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Meet the Titan Tech Team

Meet Our Team

Elizabeth Partlow

Institutional Director

Elizabeth Cox is the Institutional Director of Titan Tech and brings a diverse background in skilled trades, education, business leadership, and workforce development. A licensed plumbing contractor with hands-on experience in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, facility maintenance, and project management, she founded Titan Tech with the vision of preparing students through practical, real service training taught by experienced professionals. Elizabeth works closely with instructors, employers, and workforce partners to ensure every program reflects the skills today’s contractors expect. Her passion is creating opportunities that help students build lasting careers in the skilled trades.

Robert Ojeda

Deputy Director

Robert Ojeda serves as Deputy Director of Titan Tech, bringing a diverse background in business leadership, skilled trades, operations, and entrepreneurship. His career includes leadership roles with nationally recognized companies, experience as a residential service technician, and more than two decades of business ownership, investing, and real estate. Robert works closely with students, instructors, and industry partners to help create a learning environment focused on professionalism, practical skills, and career success. He is passionate about helping students develop the confidence and work ethic needed to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

William Cheverie

Admissions Director

William Cheverie serves as Titan Tech’s Admissions Director, helping future students navigate the enrollment process and discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades. With a background in business development, media, and public engagement, William is known for his ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships.

At Titan Tech, William combines his communication and leadership experience with a passion for helping others succeed. From answering questions about programs and funding opportunities to guiding students through admissions, he is committed to making every prospective student feel informed, welcomed, and confident as they begin their journey into the skilled trades.

Mahir Pepic

Admissions Officer

Mahir has a background in ironworking and construction trades and has spent years in recruiting and community development at UCLA, Unitek College, and the University of Silicon Valley. At Titan Tech, he leads contractor and community partnerships, student recruitment, and the development of tools and resources that help people make informed decisions about trade careers. He carries a passion for connecting prospective students, employer partners, and anyone who wants to understand what Titan Tech is actually about to the right resources.

Marques Mason

Admissions Officer

Marques has a background in sales and marketing. He’s spent years leading teams in sales and we’re happy to have him join us at Titan Tech.

Steve Benfield

Lead HVAC Instructor

Steve Benfield brings more than 25 years of HVAC experience to Titan Tech, with a career spanning residential and commercial service, installation, diagnostics, commissioning, and service management. Throughout his career, he has trained technicians, managed service departments, and worked with many of the industry’s leading manufacturers. Steve holds an Associate of Science Degree in Mechanical Electrical Technology, EPA Universal Certification, multiple NATE certifications, and extensive factory training from Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Carrier, Trane, Daikin, Bryant, and other leading manufacturers. His passion is helping students build the troubleshooting skills, confidence, and professionalism needed to succeed in today’s HVAC industry.

Meet Our Team

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Ali Openyany

HVAC Instructor

Ali Opeyany is an HVAC service technician with extensive experience diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining residential and commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems throughout Northern California. His background includes commercial refrigeration, rooftop package units, walk-in coolers and freezers, electrical diagnostics, system commissioning, and preventive maintenance.

Ali specializes in real-world troubleshooting and believes students learn best by understanding how systems operate—not simply replacing parts. His hands-on approach emphasizes critical thinking, accurate diagnostics, and the practical skills technicians need to succeed in the field.

In addition to years of service experience, Ali has completed advanced HVAC and electrical training and holds multiple industry certifications, including EPA 608, OSHA 40, and HVAC Excellence. As an instructor at Titan Tech, he is committed to preparing students for successful careers by combining technical knowledge with the confidence that comes from hands-on experience.

James Brown

Lead Plumbing Instructor

James Brown is a U.S. Navy Seabee and Desert Storm veteran with more than 35 years of plumbing experience. Raised in a plumbing family, he has worked in residential service, commercial plumbing, diagnostics, troubleshooting, remodels, and repipes throughout his career.

As a former plumbing business owner, James is passionate about mentoring the next generation of tradespeople and helping students build the skills, professionalism, and confidence needed to succeed.

His teaching philosophy is simple: Teach students how to think, not just what to do. His personal motto is TEAM – which also means Together Everyone Achieves More.

Jeremy Cook

Plumbing Instructor

Jeremy Cook is the Co-Owner and Vice President of Always Affordable Plumbing & HVAC with 18 years of experience in the plumbing industry. He specializes in plumbing diagnostics, water heaters, water quality, gas piping, sewer systems, and technician development.

Jeremy holds a California C-36 Plumbing Contractor License and is certified in HALO Water Filtration, Heat Pump Water Heaters, Uponor PEX-A, GasTite/FlashShield CSST, and TracPipe CounterStrike systems.

As an instructor, Jeremy focuses on hands-on training that prepares technicians for real-world service calls, emphasizing proper diagnostics, customer communication, safety, and technical excellence.

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Brian King

Lead Electrical Instructor

Brian brings more than 30 years of electrical experience to Titan Tech, with a career spanning residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems. After beginning his career under the guidance of his father, a union electrician with nearly five decades of experience, Brian spent 12 years in residential wiring and service before moving into large-scale commercial and industrial projects.

Throughout his career, Brian has worked on data centers, Amazon distribution facilities, oil fields, natural gas plants, and compressor stations across the United States. His extensive field experience provides students with practical knowledge of electrical installation, troubleshooting, and industry best practices.

As an instructor at Titan Tech, Brian is passionate about preparing the next generation of electricians by sharing the real-world skills, professionalism, and work ethic that have defined his career.

Matt Topper

Electrical Instructor

Matt brings more than 15 years of electrical experience to Titan Tech, with a background in residential service, installation, troubleshooting, and team leadership. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation for quality workmanship while mentoring and training other electricians in the field.

His passion for teaching grew as he helped train members of his own team, leading him to pursue instruction as the next step in his career. Matt is committed to giving students the hands-on skills, confidence, and real-world knowledge needed to succeed as professional electricians.

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