Leaders in transportation workforce innovation

Chris Hadfield

Executive Director

Chris has more than a decade of experience as an Automotive Technology instructor at both a tech college and a high school, as well as administrative experience as a dean at Central Lakes College. Chris is master and advanced level ASE certified. Before teaching he worked as an automotive technician for a GM dealership, an independent, a retail store, and he owned his own business. Chris has written 7 automotive textbooks and continues to consult.

He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Automotive Engineering Technology, with a minor in Manufacturing Engineering Technology from Minnesota State University Mankato and he has a Master’s of Education degree in Community College Teaching and Learning from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

In his spare time, Chris loves spending time with his family traveling, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, coaching baseball, and leading the local Boy Scouts den. Chris’s wife Amynda works for the Confidence Learning Center (Camp Confidence) as the Program Coordinator and they have 2 sons, Evan and Caleb.

Carl Borleis

Director of Program Excellence

Carl has well over a decade each of transportation and education-related experience. His transportation experience ranges from driving – flatbed, dry van, refrigerated, tow truck, school bus, straight truck, motor coach, and doubles – to being a Senior Logistics Manager with a Fortune 500 company, and business ownership. His education experience includes teaching middle and high school Alternative Education, Adult Basic Education, and being a Truck Driving instructor in both the private and public sector where he has helped approximately 1,200 people earn their CDL. He also has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Education, with a minor in Middle Level Science from Bemidji State University.

When he is not working for the Minn. State Transportation Center of Excellence, Carl enjoys being actively involved in his local church, spending time with his wife, Katie, traveling, boating, and fishing. He is the proud parent of two boys, CJ and Noah, who have both graduated from transportation-related Technical College programs and are both employed in their respective field of interest.

Llewellyn Olivier

Director of Outreach

Llewellyn, or “Lew”, which he is more commonly referred to, most recently was an automotive technology instructor at Saint Paul College in which he had the great privilege of preparing students for a rewarding career in the automotive industry.

During his five years at Saint Paul College, Lew was able to spearhead electric vehicle training for their program as well as lead an international student internship program which allowed students to obtain work experience in the automotive industry.

His background in the automotive industry includes over a decade of automotive experience from working in an independent shop to dealerships, and has even co-owned a repair facility. Lew has a Volkswagen Master certification, advanced level ASE master certified and EVPro Plus level one certification. His education was completed at Minnesota State’s own, Century College, in their Automotive Service Technician program.

When Lew isn’t working he likes to spend time with his wife, Heidi and his two kids, Violet and Otto. They enjoy going camping, hiking and road trips together. He has many hobbies, but his favorites include gardening and brewing his own beer.

Cassidy Jelen

Project Coordinator

Cassidy earned her Associates of Applied Science in Graphic Design at Dakota County Technical College in 2017 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Project Management in 2022. Before coming to work for the Minnesota State TCOE she worked as the Nano-Infusion Coordinator for Nano-Link, a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program. In her spare time she loves hiking, spending time with family, and being creative.

Michaela Holman-Schmidt

Administrative Assistant

Michaela earned her Accounting Clerk Diploma at Dakota County Technical College in 2019. Before joining the Minnesota State TCOE team, she worked with the TRIO Program at Dakota County Technical College helping students who are either from low income households, are a first-generation student, or who have a disability. In her spare time, she loves singing, reading, cooking, and fishing.