Meet Our Team:
Driving Innovation and Support
Our team is dedicated to empowering businesses with tailored solutions and strategic insights. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, we work closely with companies to navigate challenges, enhance competitiveness, and foster growth. Our mission is to provide unparalleled support and expertise to help businesses thrive in today’s dynamic market.
What or Who inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing?
My journey in the manufacturing world began four decades ago when I started my career with MATAAC as a receptionist. I have grown to have a deep respect for manufacturers and the role that they play in creating jobs and supplying goods for the economy. My knowledge and appreciation for manufacturing started in 1982 when MATAAC operated with a team of 13 employees. I embraced my role then and built a career on consistency, critical decision making, and embracing challenges with a willingness to learn and adapt, all hallmarks of the manufacturing industry.
What led you to bring your talents and expertise to MATAAC?
MATAAC has been a major contributor to the professional success I have achieved that began with my initial role as receptionist that has culminated in me becoming a director of one of the eleven TAACs nationwide. MATAAC fostered an environment that enabled me the opportunity to learn, evolve and advance by investing in me and supporting my journey to pursue and complete my MBA.
This would not have been possible without MATAAC valuing me and challenging me with new roles and opportunities that I embraced and excelled at meeting the demands placed upon me. I started as a young woman with little experience which I made up for with determination that took me on a long journey of academic development that started with an associate’s in business administration and culminated with me graduating Suma Cum Laude with my MBA. MATAAC has truly partnered with me by investing in me and acknowledging my value by continually giving me more responsibilities and critical roles. During my tenure at MATAAC I’ve been exposed to many of the positions in the company and have a deep knowledge and understanding of our operation which gives me critical insights and confidence in our ability to meet and exceed expectations.
As an advocate for U.S. manufacturing, what are you most excited about for the future for U.S. manufacturers?
U.S. Manufacturing looks to be making a major comeback which bodes well for us at MATAAC as we are conduits for small- to medium-sized manufacturers growth. The fact that we are transitioning back into a manufacturing ethos and prioritizing production on U.S. soil should really invigorate our economy and strengthen our position in the global manufacturing markets. The more effective the policies and practices are at incentivizing and nurturing U.S. manufacturing, the more wealth and opportunity for U.S. manufacturers to benefit. This directly benefits the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program which exists to provide manufacturers a realistic opportunity to increase revenue and jobs as a change agent to turn around recovery. I have had the good fortune to grow at MATAAC therefore I sit poised to become a focal point and driving force to help firms become more economically successful with assistance from the TAAF program. The work we do here is integral to ensuring that manufacturing companies have a chance to succeed.
What and or who inspired you to pursue a career in manufacturing?
There is no easy answer to “Who or What” inspired me to pursue a career in manufacturing. My path was not a straight line into manufacturing. I did not have a mentor that guided me, immediate family in the industry, or even a desire to explore the possibilities of a manufacturing career.
After graduating from Temple University with an accounting degree, the twists and turns of life and circumstances allowed me to diversify my accounting experience and eventually took me into the world of the manufacturing industry. At first, I thought that the manufacturing industry was the dark, dirty, long hours industry of the Industrial Revolution we learned about in school. However, once I experienced it first hand, I fell in love with the industry. Where else can you work with some of the most talented problem-solvers and creative minds? Where else can you participate in an industry that creates products that enhance all of our lives? Belong in an industry that creates businesses, jobs, communities and a better future for all of us? It’s an amazing industry and once I had the privilege of being a part of it, I felt I was home.
Fun fact, I love genealogy and researching my family lineage. Recently, I have discovered that I have two Great-Grandfathers that had manufacturing businesses right here in Pennsylvania in the 1800’s. Perhaps, manufacturing has always “been in my blood” all along.
What led you to bring your talents and expertise to MATAAC?
My previous background in manufacturing allowed me to use my skill sets, education and experience to assist my employer improve financial position, implement strategic planning, or plan for future growth.
At MATAAC, I have the privilege of working with many manufacturers to create and implement their business recovery plan that helps them to regain global competitiveness, expand markets, strengthen operations, increase profitability and increase U.S. jobs. Every day, I get to work with incredible industry leaders and be part of a team that is making a positive difference in the U.S. manufacturing industry. Being part of such a unique team and program is what brought me to MATAAC. Knowing what a positive difference we are making for each firm, their employees and families, their communities and their future, is why I stay at MATAAC.
As an advocate for U.S. manufacturing, what are you most excited about for the future for U.S. manufacturers?
As an advocate for the U.S. Manufacturing Industry, there are many topics that need to be discussed that are of significant importance to the future of U.S. manufacturing. A serious issue in U.S. manufacturing is that the industry is facing a shortage of workers of over 4 million open positions within the next five years. A shortage of available workers of this significance will have negative impacts on individual businesses and communities, as well as, our supply chains and global trade. Solutions will require a coordinated effort among those of us in the industry as well as collaborating with educators, parents and students, our communities, and government officials to be able to identify and implement successful strategies to eliminate this threat.
While there are many challenges facing the manufacturing industry, there are also many positive areas of significant importance that deserve to be highlighted. Currently, for example, the U.S. Navy is on a journey to completely transform its nuclear-powered submarine fleet and maintain its critical undersea advantage.This military mandate will require the addition of more than 100,000 skilled workers with the training and commitment to ensure success. In addition, it will require the collaboration of many manufacturers to provide fail-safe products for use in these technologically advanced subs. Once completed, this one project will be a major U.S. manufacturing industry success that will cross over many segments of the industry.
The U.S. manufacturing industry faces challenges and opportunities on a daily basis. It is our way of life. It’s what we do! We build products to improve the lives of others, we build businesses and create jobs for our employees and their families, and we build communities. We build the future every day, in every way, one day at a time. Today, there is a manufacturer that is creating an advancement in medical devices that will help our loved ones. Today, a manufacturer is building new technology, working on new defense systems, or creating a product that will enhance the way we work. Today, a manufacturer is improving our future lives by what it does today.
So, what am I most excited about for the future of U.S. Manufacturers? I am excited that this amazing industry, full of talented problem-solvers and dreamers, is committed to making the world a better place for all of us by what they are developing today.
“The future depends on what we do in the present.” – Mahatma Gandhi