SEMI Foundation, created by global industry association SEMI to support education and career awareness in the field of high-tech, has announced the appointment of Leslie Tugman as its executive director. SEMI Foundation is known for its flagship program, SEMI High Tech U, which serves high school students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math. Plans are underway to expand SEMI Foundation’s activities under Tugman’s leadership to include workforce development programs.
“Leslie has been a key member of the SEMI Foundation team for the past 15 years, helping delivering over 190 High Tech U programs that have reached more than 6,000 students and teachers since the foundation’s inception in 2002,” said Art Zafiropoulo, chairman and CEO of Ultratech, and founding member of the SEMI Foundation board of directors. “Leslie’s thorough understanding of the High Tech U program and her passion and experience for workforce development will ensure continuity and quality of programs as we look to expand the foundation’s activities as part of our 2020 strategic initiatives.”
SEMI has long been at the center of the electronics supply chain representing its more than 1,900 corporate members. As the electronics supply chain has become increasingly interdependent, SEMI’s platforms have been ever more relied on to bring the extended electronics supply chain together for collaboration. Additionally, SEMI recently named FlexTech as a Strategic Association Partner providing this vital Flexible Hybrid Electronics community access to SEMI’s global platforms and adjacent opportunities for SEMI members. Now that the SEMI Foundation is a mature entity with established leadership, it is well-positioned to expand in complementary new directions.
“I am excited about this appointment, and look forward to the opportunity to work with the board and take the SEMI Foundation to the next level,” said Tugman. “The foundation is more than High Tech U; we are embarking on workforce development initiatives that address the pipeline for members in a near-term way.”
While with SEMI High Tech U, Tugman was president of WorkForce Resources, Inc. Prior to that, she served as the business development director for Business Education Compact in Portland, Oregon, delivering workforce development programs focused on educator internships. Career milestones include deputy executive directorship of the Texas Water Development Board, and assistant land commissioner with the Texas General Land Office.
SEMI High Tech U provides secondary school students with an intensive, industry-led introduction to the high tech industry, potential career paths and education requirements to meet their goals.
Students and teachers participate in hands-on activities that focus on topics including statistics, nanotechnology, solar and alternative energy technologies, electronics and mathematics. Students also work on soft skills and participate in mock job interviews with industry professionals.