Staff
JOHN BURCAW
DIRECTOR OF ACADEMIC EDUCATION
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Bio
John oversees daily operations at the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM). He manages the Board of Trustees’ operational affairs, as well as academic programs, revenue development, recruitment, government relations, marketing, and outreach.
As the primary liaison between the board and government agencies, he ensures the Institute complies with accreditation and licensing requirements, maintains accurate student records, and develops strategic partnerships. He collaborates with organizations including federal and state apprenticeship divisions, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.
John possesses extensive experience in developing and managing organizational programs and strategic projects. He establishes and sustains business partnerships that support the FTI of the Upper Midwest, its members, affiliates, and stakeholders.
John remains a painter at heart and values engaging directly with students. He is committed to supporting their well-being by focusing equally on craft skills, employability, and behavioral health.
John has been a member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) for 35 years and has served in executive leadership roles for more than 24 years.
TOM AASHEIM
DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION
ACCREDITATION LIAISON OFFICER
Bio
Tom started as a part-time instructor and has worked his way up to being the Director of Technical Education. As the Director of Technical Education, he is responsible for managing technical instructors and trade coordinators. This includes all course scheduling. He facilitates technical instructors and trade coordinators’ professional development and serves as our liaison with the FTI International and appropriate industry associations. Tom also manages continuing education for technical, health and safety courses, and finishing trades’ industry certifications.
Managing learning resources, technical infrastructure, and facilities (assets, IT, computers, modules, studios, and buildings) are also Tom’s responsibility.
Tom has over 20 years of experience in Commercial & Industrial Painting and is a well-respected industry-recognized instructor holding numerous industry certifications.
BRIAN HAGBERG
COORDINATOR
Bio
Brian is a student advocate responsible for establishing curriculum, supervising craft instructors, and instructing both apprentice and continuing education courses. He is a journeyworker glazier who worked at Brin Northwestern Glass Company from October 1990 to August 2008. Brian completed his glazier apprenticeship during this time.
Brian started with FTIUM in August 2008 as the Glazier and Glassworker Coordinator and Instructor. Brian is certified in OSHA 500 (Construction), OSHA 501 (General Industry), Rigging & Signalling, Forklift/All-terrain Forklift, and Aerial Lifts. He is also an American Heart Association Instructor, Certified Welding Inspector Associate, a proctor for the NCCCO Signaling Practical Exam, and an AGMT Certified Technician.
Brian holds an Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Education and a proud member of Local 1324 with thirty-one years of service.
DEMETRI DEBE
GRANT ADMINISTRATOR
Bio
Demetri serves as grant writer, administrator, and researcher at FTIUM. He comes to FTIUM from the University of Minnesota where his background in history, teaching, writing, administration, and academic technology prepared him for this role. He has more than a decade of experience in grant writing and administration within the university and has acted as principal investigator (PI), co-PI, and investigator on several grants. Those experiences have led him to value his role in working collaboratively to build programs, courses, and events grounded in effective teaching and learning.
AMY PETERSON
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Amy serves as the Drywall Finisher/Safety Instructor who instructs the established curriculum lesson plans for career readiness, apprenticeship, and continuing education. This includes the maintenance and organization of the instructional areas, equipment, and supplies at all facilities and training sites.
Amy started her drywall career with Minuti-Ogle and worked there for 13 years before becoming an instructor. She is proud to say that they are the only drywall company she worked for.
Amy is proud to serve on the FTI International Drywall Committee responsible for updating our learning resources. She also served on the LMCI – FIF Summit Workgroup Committee for Drywall and was part of the Local 61 e-board as Financial Secretary for two years.
Before her drywall career, she worked at American Family Insurance in Human Resources for ten years. She was a trainer for the insurance agents on a new billing system for five years.
Amy has worked for the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest for over 12 years and has enjoyed watching her students grow and become Journeyworkers.
TONY OSBORN
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Tony Osborn is a seasoned glazing instructor with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He holds numerous certifications from recognized glazing and glass organizations, as well as the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). He also earned an associate degree from Mountwest Community & Technical College.
Tony is an AGMT-certified glazing technician and an AGMT proctor. He has a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in glazing competency and certification. He recently completed FTIUM’s Changing the Culture of Construction course for instructors, which strengthened his dedication to advancing industry culture and equity.
With a passion for mentorship and skill-building, Tony is dedicated to passing on his expertise to the next generation of glazing professionals.
MARK DUTTENHEFNER
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Mark Duttenhefner is an Industrial Painter and alumnus of the FTIUM. He spent his career in the field, specializing in abrasive blasting and application of coatings at numerous coal-fired power plants, refineries, water treatment facilities, mines, tank farms, and pipelines.
Mark later went on to become a certified coatings inspector. He joined the FTIUM staff in 2019.
PHIL O’NEILL
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Phil has worked in multiple trades and is the licensed CTE teacher at FTIUM. After many years in the construction industry, Phil went back to college to pursue his desire to give back to the community and become a special education/CTE teacher.
Phil has multiple degrees and is licensed by the State of Minnesota as an Academic and Behavioral Specialist and Construction Careers CTE teacher. Phil began teaching high school classes in 2017 and has created innovative learning strategies and curriculum that specializes in the trades and hands-on learning projects.
