SGTC Hosts First Automation Technology Advisory Committee Meeting at Crisp County Center

December 15, 2025
Pictured from left to right are SGTC Automation Technology advisory committee members Katrice Martin, Thomas Mayo, Joseph Castongia, Conner Butterworth, James Russo, Cynthia Carter, David Price, Jerry Lott, Michelle McGowan. Not pictured is committee member Josh Branch.
Pictured from left to right are SGTC Automation Technology advisory committee members Katrice Martin, Thomas Mayo, Joseph Castongia, Conner Butterworth, James Russo, Cynthia Carter, David Price, Jerry Lott, Michelle McGowan. Not pictured is committee member Josh Branch.

South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) recently held the inaugural meeting of its Automation Technology Advisory Committee in the program’s classroom at the SGTC Crisp County Center. Instructor David Price welcomed faculty, administrators, and industry representatives to discuss the newly launched program. Topics included admissions requirements, financial aid options, dual enrollment opportunities, curriculum and course descriptions, and the available technical certificates of credit (TCC).

Committee members present included Joseph Castongia, Director of the Physical Plant at Georgia Southwestern State University; Conner Butterworth, Maintenance Technician at Advanced Drainage Systems; James Russo, Maintenance Manager at Advanced Drainage Systems; Jerry Lott, Director of Facilities at Crisp Regional Hospital; and Josh Branch, Plant Manager at Helena Chemicals.

In addition to Price, SGTC was represented by Michelle McGowan, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs; Cynthia Carter, Career Services Director; Katrice Martin, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Grants Coordinator; and Tom Mayo, Welding & Joining Technology Instructor.

The Advisory Committee members play a vital role in the Automation Technology Program’s growth and development. Committee members’ support and feedback on curriculum updates, industry needs, new technologies and equipment standards, and job opportunities and wage expectations will help to make this new program a success.

For information on all of South Georgia Technical College’s programs, visit www.southgatech.edu. SGTC currently offers over 200 associate degree, diploma and short-term technical certificate of credit programs. Apply online now for admission. Spring semester registration is January 6, and classes begin January 7.