Robert D. Skillman 
Principal Lean Six Sigma Facilitator

Kent State training and certification facilitator, Robert Skillman is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a Lean Master Sensei who has been training and certifying Black Belts in Six Sigma and Lean methods since 1997. Skillman received his Lean Master certification from the Shingijutsu Limited Group, the founders of the Toyota Production System. Skillman is an engineer with 35 years of experience. He is also currently a Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor and RAB Certified. His background includes extensive experience in automotive, aerospace, nuclear and service industries. Skillman has held quality, Master Black Belt and metallurgical engineering positions with TRW, RB&W, Cleveland Container and SPS Technologies. Skillman facilitates Kent State’s public offerings of the Lean Six Sigma Certifications, as well as many of the contracted Lean Six Sigma training and certifications.

John Novak
Associate Lean Six Sigma Facilitator

John Novak, CQA, is an industrial engineer and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt who has provided consultation and training to improve work flow and methods for clients. He has experience as a software developer and in internal auditing. Novak received his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Bowling Green State University and his M.B.A. degree from Kent State University. He has worked with many organizations, including TechniGraphics Inc., M.K. Morse, Elyria Foundry, University Hospitals and W.W. Grainger. Novak facilitates Kent State's public and contract offerings of the Lean Six Sigma training programs.

Stephen Skillman
Associate Lean Six Sigma Facilitator

Stephen Skillman is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, currently serving as an Associate Facilitator for Kent State University, training Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. Skillman received his bachelor's degree in business administration from Lake Erie College. He has worked in the automotive, government ballistics and electrical insulation industries. Skillman has held production scheduler, purchasing manager, shipping manager and quality and continuous improvement manager positions with Nescor Plastics and Iten Industries.

R. Skillman, Novak and S. Skillman will facilitate the upcoming Lean Six Sigma training and certification sessions. To learn more about these sessions, visit the Lean Six Sigma training and certification page.  Return to the Corporate and Community Services homepage.