Cory Wood (left) and Jay Werner (right)
KTC Photo
POTEAU, Okla. – The Kiamichi Tech Board of Education has appointed Cory Wood as Campus Director and Jay Werner as Assistant Campus Director for the Poteau/Spiro Campuses, continuing the district’s tradition of developing leaders and strengthening its commitment to the communities of LeFlore County.
The leadership transition follows the appointment of former Campus Director Michael Culwell to the district leadership role of Director of Instruction, creating an opportunity for two experienced educators and Kiamichi Tech leaders to step into expanded leadership positions.
Wood brings more than a decade of service to Kiamichi Tech, having served as Assistant Campus Director for the Poteau/Spiro Campuses since 2016. Prior to joining Kiamichi Tech, he served as principal of Poteau High School and superintendent and principal at LeFlore Public Schools. A graduate of Poteau High School, Wood earned both his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Public School Administration from Northeastern State University. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for collaborative leadership, student advocacy and strong community relationships.
Werner joins the Poteau/Spiro campus leadership team after serving five years with Kiamichi Tech. He most recently served as Assistant Campus Director at the Durant Campus and previously worked as a Workforce and Economic Development Coordinator, where he partnered with businesses, schools and workforce organizations to expand training opportunities and support economic development initiatives. Werner is also a graduate of Poteau High School, holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2024.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this new role and continue the important work being done at Kiamichi Tech,” said Wood. “This campus has a long history of serving students, businesses and communities throughout LeFlore County. As someone who grew up here and has spent most of my career working in this area, I look forward to building on that strong legacy while continuing to create opportunities that help people succeed.”
Shelley Free, Kiamichi Tech Superintendent, said the appointments reflect the district’s commitment to developing talent and investing in leaders who understand the communities they serve.
“Cory and Jay represent the very best of Kiamichi Tech’s leadership pipeline,” said Free. “Both are proven leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to student success, workforce development and serving their communities. Just as important, both have LeFlore County roots and understand the needs of our students, employers and partner schools. Their experience, dedication and local connections position them well to lead the Poteau/Spiro Campuses into the future.”
In their new roles, Wood and Werner will work closely with faculty, staff, business and industry partners and local school districts to continue to strengthen workforce development efforts, expand educational opportunities and advance Kiamichi Tech’s mission of “Preparing People for Success.”
Kiamichi Technology Centers (Kiamichi Tech) has played a significant role in the growth of southeast Oklahoma communities since 1968, serving nine full and four partial counties. Kiamichi Tech meets local workforce needs through full-time career training programs, short-term courses and customized training for businesses. The district is led by the vision and guidance of Superintendent Shelley Free and a seven-member Board of Education.
Kiamichi Tech is part of the Oklahoma CareerTech system, which offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts and operates on 62 campuses across the state. CareerTech plays a vital role in developing a world-class workforce for Oklahoma employers and prepares Oklahomans to succeed in the workplace, in education and in life.
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