Build Smart Institute's Leadership Bring Experience & Passion to their Roles

Michelle Ramaker joined Build Smart Institute in November 2022 as Director of Development. In January 2024, she became Build Smart's Vice President. In this capacity, Michelle is instrumental in building connections with industry partners to develop cutting-edge training programs tailored for the construction industry.

One of Michelle’s notable achievements at Build Smart includes spearheading a collaboration with Ferrum College to launch an Associate Degree program in Construction Management, which debuted in Fall 2024.

Before joining Build Smart, Michelle co-owned M&M Services of SML with her husband, Mitch. As a Class A Contractor, their company specialized in a wide range of renovation projects, from small-scale to large-scale endeavors. 

Michelle is a member of the New River Valley Home Builders Association and serves on the Workforce Committee. She was recently appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Apprenticeship Council of Virginia. Additionally, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Roanoke Chapter, and is a member of the Expo Committee for the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association.

Passionate about changing perceptions of the construction industry, Michelle is dedicated to showcasing it as not only a lucrative field but also a highly rewarding one.

Michelle’s professional journey began in law enforcement, where she served as a Sheriff’s Deputy for six years before shifting her focus to raising her family, which includes four children aged 8 to 16.

Stephanie Höer is dedicated to delivering high-quality, effective training programs for those entering the construction industry and for professionals looking to advance their skills. Through strategic partnerships at Build Smart, Stephanie has expanded access to career training for in-demand trades, ensuring that aspiring construction professionals are set up for success.
 
With over 20 years of experience in workforce development, Stephanie has consistently worked
to eliminate barriers to employment for people seeking employment. Prior to joining Build Smart, she served on the executive team of a large regional non-profit leading teams in strategic planning, partnership development, fiscal management, and innovative service delivery aimed at fostering self-
sufficiency and independence.
 
Stephanie is an experienced spokesperson, having represented organizations at local, state,
and national levels. Her deep commitment to serving others is reflected in her belief that
equipping individuals with the right skills and training leads to collective success.
 
Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master of Arts with a focus on
leadership theory. She has served on the Employment Services Organization Steering
Committee for the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and is currently a 
member of the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board of Directors and Treasurer for
the Roanoke Valley SPCA Board of Directors.
 
Stephanie and her husband, James, a retired business owner, live in Cave Spring, VA, with
their dog, Lido.