The board of directors of Precision Manufacturing Institute of Meadville announced Friday that Charles (Chuck) Guiste has accepted the position of executive director and will begin his duties immediately.

Guiste is replacing Jerry Knight, longtime PMI director, who left the organization two weeks ago. Details of Knight’s departure were not reported Friday when his replacement was named by the board.

PMI operates the Meadville facility as well as a second site that opened in Sharon in 2008. The two provide modern training opportunities and work closely with area manufacturers and software developers to stay current with advances in technology, according to the PMI Web site.

“Our unique approach has been industry-tested to ensure that our students are well prepared to enter the workforce,” the Web site stated.

“The board of directors feels very fortunate to be able to attain an individual with Chuck’s background, experience and expertise,” board chairman Dan Higham said Friday.

Before coming to PMI, Guiste served as chief learning officer at Penn United Technologies Inc. in Cabot, Butler County, a state-licensed school where his responsibilities included overseeing five state-certified apprenticeship programs in addition to developing curriculum for 50 other courses.

A graduate of Geneva College, Guiste is a retired Air Force officer.

“Jerry did a great job in our transition from the Bainbridge Center to our new site at Bessemer Street,” Higham said of Knight’s leadership with PMI. “He was with the organization for eight years, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”