and workforce development, having served as the Executive Dean at a local community college where she oversaw 15 career and technical education programs, including short-term industry-based certifications. Combined with her experience as Deputy Director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, she has been instrumental in collaborating with employers, higher education institutions, economic development corporations, and other organizations to upskill and reskill the workforce. Tammy has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Economics and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.

Pathway Coordinator - Fort Worth, TX

LaMonica joined the PLA University team in December of 2021.  LaMonica has over twenty years of experience serving Tarrant County residents.She has held multiple roles in her eighteen years at John Peter Smith Hospital and most recently was the Interim Deputy Director at Workforce Solutions of Tarrant County. She is passionate about helping students obtain their career goals and aspirations. LaMonica is a native of Paris Texas, but has now relocated to Fort Worth, Texas.

Pathway Coordinator - PLA University Virtual

Timea joined the PLA University team in February of 2022. Timea earned her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and has over 10 years of experience working with students and job seekers.  Timea has worked as an Associate Director at a Community College assisting students along their career pathway.  She has also held many roles within the Department of Workforce Development that include recruitment specialist, education and training case manager, and lead career coach. Timea is dedicated and committed to meet an individual where they and  determined to help them fulfill their true potential.  Timea is a native of Indiana and lives just outside Indianapolis.

Workforce Development Coordinator - PLA University, Texas

William graduated from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) with his B.S. in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology. He is currently in pursuit of his master's in social work. While working for Provident Behavioral Health as a trainer and mentor for incoming Crisis Workers, he received his ASIST certification. During his time with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, William worked as a Family Service Worker for the Head Start program and later as a Workforce Development Specialist for the Save Our Sons program. In 2022 William moved to Arlington, TX, and began his career with PLA University in May of 2022.

Executive Director - Kansas City

Macenzie attended the University of Central Missouri where she earned a B.A. Degree in

Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Military Science. Macenzie went

on to receive her MBA from Park University in Parkville, MO. She has worked in the

nonprofit educational sector for 5+ years. She has worked both in the K-12 area as well

as in higher education serving as an academic advisor, Program Director and Executive

Director. In her most recent role as Director, she oversaw programming and operations

for a residential college prep program. Macenzie worked closely with education and

community partners, students from diverse backgrounds, families, and donors to meet

the needs of the program and the students they served. She believes strongly that you

have to meet students where they are and that requires us to look at the whole-person.

Her passion and strength as a leader in education is to help address those needs of the

whole-person so that they can find success in themselves as students, in and outside of

the classroom.

Administrative Coordinator - PLA University

Derria joined the PLA University team in October 2022 and has extensive administrative support experience in the corporate and non-profit industries. In prior roles, she was responsible for updating company procedures and coordinating resources to ensure efficiency in workflow. She values continuous learning and providing personable and resourceful support to ensure projects run smoothly. Derria holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration. In her role, Derria supports all of our PLA University teams.