North AlabamaWorks names Jason Pickering of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing as chair

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May 22, 2024

Jason Pickering of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing has been named Chair of North AlabamaWorks (NAW), the Regional Workforce Council of North Alabama. He’ll assume leadership following the recent retirement of Melinda Weaver of Alabama Power as Chair.

North AlabamaWorks is a nonprofit serving Region 1 of Alabama’s Regional Workforce Councils, dedicated to facilitating a comprehensive, coordinated workforce system that supports economic and workforce activities that are business-led and industry-driven.

Pickering joined Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) in 2022 and has served on the board of NAW since 2022 as well.

“I’m excited to take on this new role as chair of North AlabamaWorks. I’m continually impressed by NAW’s commitment to create opportunities in North Alabama for those who want to learn, create, and grow our workforce,” Pickering said on Wednesday. “I am proud to represent this council of outstanding contributors and this vital workforce partner.”

At MTM in 2023, Pickering was promoted to General Manager, Administration and added responsibility for Safety, Security, and Environmental as well as Accounting and Finance. Prior to joining MTM, Jason held various executive and operational leadership positions with companies such as BASF and Pratt & Whitney.

He also served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserve, received his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a master’s in business administration from Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business.

“North AlabamaWorks welcomes Jason Pickering’s leadership, and we are grateful for his commitment to North Alabama’s workforce development. Jason’s extensive industry experience within the largest city and fastest growing county in the state brings immense insight and a thorough understanding of North Alabama’s industry needs,” remarked Stephanie McCulloch, Executive Director of North AlabamaWorks.

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

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270

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