Who We Are
The People
Behind the Progress
This summit isn’t built in isolation. It’s built with industry—by the people shaping manufacturing every day.
The Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit is powered by a growing network of manufacturers, associations, state partners, and forward-thinking leaders. Together with the UW–Madison College of Engineering, these partners are helping shape a first-of-its-kind experience focused on real collaboration and real outcomes.
Industry Advisory Board
Our advisory board brings together executives and industry leaders from across manufacturing to guide content, ensure relevance, and keep the focus on real-world impact. Their input helps ensure every session reflects the priorities and challenges facing manufacturers today.
Hank
Hank Kohl
President & CEO, MPE, Inc.
“
Wisconsin’s manufacturing strength comes from a workforce that learns, adapts, and leads. This effort matters because it ties industry and education together in a way that builds the next generation of talent and keeps our state out front.
-Hank Kohl
”
Ryan Nessman
Ryan Nessman
Managing Director, Accenture
“
What excites me about manufacturing in Wisconsin is how real it is — world-class innovation grounded in people who know how to build, collaborate, and turn ideas into impact. When we move together here, we move faster than anyone else.
-Ryan Nessman
”
Jason
Jason Schuetz
Vice President of Global Operations and Advanced Manufacturing, HUSCO
“
Manufacturing continues to be the backbone of Wisconsin’s economy. This state has an incredible collection of world class people and technologies. The What Drives Manufacturing Summit is a unique opportunity to bring those people, and ideas together to share practical, proven approaches that companies of all sizes can put to work to start seeing immediate gains.
-Jason Schuetz
”
Hank
Bill Hanmann
Director – Assembly, Engine Distribution & Support Operations, Mercury Marine
“
Our success at Mercury Marine relies on a workforce ready to build the next generation of marine propulsion. Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing is an opportunity to shape that future together—ensuring our state remains a place where advanced manufacturing thrives and great careers are built.
-Bill Hanmann
”
Saumil Shah
Saumil Shah
Managing Director, Accenture
“
Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing matters to me because manufacturing is core to Wisconsin’s identity—and our competitiveness depends on how quickly we modernize. This initiative brings leaders together to accelerate technology adoption and build the skills pipeline that keeps investment, innovation, and opportunity in Wisconsin’s communities.
-Saumil Shah
”
Arturo
Arturo Hernandez
VP/GM, Zurn-Elkay
“
The future of Wisconsin manufacturing depends on more than any one company or institution. It depends on a shared commitment to innovation, workforce, and practical collaboration—and that is exactly why this initiative matters.
-Arturo Hernandez
”
John Batten
President / CEO, Twin Disc
Jon Lipp
VP, Manufacturing, Amcor
Heath Holtz
Heath Holtz
Chief Operations & Supply Chain Officer, Kohler Co.
“
Wisconsin has a manufacturing advantage few states can match – world-class innovation and technology paired with skilled, hardworking people who take pride in creating exceptional products and services. Collaboration across industries and institutions is how we continue to move our state and industry forward – always with the shared goal of driving progress, serving our customers, and strengthening the communities where we live and work. This Summit gives us the opportunity to showcase what manufacturing in Wisconsin truly represents today. I’m honored to play a part in how Wisconsin drives manufacturing!
-Heath Holtz
”
Kyle
Kyle Crum
President, Infinity EDM, LLC
“
Precision manufacturing in Wisconsin succeeds because of the ecosystem around it — not just the machines, but the workforce, the partners, and the shared commitment to doing the work right. That’s worth showing up to protect.
-Kyle Crum
”
Mike
Mike Running
Regional President, AMER Plexus Corp.
“
I believe Wisconsin’s manufacturing competitive advantage lies in a global mindset, strong partnerships and a Midwest work ethic. By combining advanced-tech innovations, such as AI, with our generational pride in craftsmanship, we further secure our position as a global leader. As part of the Industry Leadership Board, I look forward to providing my expertise to help build economic resilience, attract top talent and further support the Plexus Corp. vision of building a better world—starting right here in Wisconsin.
-Mike Running
”
Mary Isbister
Owner, GenMet