Jason Pickering of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has been appointed chair of North Alabama Works (NAW), the North Alabama Regional Workforce Council, assuming the leadership role of Alabama Power's Melinda Weaver, who recently retired as chair.

North Alabama Works is a non-profit organization. Region 1 Alabama's Regional Workforce Councils work to promote a comprehensive and coordinated workforce system that supports business-led and industry-led economic and workforce activity.

Pickering will join Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in 2022 and will also serve as a director of NAW from 2022 onwards.

“I am excited to take on my new role as chairman of North Alabama Works. I have always been impressed with NAW's commitment to creating opportunities in North Alabama for those who want to learn, create and grow the workforce,” Pickering said Wednesday. “I am proud to represent this council of outstanding contributors and this important workforce partner.”

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At MTM, Pickering was promoted to general manager of administration with added responsibilities of safety, security, environment, and accounting and finance in 2023. Prior to joining MTM, Jason held a variety of management and operational leadership positions with companies such as BASF and Pratt & Whitney.

He also served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves and earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master's of business administration from Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business.

“North Alabama Works welcomes Jason Pickering's leadership and appreciates his commitment to North Alabama's workforce development. Jason's extensive industry experience in the state's largest city and fastest growing county provides deep insight and a thorough understanding of North Alabama's industry needs,” said Stephanie McCulloch, Executive Director of North Alabama Works.

Pickering lives in Madison, Alabama with his wife and four sons.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson