Strategic Training Leadership and Workforce Development

James (Jim) Ellis is a seasoned leader in corporate training and workforce development, with over 15 years of experience building and managing learning systems that align talent development with organizational goals. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Training for PSA Airlines where he leads and oversees the strategic development and execution of aircraft maintenance training programs across multiple locations.

Known for his ability to integrate instructional design with business strategy, Ellis has consistently delivered high-impact training solutions across industries with stringent regulatory environments, most notably in aviation. His career reflects a steady progression of responsibility and influence, marked by a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and the advancement of learning culture at scale.

Ellis began his professional journey in 2009 as the founder of Heritage Media Group, a consulting firm dedicated to developing custom e-learning solutions for corporate clients. In this capacity, he collaborated with organizations to conceptualize and implement digital training tools that improved workforce engagement and accelerated skill acquisition. This entrepreneurial venture gave Ellis hands-on experience with instructional design and client-focused solution development, laying a strong foundation for his future leadership in training operations.

In 2011, Ellis joined Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. as a Safety and Training Supervisor, shifting from consulting to leading internal training initiatives. He developed a skill-based program that improved skilled trades retention by 40 percent, integrating on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and e-learning to build a more adaptive, high-performing workforce aligned with operational needs.

Building on this momentum Ellis transitioned into the aerospace sector as a Technical Training Developer at Honda Aircraft Company, where he designed technical training programs aligned with business goals and regulatory standards. His competency-based strategies improved employee retention, internal mobility, and team performance, while advancing leadership development and organizational agility. In 2018, Ellis advanced to the role of Training Manager at Swift Air, where he was tasked with developing scalable corporate training initiatives for a multi-site aviation workforce. His focus on aligning training strategy with business operations led to measurable improvements in flight crew proficiency and regulatory compliance. By implementing structured workforce plans and executive coaching programs, Ellis ensured that training remained responsive to industry standards and internal performance benchmarks.

Ellis joined PSA Airlines, Inc. in 2019 as Manager of Maintenance Training, where he expanded his scope of influence by leading enterprise-wide training initiatives focused on technical readiness and compliance. He spearheaded efforts to assess workforce capability, align development strategies with business needs, and integrate data-driven evaluation methods to enhance program outcomes. His leadership during this period laid the groundwork for transformative improvements in training effectiveness and organizational performance.

Since his promotion to Assistant Director of Maintenance Training at PSA Airlines in October 2022, Ellis has provided strategic leadership for training programs across multiple states. He oversees a dispersed team, ensuring compliance with FAA regulations and industry standards, while driving innovation through modern learning frameworks. His initiatives, ranging from organizational assessments to change management and technology integration—have strengthened workforce agility and addressed critical talent gaps.

Throughout his career, Ellis has complemented his professional achievements with a strong academic foundation. He holds a Master of Education in Workforce Development and Training from North Carolina State University, where he focused on adult learning theory, instructional design, and organizational leadership. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Adult and Continuing Education from Bellevue University, where he studied curriculum development and instructional strategies tailored to adult learners in corporate and technical contexts.

Ellis’ track record of transforming training into a strategic asset has made him a trusted leader in highly regulated, performance-critical industries. As organizations confront evolving operational demands and talent challenges, Ellis continues to play a pivotal role in redefining how training systems are designed, deployed, and measured for long-term organizational impact.