COE Elects New Members to the Commission

The Council on Occupational Education (COE) has elected two new members to the COE Commission, Vanessa Machin Perez and Ahmad Dib.

The Commission, composed of 19 members, functions as the governing board and decision-making body for all accreditation actions of the Council. Commissioners are responsible for establishing and upholding accreditation standards, safeguarding the integrity of the accreditation process, and advancing the Council’s mission of ensuring quality, accountability, and continuous improvement in career and technical education.

Vanessa Machin Perez brings more than 35 years of professional experience spanning military service, workforce development, manufacturing, entrepreneurship and community engagement. She began serving as president of MakeUtah in January 2025. Her background includes 23 years of distinguished service in the Australian Army and senior leadership roles in the semiconductor industry, including positions with Micron Technology and Texas Instruments. Her work has focused on workforce development, community and government relations, philanthropy, employee engagement, small business ownership, and career consulting.

“I’m honored to have been elected as a Commissioner for the Council on Occupational Education and proud to support its mission of ensuring high-quality technical and occupational education nationwide. I look forward to learning from the experts at COE and my fellow commissioners, and to contributing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over 35+ years across military service, semiconductor manufacturing, railway operations, film and television, workforce development, small business management, innovation and entrepreneurship. I’m eager to help strengthen pathways that prepare learners for real-world, industry-relevant careers—now and into the future.”

Ahmad Dib serves as President and Administrator of Southwest Schools of Business and Technical Careers and Nuvani Institute, both COE-accredited vocational education institutions based in Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and brings extensive experience in accreditation and institutional quality assurance, including active service with the Council on Occupational Education as a peer evaluator and member of accreditation evaluation teams.

“It is an honor to begin my service as Commissioner with the Council on Occupational Education. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow commissioners to advance our shared goals and to contributing to the Council’s important work in support of quality occupational education through thoughtful leadership, integrity, and meaningful impact.”

The Council on Occupational Education welcomes Vanessa Machin Perez and Ahmad Dib and looks forward to their service on the Commission in support of its mission to be the standard of education that works—strengthening quality, accountability and outcomes in career and technical education.