PMA/CTMA Conference and Suppliers Expo

Richard Baxley
Lean Six Sigma Instructor, Central Connecticut State University

CCSU’s Lean Six Sigma Certification Program covers Lean Six Sigma by following the DMAIC approach. Graduates learn fundamental principles, tools, and methods while completing a company project by applying Lean Six Sigma principles. Classes and work labs are conducted live, on-site or remotely via TELECONFERENCE.

Upon the Candidate's Project Report review by their Corporate Champion and CCSU's designated "Black Belt", the Candidate will receive CCSU's certification as a "Lean Six Sigma" Green Belt or Black Belt.

Eileen Candels
Patrnership & Outreach Leader, Connecticut Center For Advanced Technology, Inc.

Eileen is thrilled to be with the incredible team of talented Technology, Engineering and Workforce Leaders of CCAT – Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. Collaborating across the State and Industry and Community is her focus, and drives their results and positive impact achieved!

Together CCAT helps drive exploration and adoption of advanced technologies, offer training solutions and career path exposure to serve Connecticut Manufacturers, Employees, Jobseekers and Students – and in turn their community.

Developing partnerships and delivering talent and solutions has long been her career focus. She is excited to represent CCAT – an organization that thrives on growth, collaboration and learning and is committed to the success of all those it serves.

Rainer Herbert
Professor/Director of Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center, University of Connecticut

Rainer Hebert
 - University of Connecticut - Department of Materials Science & Engineering
 - Professor
 - Director of Pratt & Whitney Additive Manufacturing Center
 - Associate Director of the Institute of Materials Science (IMS)
 - Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison (2003)

Current Research:
 - Additive manufacturing: alloy development
 - Additive manufacturing: process capabilities
 - Microstructure formation during rapid surface laser glazing
 - Powder characteristics and effects on additive manufacturing

Awards & Honors
 - 2010-2011: Materials Science and Engineering Program Teaching Award

Paul Lavoie
CMO, Connecticut Office of Manufacturing

Paul has over 25 years of experience in leading and growing businesses across various industries, with a passion for advancing the manufacturing sector in Connecticut. As the Chief Manufacturing Officer, he serves as the voice of the manufacturer in the Governor's Office and the Board Chair of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund, the only state to have such a position and a fund in the Executive Branch of Government.

Paul's mission is to serve the manufacturing ecosystem and to ensure the State of Connecticut makes the resources available to support the growth of manufacturing. He also leads the State Economic Development for the Offshore Wind Industry sector, a key strategic opportunity for our state. In addition, Paul is a recognized public speaker and frequently requested panelist on many issues, and enjoys moderating and hosting events with high level government officials and industry leaders. He leverages his skills in new business development, marketing communications, and social networking to promote and advocate for Connecticut's manufacturing excellence and innovation.

Omar Nashashibi
Partner, The Franklin Partnership, LLC

Omar Nashashibi is a founding partner of The Franklin Partnership, LLC, the bipartisan Washington, D.C.-based government relations firm that represents PMA’s interests before Congress and the Administration.

Omar has more than 20 years of experience working with policymakers, politicians and the media. Prior to The Franklin Partnership, Omar worked for the Office of Management and Budget. Earlier in his career, he served as a research assistant at the Institute for Public Accuracy, promoting policy to the media. In 1995, he began his career in Washington, D.C. covering congressional and agency hearings for a nationwide nonprofit publication

Ari Santiago
Chief Executive Officer, CompassMSP

As the CEO of CompassMSP, Ari leads a team of IT professionals who help businesses with up to 500 employees leverage technology to achieve their goals. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, Ari has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that technology presents for various sectors and markets. He also hosts a podcast, Made in America with Ari Santiago, where he interviews successful manufacturing leaders and share their insights and best practices with the listeners.

His journey as an entrepreneur began in 1991, when a skiing accident left him paralyzed and a friend lent him a computer. Ari discovered the transformative power of technology and decided to dedicate his career to helping others harness it for their benefit. He founded IT Direct in 2002, which merged with CompassMSP in 2020, creating a leading provider of managed IT services across the East Coast. In the last several years, CompassMSP has received multiple awards and recognitions, including being named to Inc Magazine's list of fastest growing privately held companies in the US, the Marcum Tech Top 40 fastest growing technology companies in Connecticut, and several Best Places to Work awards. Ari is passionate about driving their clients' success, creating a positive culture for our employees, and contributing to the growth and innovation of the IT industry.