Gillette Samms

Gillette Samms is the Director of Aviation Programs with the Alabama Community College System (ACCS). He provides support for aviation education and training activities to meet the statewide mission for Alabama Aviation College within ACCS. His extensive aviation experience spans over 40 years, working as an A & P mechanic in the aviation industry to include General Aviation, military contract support, and aircraft manufacturing, as well as at academic institutions serving as a Flight and A&P instructor. He has supported FAA part 147 programs as a department chair, associate dean, and program director at institutions within Georgia, Utah, North Carolina, Florida and Alabama, all to engage the programs to provide aviation industry workforce training to meet the needs of local and regional aviation and aerospace industry partners. Gillette earned degrees from the University of Georgia to include a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in Trade and Industrial Education; a Master of Science in Education; and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Occupational Studies. Gillette is dedicated to liaising with secondary and post-secondary institutions, state and federal agencies, and with aviation/aerospace industry partners to create seamless training opportunities for individuals to acquire skills to enter the workforce in high demand, high paying aviation career fields.