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
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
Founding Partners
Our Founding Partners are executive leaders from the organizations that helped launch the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit. Representing manufacturers and key partners across the state, they provide strategic guidance, connect the Summit to critical networks, and help ensure the event drives long-term, statewide impact for Wisconsin’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Hank
Ann Franz
Executive Director, NEW Manufacturing Alliance
“
Bringing together manufacturers and higher education leaders is essential to strengthening Wisconsin’s workforce and advancing innovation across the manufacturing sector. This event will create valuable opportunities for manufacturing leaders and its partners to connect, share ideas, and build meaningful partnerships. The NEW Manufacturing Alliance is proud to partner in this important program taking place June 1–2 at Lambeau Field.
-Ann Franz
”
John F. Katers
John F. Katers
Dean, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
“
“This summit offers the opportunity to not only celebrate the long history of manufacturing in Wisconsin, but also envision a future where innovation and entrepreneurship continue to provide new opportunities. This will require collaborations and partnerships between business and educational institutions to provide a workforce that is capable of meeting the future needs of the manufacturing industry.
-John F. Katers
”
Kathleen Gallagher
Kathleen Gallagher
Executive Director, Great Lakes Fusion Energy Alliance
“
Fusion energy is fast becoming a commercial reality, and Wisconsin is well-positioned to lead. We’re excited that the Wisconsin Drives Manufacturing Summit will highlight our state’s leadership in this area and showcase the high-tech, high-margin, high-growth opportunities in the fusion industry that Wisconsin’s manufacturing and engineering companies are uniquely positioned to capture.
-Kathleen Gallagher
”
Oliver Schmitz
Oliver Schmitz
Associate Dean of Corporate Engagement & Entrepreneurship, UW–Madison College of Engineering
“
Built with a strong, statewide network of manufacturing partners, this summit envisions the future of technology and workforce development while elevating Wisconsin’s manufacturing strengths for national impact. I am excited to be part of the growing network making this possible.
-Oliver Schmitz
”
Angela O'Kray
Angela O’Kray
Publisher, Insight on Business
“
Manufacturing succeeds when it’s supported by a connected community. Engaging manufacturers, educators, workforce partners, and community leaders ensures ideas don’t live in silos and that progress continues beyond any single event or initiative.
-Angela O’Kray
”
Doug Barton
Director, UW E-Business Consortium
Craig Thompson
Vice Chancellor for University Relations, UW–Madison
Ed Borbely
Associate Dean, UW–Madison College of Engineering Interdisciplinary Professional Programs
Marty Ochs
Executive Director, Green Bay Innovation Group
Sam Rikkers
Chief Operating Officer, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation
Eric Genrich
Mayor, City of Green Bay
Kathryn Clouse
Director of Co-Innovation, TitletownTech
Ali Abedi
Vice Chancellor for Research, UW–Milwaukee
Joseph Hamman
Executive Director, UW–Milwaukee Connected Systems Institute
Kurt R. Bauer
President/CEO, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
Maggie Brickerman
President, Wisconsin Technology Council
Joe Poeschl
Executive Director, MKE Tech Hub Coalition
Chris Martin
Director – Advanced Manufacturing, Wisconsin Technical College System
Lisa Jossart
VP Economic Development, Greater Green Bay Chamber
Seth Hudson
Executive Director for Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, UW–Stout