Learn from leaders in your field–from your community! Instructors at PPATEC have decades of experience in the field. PPATEC instructors have completed many master craftsman certifications and have held various positions over the courses of their careers. We are proud to work with them to help teach and support the next generation of HVAC and energy industry professionals in our region.
Mike Elmer joined PPATEC as a full-time instructor in November 2023. He brings over 20 years of field experience working for a leading contractor in the South-Central PA region as a lead troubleshooting technician. Mike now serves as the primary PPATEC instructor for air conditioning, electrical, heat pumps, plumbing, gas heating, and HVAC installation offerings.
Joe Misner has worked in the HVAC industry since 2002. Throughout his career, he has advanced from HVAC Lead Installer and Service Technician to HVAC Operations Manager and HVAC Installation Manager. With extensive hands-on experience, Joseph has developed broad expertise in installing a wide variety of HVAC systems, mentoring and training technicians, and maintaining strict quality control standards.
Gary Nouse brings over 40 years of propane industry experience, having worked for multiple marketers and suppliers since 1981. He began in entry-level roles—coating DOT cylinders, working as a service/installer technician, and driving a bobtail—and has since held nearly every position in the field. Aside from leading the propane training program at PPATEC, Gary also serves as a technical liaison for Hiltz Propane Systems and provides consulting services for jurisdictional propane systems through GLN Safety, LLC. This comprehensive background gives him a complete understanding of propane operations and safety. Gary currently serves in a leadership capacity in multiple propane industry trade associations. He uses his extensive hands-on experience to deliver practical, safety-focused training that resonates with students at all levels.
With over four decades of HVAC experience, John Nowicki’s background includes; Residential Service Manager, Residential and Light Commercial Installation, Residential to Light Industrial Service, Commercial and Residential Field Instructor, Lead Technical Trainer, Technical Advisor, Training Program Design and Registered Apprenticeship Manager. He has developed a unique refrigerant cycle troubleshooting process that works across all refrigerants and nearly all direct expansion systems including, cooling, heat pumps and refrigeration. John has recently finished authoring a book on professional and personal development and is pursuing publication. He has a profound passion for mentoring and training aspiring technicians.
Alan Mercurio has over 30 years of industry experience in various roles including service technician, equipment sales, and service manager. Today, he is an industry author, consultant, educator, trainer, and proctor. He holds certificates as a Master Technician in the State of Pennsylvania, Silver certificate from the PPA, NORA Gold Certified, and is EPA Certified by the VGI Training center, as a type I and type II Air Conditioning Technician. He’s the past president and founder of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of OESP (Formerly NAOHSM) and is on OESP’S Education committee and a sub-committee for NORA.
Mike Snyder has worked in the mechanical trades since 1988, building a career rooted in technical expertise and leadership. He spent the majority of his career as a service technician before advancing into a service manager role. Over the years, Mike also contributed to safety and human resources initiatives, broadening his impact across the organization. Before retiring in 2025 from a local mechanical contractor, he led the company’s technical training efforts, helping to develop and mentor the next generation of skilled technicians.
Norm has spent over three decades as a state trooper, including 25 years as a sergeant assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. His primary areas of focus included directing officers engaged in roadside inspections, commercial vehicle accidents, and hazmat incident investigations. Norm has also served as an Associate Staff Lead Instructor for the National Training Center in Washington, D.C. The National Training Center is the education branch of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration responsible for training both state and federal roadside inspectors throughout the United States.
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