Virginia
Apprenticeship
Council

Michelle Ramaker

Michelle Ramaker became President of Build Smart Institute in January 2025 following her start in November 2022 as Director of Development and promotion to Vice President in 2024. 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 a program for an Associate Degree 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 New River Valley Home Builders Association member and serves on the Workforce Committee and a member of the Roanoke County School Board Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee. She was recently appointed by the Governor of Virginia to the Apprenticeship Council of Virginia. Michelle is a member of the Board of Directors for the Home Builders Association of Virginia’s Education Foundation. Additionally, she serves on the Government Affairs committee and is Chair of the Education committee for Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association.

Passionate about changing perceptions of the construction industry, Michelle is dedicated to showcasing it as a lucrative field and highly rewarding field.

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 11 to 18.

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