ONewman has 28 years of leadership and management experience. Prior to his appointment at Shelton State, he served as Plant Manager for ZF Chassis Systems, LLC in Tuscaloosa, one of the company’s top-performing facilities in the world. Newman is also a recognized leader in the local community, serving as chairman of West Alabama Works, vice chair of Education and Workforce Development for the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the West Alabama Regional Workforce Council/Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Board.

Newman earned two degrees in industrial engineering from the University of Alabama, a bachelor of science degree and a master of science degree. Since 2012, he was the plant manager of ZF Chassis Systems Tuscaloosa, overseeing the production of complete chassis modules for the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in nearby Vance.

In 2019, ZF earned the Manufacturer of the Year Award, a statewide award presented by the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Technology Network. In 2021, he was appointed as President of Shelton State Community College. Newman is a founding member of the German

Business Council and a member of the Alabama Germany Partnership. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of Alabama Blackburn Institute. Newman has a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Alabama. He currently serves as a Business and Industry Consultant..