about us
See how MFG Works!
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about us
See how MFG Works!
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who we are
The Manufacturing Works Summit is the premier and only regional conference focused on the manufacturing talent in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The first annual conference, coordinated by Catalyst Connection, is focused on making SWPA a national model for collaboration while supporting the local economy through the strength of the manufacturing sector.
The purpose of the Manufacturing Works Summit is to:
- Provide meaningful dialogue and collaboration among the manufacturing companies and supporting organizations of Southwestern Pennsylvania
- Create awareness of and access to the vast array of recruiting, talent development, and career supporting resources available in our region
- Spark innovative new program offerings, partnerships, and connections that will elevate the manufacturing industry of SWPA to a world-class region that attracts and retains companies and talent
- Provide an opportunity for local manufacturers, education, and nonprofit community to network
The Manufacturing Works Summit is the premier and only regional conference focused on the manufacturing talent in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The first annual conference, coordinated by Catalyst Connection, is focused on making SWPA a national model for collaboration while supporting the local economy through the strength of the manufacturing sector.
The purpose of the Manufacturing Works Summit is to:
Provide meaningful dialogue and collaboration among the manufacturing companies and supporting organizations of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Create awareness of and access to the vast array of recruiting, talent development, and career supporting resources available in our region
Spark innovative new program offerings, partnerships, and connections that will elevate the manufacturing industry of SWPA to a world-class region that attracts and retains companies and talent
Provide an opportunity for local manufacturers, education, and nonprofit community to network
Who Should Attend This Conference?
Anyone who has a passion for manufacturing and for attracting/developing manufacturing talent. The conference is primarily aimed at representatives from manufacturing companies, but workforce nonprofits, school administrators, college representatives and other local leaders are welcome to attend.
meet Catalyst Connection
Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We provide consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Pennsylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improving productivity. Through active collaboration with our clients and the manufacturing community, we contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in our region.
Catalyst Connection is supported, in part, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
We Succeed When Our Clients Succeed
As a non-profit 501(c)3 firm, Catalyst Connection is not motivated by making large profits but by reporting the success stories of our manufacturing clients. We can provide you with a free consultation to help you determine the best place to put your business improvement efforts.
Click here to learn more about us or contact us.
speakers & presenters
Jessica Gardner
Human Resources Manager, General Carbide Corporation
Jessica Gardner is a passionate, results oriented Human Resources Manager for General Carbide Corporation.…
Gina Masciola
Managing Director of Education, WQED
Gina Masciola is the Managing Director of Education at WQED. Gina began her career as a classroom teacher/early learning consultant for Head Start.…
Sharon Steele
Managing Director of Corporate Support, WQED
Sharon leads corporate funding efforts for WQED programming and education initiatives.…
Eric Welsh
Vice President, Employment Supports, Achieva
Eric Welsh is currently the Vice President of Employment Supports at ACHIEVA where he has been employed for 18 years.…
View full list of 2023 speakers HERE.
meet the human capital team of catalyst
Nate Broadus
Workforce Specialist, Catalyst Connection
In his position as Workforce Specialist, Nate engages local job seekers, community organizations and employers via the REAL Jobs Initiative to create new employment pathways…
Scott Dietz
Director, Workforce Initiatives, Catalyst Connection
Scott is responsible for the program development and delivery of Catalyst Connection’s STEM initiatives. These include an in-school project based program called Adventures in Technology and two manufacturing…
Kristen Goodell
Manager of Workforce Partnerships, Catalyst Connection
Kristen is a strategic leader through powerful partner collaborations, committed to career equity and empowering others with skills and confidence…
Joe Fertzer
Consultant, Coaching & Development, Catalyst Connection, Catalyst Connection
In his position as Consultant, Coaching & Development, Joe specializes in delivering workforce training programs to upskill talent streams and to assist manufacturers with increasing their employees’ knowledge, skills and abilities….
Hannah Kusenko
Project Manager Assistant, Education Initiatives, Catalyst Connection
Hannah has been with Catalyst Connection since July of 2017, joining the organization as a recent graduate from Slippery Rock University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration…
Mara Peduto
Consultant, Workforce Development, Catalyst Connection
Mara joined Catalyst Connection in 2008, since then she has worked several positions focused on operational excellence, workforce development and project management…
David Rea
Managing Director of Human Capital Team, Catalyst Connection
In his position as an Organizational Development Consultant, David specializes in helping manufacturers optimize employees through hiring, development and retention best practices.
Emily Siegel
Workforce Consultant, Catalyst Connection
Emily Siegel joined Catalyst Connection in October of 2021 after working as an intern with the Human Capital team…
Todd Tommaney
Senior Organizational Excellence Consultant, Catalyst Connection
Todd Tommaney joined Catalyst Connection in August of 2018 as an Operational Excellence Consultant. Prior to joining Catalyst, Todd has had over 12 years of experience in leadership positions…
thank you sponsors
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Friends of Manufacturing
