Leadership
Leadership
Leadership & Staff
Meet the Team
Kevin Watts
Chief Executive Officer/President
Kevin Watts is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of National Trade Institute, LLC, where he leads the organization with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to student success. With more than 19 years of experience in corporate training, staff mentoring, coaching, and leadership development, Kevin has built his career around empowering individuals and strengthening organizations from the inside out.
Throughout his professional journey, Kevin has designed and implemented comprehensive training programs that drive measurable performance improvements while fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and continuous improvement. His leadership style is rooted in service. He believes that great leaders exist to elevate those around them. By investing in people, developing clear systems, and setting high standards, he has consistently helped teams exceed expectations and reach new levels of performance.
Kevin is widely respected for his ability to build meaningful, long-term relationships with clients, students, and strategic partners. He leads with honesty, transparency, and trustworthiness, understanding that sustainable success is built on credibility and character. His strong business acumen, combined with a people-first mindset, enables him to make sound strategic decisions while remaining deeply connected to the mission of the organization.
As CEO of National Trade Institute, Kevin is passionately committed to delivering high-quality education and practical career training that creates real opportunity. He believes education should be transformative, equipping students not only with technical skills but also with confidence, discipline, and professional standards that prepare them for long-term success. His unwavering dedication to student outcomes drives the institute’s culture, operations, and growth strategy.
Kevin’s ultimate goal is to inspire others to pursue excellence, take ownership of their futures, and realize their full potential. Through his leadership, National Trade Institute continues to expand its impact helping students build meaningful careers and stronger lives.
Annie Vallarino
Director of Operations
Annie Vallarino serves as the Director of Operations at National Trade Institute, where she helps oversee the daily systems, staff development, and student support initiatives that keep the organization operating with excellence and care. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, training, coaching, and team development, Annie is deeply committed to creating an environment where both students and staff feel supported, empowered, and set up for success.
At National Trade Institute, Annie works closely with multiple departments to improve communication, strengthen processes, enhance the student experience, and support the professional growth of team members across the organization. She plays an active role in staff onboarding, training development, operational improvement, and helping ensure students receive consistent guidance and support throughout their educational journey.
Annie is passionate about building strong teams and believes that student success begins behind the scenes with well-trained staff, clear systems, and a culture rooted in accountability, compassion, and professionalism. Her leadership style focuses on mentorship, collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, helping create a positive experience for both students and employees alike.
Throughout her career, Annie has been recognized for her ability to strengthen team performance, improve organizational efficiency, and foster workplace cultures centered around growth, communication, and service. She believes education has the power to transform lives and is proud to contribute to an organization dedicated to helping students build meaningful careers and brighter futures.
At the heart of Annie’s work is a genuine passion for people. Whether supporting students, mentoring staff, or improving internal operations, she remains committed to helping others grow with confidence, purpose, and opportunity.
Stephanie Alvarez
Admissions Advisor
Lexi Kalamaris
Admissions Advisor
Asia Collins
Success Coach