Phil specializes in working with young people who have been marginalized socially, financially, and academically. He builds strong positive relationships with his students that last well beyond the time spent together in the classroom.
GRECIA PALOMAR
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Grecia serves as the Drywall Finisher/Safety Instructor responsible for instructing the established curriculum lesson plans as needed for Apprenticeship and Continuing Education assigned or scheduled by the Director of Technical Education. This includes the maintenance and organization of the instructional areas, equipment, and supplies at all facilities and training sites.
Prior to beginning her career in the trades, Grecia worked as an interpreter and as a preschool co-teacher for a few years. She began her drywall career with Reshetar Systems, where she worked for 7 years before becoming an instructor.
Currently, Grecia is proud to serve as a member of the “Sisters of DC 82” committee and the IUPAT Latino Committee, and is Financial Secretary for Local 386.
KEITH BAILEY
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Keith Bailey is a seasoned Wallcovering and Finishing Trades Instructor with over 17 years of industry experience. He began his career in 2005 as an apprentice with Local 386, working under Decorator Services for four years before answering the call to serve in the military.
After completing his deployment, Keith rejoined the union in 2014, resuming his career in the finishing trades with renewed purpose. In 2022, he joined the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM), where he now dedicates himself to training and mentoring the next generation of tradespeople.
Keith is also currently pursuing his Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technologies degree through FTIUM. He has an ongoing commitment to personal growth and advancing his knowledge in the field.
His mission is to share the skills, discipline, and values he’s gained throughout his career to help young professionals build a strong foundation for success in the industry.
TIM WILCOX
INSTRUCTOR
Bio
Tim Wilcox is a commercial painting instructor for the FTIUM, where he brings nearly two decades of hands-on industry experience into the classroom.
With 19 years of experience painting in both commercial and residential settings, he has developed a deep understanding of surface preparation, coatings, safety standards, and professional best practices. His background allows him to effectively bridge real-world jobsite knowledge with technical instruction.
Throughout his career, Tim has worked on a wide range of projects, gaining practical insight into the demands and expectations of the painting trade. His extensive field experience strengthens his ability to mentor and prepare students for successful careers, emphasizing quality workmanship, efficiency, and professionalism. He is committed to passing on the skills and work ethic required to succeed in a competitive industry.
In addition to his instructional role, Tim is an active member of Local 386, where he has demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to the union. He has previously served as trustee and vice-president and currently holds the position of president.
Through his leadership and teaching, Tim supports the growth of the trade and advocates for the next generation of skilled painters.
JORDAN BREMSETH
RECRUITER
Bio
Jordan is the recruiter for the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM). He visits high schools, trade shows, job fairs, and all organized events promoting the FTIUM, and recruits for all academic programs such as the FTIUM Career & Technical Education cohorts, Worker Readiness, apprenticeships, continuing education classes, and the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Construction Technologies.
Jordan’s primary focus is to bring the new generation of FTIUM students to the school. He works closely with instructors, community partners, and former, current, and potential students to actively grow and elevate the FTIUM membership.
Jordan’s career in the trades began right after high school. He worked in residential construction for four years before eventually finding the glazing world. His glazing career started in 2012 at a non-union shop in his hometown of Willmar, Minnesota, before he began his apprenticeship at Heartland Glass in 2016. Jordan understands the union difference first-hand and just how life-changing it can be.
Jordan is an FTIUM apprenticeship graduate and in 2025 graduated from the FTIUM’s Associate’s program with his AAS degree in Construction Technologies.
He has been a proud member of District Council 82 Local 1324 since 2016, and is excited to see what he can do for the FTIUM’s students and IUPAT DC 82 members.
LIZ FALL
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATOR
Bio
Liz Fall is the Educational Administrator at FTIUM. With a computerized accounting and customer service background, she is responsible for bookkeeping, student enrollment, student records, appropriate student inquiries, requests for information, and recordkeeping. Liz joined the FTIUM staff in 2019.
TAMI MOE
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Bio
Tami Moe is the Office Administrator at FTIUM. She has 25 years of experience in small business management and office administration. Since joining the FTIUM team in 2022, her responsibilities have included student inquiries, student record keeping, and office administration with a focus on positive experiences and strengthening relationships.
FTIUM Care Team
JACOB JOHNSON
CARE COORDINATOR
Bio
Jacob graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. He believes it is important to promote positive mental health and possesses the desire to give people the best care he possibly can. Jacob is extremely passionate about the desire to make the world a better place for everybody, regardless of background, struggles, or other challenges.
MEGAN STOW
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN
Bio
Megan is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). She earned her Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has extensive experience in the behavioral health field. Megan believes that no one should have to face life’s issues alone and there is hope for you or your loved ones.
Board of Trustees
Management
Martha Henrickson
(Secretary)
MDPA
Matt Horovitz
Minneapolis Glass
Joel Swanson
Swanson & Youngdale
Labor
Jeff Stark
(Chairman)
District Council 82
Jordan Fry
District Council 82, Local 61
Craig Peck
District Council 82, Local 386