PHOENIX -- Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has announced that Sherrell Smith, executive vice president and chief operating officer is leaving the company, effective immediately. Smith, a 23-year employee, joined UTI in 1986 and served in numerous roles, including student services director, campus president, vice president of regional operations, senior vice president of operations and most recently, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Kim McWaters, president and chief executive officer of Universal Technical Institute commented, "Sherrell has been instrumental in building UTI's campus system and support services. He has been a key part of our executive team, helping guide the company through a period of extensive change. I greatly appreciate the leadership Sherrell has provided to the company and the role that he has played in helping us lay the foundation for UTI's growth."

Effective immediately, Tom Riggs, the current senior vice president of people services, will assume the role of senior vice president, campus operations with responsibility for campus operations, future student services, curriculum development and the manufacturer training programs.

"Tom has been highly involved with the company's show rate initiatives and ongoing process changes in the organization and has played an important role as a member of our senior leadership team for the past four years, most notably in his ability to develop top talent while building high performing teams. I have every confidence in Tom's leadership and talent to guide our operations teams forward. He is well positioned to support the company's continued growth," said McWaters.

Riggs has more than 15 years of professional business experience in several Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 companies, including a decade in the aerospace manufacturing industry with organizations such as BFGoodrich Aerospace, Honeywell and Simula Inc. He also held several leadership roles at Sears Holdings Co. Riggs holds a BA in employment relations from Michigan State University and a masters in human resources management from Keller Graduate School of Management.