MOSES LAKE, WA — Moses Lake School District is pleased to announce it has named Chad Utter as the new Director of the Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center (CBTECH), effective following the retirement of longtime director Christine Armstrong.

Utter currently serves as Dean of Students at CBTECH, where he has played an instrumental role in supporting student success, strengthening school culture, and advancing the center’s mission of preparing students for high-demand careers and postsecondary pathways. He has been with CBTECH since it opened in 2014.

His appointment marks a strong continuation of leadership at CBTECH, building on the foundation of excellence established under Armstrong’s leadership while positioning the center for continued innovation and growth in career and technical education.

“He is knowledgeable of the unique needs of CBTECH, well connected in the community, trusted by the staff, and respected by the students,” said Katie Phipps, assistant executive director of secondary teaching and learning. “I have full confidence that he will pick up where Christine Armstrong left off and keep CBTECH rolling in the right direction. Moses Lake School District is lucky to have him.”

Under Armstrong’s leadership, CBTECH has continued to expand opportunities for students through industry-aligned programs, strong community partnerships, and a commitment to hands-on learning experiences that connect directly to workforce needs in the region.

“Chad Utter has worked for the Moses Lake School District since 1999 when I hired him to teach Agriculture and Welding at Moses Lake High School,” said Christine Armstrong, director of CBTECH. “He was instrumental in the development of CBTECH, and is the perfect person to take over.  It will be a seamless transition, and a great time to take CBTECH to the next level of employees for the area.”

Utter said he is honored to step into the role and continue the work of empowering students through meaningful career-connected learning.

“I’m excited to continue upholding the high standards of CBTECH while exploring new opportunities to expand our programs - serving more students and strengthening the pipeline of skilled, high-quality young talent for our local industries,” said Utter.

CBTECH serves students from across the region by providing rigorous, real-world learning experiences that help students earn certifications, build technical skills, and graduate ready for college, careers, and life.

This leadership transition reflects the district’s continued commitment to strengthening secondary pathways and ensuring every student has access to high-quality career and technical education opportunities.

For more information about Moses Lake School District and its strategic initiatives, please visit the District’s website.