Our Team

John Ritchey II – President & Owner

John has been with Fostermation for two decades. As a graduate of Crawford County Vocational Technical School’s tool and die technology program, John has been studying this industry since he was young. John brings with him 17 years of Swiss Screw Machining and Cold Forming Experience, along with 11 years of CNC Swiss Machining and programming Swiss CNC. He is also a member of the National Tooling Machining Association (NTMA).

John is an active participant in these industry organizations, such as the Northwestern NTMA Board of Directors, NW NTMA Treasury Committee, and NW NTMA Games Committee. Locally, he is a board member and volunteer for Voodoo Brewery’s Good Vibes Festival, a volunteer at the Crawford County Career Technical Center (CCCTC), and a volunteer and fundraiser for the Meadville Medical Center Foundation.

When he isn’t working or serving his community, John enjoys traveling, mountain climbing, hiking, running, CrossFit, and attending concerts. He loves camping, craft beer and bourbon, and Batman. John has two daughters, Brinley and Maylin.

Ashley Ritchey – Vice President & Office Manager

Ashley has been with Fostermation for six years. Before joining the team, she earned her Associate Degree in Business Administration from Edinboro University. Ashley has 16 years in customer service experience and earned a certificate in HR Essentials services.  In her spare time, Ashley loves to cook, bake, read, practice yoga, and spend time with her two daughters Brinley and Maylin. She is an avid sunshine lover, snow hater, and is addicted to coffee and tacos.

Susan F. Ritchey – CEO & Past President

Susan brought her experience, education, and passion for local organizations to her roles at Fostermation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Computer Science at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland and has served on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Western Crawford County, Meadville Medical Center Foundation, and Meadville Area Industrial Commission. Susan was the advisor of the Junior Achievement After School Program, she was also on the Meadville/Western Crawford County Finance Committee, the board for the Kiwanis Club of Meadville, and the NTMA Marketing Committee.

In her free time, Susan enjoys traveling, exploring national parks, and fitness activities. She also loves collecting antiques.

John P. Ritchey – Past Vice President & Plant Manager

John’s passion and discipline, carried over from his 7 years of service in the military, influenced the hard work he has devoted to Fostermation. In his spare time, John enjoys traveling and antiquing. He is an avid Petroliana collector and also loves restoring classic cars.

Anthony Canchola – Sales Manager

Anthony has been with Fostermation for 3 years. Before joining the team, Anthony earned his Bachelor of Science from Edinboro University, where he also minored in Accounting. Anthony holds a Certificate in Business Management, Certificate in Business Ethics, as well as Certificate Compliance ISO 9001: 2015 Internal Auditor. He is also a member of the National Tooling Machining Association (NTMA).

When he isn’t working, Anthony coaches several local area teams in wrestling and baseball. He also enjoys sports, camping, craft beer, CrossFit, and spending time with his wife, Lindsey, and their sons, Landon and Connor.

John Butler – Plant Manager and Machine Operator

John brings a decade of manufacturing experience and seven years of management experience to his role. He has been with Fostermation for four years, and like several other members of the team, is a Maplewood High School graduate. In his free time, John enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, and working on his small hobby farm. He also loves spending time with his wife Kati and two sons, ages eight and two.

Dale Forkl Jr. – Secondary Set-Up/Operator and Team Leader

Dale has been with Fostermation for six years and brings 35 years of management experience to the team. He graduated from Maplewood in 1985 and now spends most of his time with this daughter “Little Bear,” who is 13 years old. When not working, Dale can be found cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. He also loves hunting, fishing, hiking, and cycling.

Kevin Hammond – Shipping/Receiving & Cleaning Supervisor

Kevin has been with Fostermation for 13 years. Prior to joining the team, he attended Indiana High School in Indiana, PA. When he isn’t working, Kevin spends time with his two wonderful daughters, Miranda and Raeleigh. He also loves football, auto racing, and being outdoors.

Carl Huff – CNC Swiss Operator, Programmer, Quality Control

Carl brings 13 years of experience to the team at Fostermation, including five years of CNC programming with Mastercam and one year as a part maker with Delcam. As a graduate of Crawford County Vocational Technical School’s tool and die technology program. He is currently NIMS certified in both CNC Mill Level 1 and CNC Lathe Level 1 and is an active member of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA)

In his free time, Carl is an avid supercross, motocross, and drag racing fan. He also loves camping, spending time with his fiance, friends and family, and is a major history buff.

Tammy Sterling – Customer Service

Tammy brings over 17 years of customer service to the Fostermation team. As a Maplewood graduate, Tammy is proud to have found a career close to home. In her free time, Tammy loves to enjoy a fire outside with her family and enjoys working out.