Adrian, MI – The Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) TECH Center proudly recognized two outstanding graduates during this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards: Britni Birt (Shaw) and Chad Fox. Both honorees represent the very best of career and technical education, demonstrating how early experiences in hands-on learning can grow into lifelong success and service to others.
The Distinguished Alumni Award honors graduates who have been out of high school for at least ten years and who have demonstrated excellence in their careers, meaningful community involvement, and a lasting connection to the LISD’s mission and values. Britni and Chad’s stories are proof that what begins in a TECH Center classroom can lead to a lifetime of impact.
For Britni, her journey began in the Culinary Arts and Hospitality program from 2009 to 2011. As a student, she found her passion for the hospitality industry while competing in ProStart, SkillsUSA, and FCCLA, earning recognition at the regional, state, and national levels. She credits her time at the TECH Center as the starting point of her professional and personal growth. “The LISD TECH Center is where I began my career journey,” Britni said. “The friends I met turned into family, and the professionalism and soft skills I learned are what carry me daily in my career. Those lessons are something that can never be taken away from me.”
After completing her program, Britni pursued higher education at Jackson College and Northern Michigan University, earning degrees in Hospitality Management and Foodservice Management. Her career has been defined by service, leadership, and a passion for helping others. She began at Michigan International Speedway as Consumer Marketing Manager, contributing to the MIS Cares community initiative and serving on the TECH Center’s advisory committee. Later, she joined the State of Michigan, leading outreach for the Going PRO in Michigan campaign, which encouraged students to explore careers in the skilled trades. She went on to serve with Michigan Student Aid, promoting post-secondary opportunities, and now works as Outreach Manager for the MiABLE program, which empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to save for the future and pursue their dreams.
Reflecting on the recognition, Britni shared, “It is an absolute honor to accept the Distinguished Alumni Award. I could have never imagined being where I am today without the time I spent at the TECH Center and the relationships I built over the years. It opened doors to several opportunities in my career that I will forever be grateful for.” She also offered words of encouragement to current students: “Keep following your dreams and passions. It is ok to pivot along the way and find your niche. Be grateful for the networking opportunities you have, and never compare yourself to others while you follow your dreams.”
For Chad Fox, the TECH Center’s Auto Mechanics program was the beginning of a lifelong connection to skilled trades and community service. A 1995 graduate, Chad remembers his experience fondly. “It was a great experience with so much knowledge available at your fingertips,” he said. “The hands-on learning, using tools, doing quality work, and being efficient has definitely carried over into my career as an electrician and generator technician.”
Today, Chad is the co-owner of Adrian Electric & Generator, a successful business known for its integrity and commitment to serving the community. He credits much of his success to the lessons he learned early on. “I am very honored to receive this award,” Chad said. “I owe it all to my family and friends who have supported me and pushed me to do my best at everything I do. I love what I do for a living and love to help people.”
Chad continues to invest in the next generation of skilled workers by mentoring students, sharing his experiences, and encouraging them to take pride in their work. His advice to current students reflects his straightforward approach to life and business: “Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. Always do your best with a positive attitude, communicate, and never treat a customer like they are your next dollar. Take care of them, and treat them the way you would want to be treated.”
In addition to his business and mentorship, Chad has remained an active supporter of local causes, volunteering for projects such as the Hope Center lighting installation and serving on the Board of Directors for the Lenawee Boys & Girls Club. His leadership and service reflect the same values that guide the LISD TECH Center every day.
Both Britni and Chad have shown that the lessons learned at the TECH Center reach far beyond the classroom. Their achievements and community spirit reflect the heart of the Distinguished Alumni Award and the power of CTE education. The LISD TECH Center is proud to honor Britni Birt and Chad Fox as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni, celebrating their success, their service, and their continued inspiration for the next generation of Lenawee County students.