EdD, 2019 Dr. Philip Klein serves as Vice President of Education at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA), a nationally recognized two-year, trade-focused institution specializing in aviation maintenance education. In this role, he provides strategic leadership across academic affairs, compliance, and student services, with a focus on student success, workforce alignment, and operational excellence. Prior to joining PIA, Dr. Klein led significant growth in enrollment and workforce programs at a small community college in West Virginia by building strong partnerships with state and local stakeholders. His leadership transformed the institution’s trajectory and expanded its impact on regional workforce development. Dr. Klein has held senior academic leadership roles across multiple institutions, including Dean of the School of Health and Public Safety at South Piedmont Community College in North Carolina, and Dean of Health Sciences and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gwinnett Technical College in Georgia. He began his career in public service as a firefighter/paramedic, an experience that continues to shape his leadership philosophy and commitment to advocacy. While serving in the fire service, he transitioned into higher education as an adjunct instructor. In 2012, he was selected to develop and lead a paramedic education program at Chattahoochee Technical College as the Emergency Medical Services Program Director.
