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Our Founder & CEO
Hernán Luis y Prado
Hernán Luis y Prado served in the United States Navy for 15 years as a Hospital Corpsman and then as a Surface Warfare Officer. Hernán saw three combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is a graduate of the Navy Surface Warfare Officer School, where he completed the Chief Engineering Officer and Combat Systems Officer curricula. His personal decorations include the Navy Achievement Medal and Combat Action Ribbon, as well as various unit and service awards.
An accomplished businessman and civic leader, Hernán was recognized by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for Workshops for Warriors’ extensive efforts and notable achievements in helping veterans successfully transition from the military into advanced manufacturing careers.
In 2014, Hernán received the “Keith M. Turnham Humanitarian Award” in recognition of his military service and his continued commitment to serving the communities of San Diego. In 2015, Hernán was recognized by the California State Legislature as the “80th Assembly District for 2015 Veteran of the Year,” and more recently, “CEO of the Year” by the San Diego Business Journal in 2017.
In 2012, President Barack Obama recognized Hernán as a Champion of Change. In 2022, Hernán was selected by the SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) as the Small Business Person of The Year for the state of California. In 2023, Hernán was the featured speaker in the military category at TEDx San Diego, and was also asked to testify before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Board of Directors
Amanda Barber
Amanda Barber is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Texas and is a registered Professional Engineer (Mechanical). She currently serves as a Commander in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps in San Diego.
Pete Peterson
Pete, over the last 50 years, has owned and operated companies involved in many different factions of business to include public accounting, real estate development, and health clubs, and, generally, holding the position of chief financial officer and/or managing partner. He is semi-retired from the company he started in 2005, PFW Holdings, LLC, which owns and operates Planet Fitness franchises in four states. His background and expertise helps support WFW’s efforts in construction, financial analysis, and expansion of its facilities and operations.
Mike Shoemaker
Vice Admiral Mike Shoemaker, Ret., has over 20 years of senior executive experience leading complex and diverse organizations ranging from 250 to over 82,000 personnel culminating as the Commander of all Naval Air Forces. He is currently Vice President, Strategic Planning at Lockheed Martin, Aeronautics.
Peter Zierhut
Peter is the Vice President, Outside Operations for Haas Automation, Inc. Mr. Zierhut’s career at Haas spans more than 33 years, with experience including management positions in manufacturing, sales, marketing, and IT. He is a senior-level manager at Haas and is responsible for oversight of Haas Automation’s HTEC-branded education program comprising more than 2,000 institutions around the world that utilize Haas machine tools for educational purposes.
Board of Advisors
Our Advisory Board is comprised of industry leaders who make themselves available in support of our mission. They provide guidance on issues including machining education, nonprofit governance, fundraising, and other matters.
Greg Altman
VP District Manager, US Bank
Lyle Anderson
President, C&H Machine
Dick Arendsee
Retired Executive
Rich byer
President, Bycor Construction
Marc Edwards
Philanthropist
Tuck Forsyth
Board Member, San Diego Social Venture Partners
Doug Harris
President, HE&M Saw
Elizabeth Kautzmann
Chairwoman, FMA Industrial Laser Council
Jerry Kroetch
President, Scotchman Industries
Kathy Looman
Gene Haas Foundation
Jeff Metts
President, Dowding Industries Inc.
Brenda Miyamoto
Vice President, Reliance Steel & Aluminum
Vivian Moreno
San Diego City Councilmember, District 8
Judy Oliphant
David Pelling
Tsuha Foundation
John Phillips
Principal, Fish & Richardson
Joe Riel
Executive Business Consultant, Dassault Systemes
Steve Short
President, Xebec Deburring Technologies, LLC
Steve Sprigg
Former Sr. VP Engineering, Qualcomm
Craig Vogel
VP Sales, Lenox/Stanley Black & Decker
Ward Wilson
Director, San Diego Office, The Boeing Company.
Ed Sullivan
Principal, Business Development, TurbineOne
Latest News
Workshops for Warriors Rising Up Gala
Experience an unforgettable evening of elegance at Workshops for Warriors Rising Up Gala aboard the USS Midway Museum,...
San Diego Business Journal | 2024 CEO of the Year
Our Founder and CEO, Hernán Luis y Prado, was recently named as a as a CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal.
SD Regional Chamber of Commerce ⎮ 2023 Exceptional Veteran-Owned Business Award
San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has awarded Workshops for Warriors with the 2023 Exceptional Veteran-Owned...
Mastering the Transition: A Comprehensive Guide to Job Interviews for Veterans and Military Personnel
Leaving the military can be a daunting experience, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. As veterans embark on...
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Phone: (619) 550-1620
Email: info@wfw.org
Workshops for Warriors
2970 Main Street
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