AUTOMATION ALLEY - Key Persons
Catherine Steiner is the Global Events Manager at Automation Alley. In this role, Steiner works closely with the International Business Services department on trade missions and global events. Steiner is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and she spent three years living in Germany.
Dan Stewart is the Director of Sales for Automation Alley - Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center. Combining his technical background inengineering and design with his sales acumen, Dan enjoys applying technical skills to the sales environment.
As Director of Sales at Automation Alley, Dan has applied his knowledge of Industry 4.0 tools as a former Product Engineering Director at various automotive manufacturers, as well as a former Sales Manager of Engineering
Services, in this role. As Executive VP at Excyl, Dan's extensive knowledge of workforce issues led him to author a book on the topic called "Managing the MSP," a helpful tool for staffing firms looking to partner with Managed Service Providers.
Dan holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Northwood University, volunteers as an ESL teacher to foreign nationals, hosts his own blog, and is the President of a local competitive public speaking organization.
Dennis Burck is Automation Alley's Digital Content Editor, responsible for the organization's content strategy and development. Dennis is a media-savvy professional who builds relationships with Automation Alley members and partners to find and create the best and most relevant content to increase Industry 4.0 awareness and drive traffic to Automation Alley's Industry 4.0 knowledge center.
Job Titles:
- Technology Investment Analyst
Eric Davis is Automation Alley's technology investment analyst. In this role, he is responsible for providing in-depth analysis and insight on participants in the organization's Industry 4.0 assessment which helps small manufacturers understand how Industry 4.0 will impact them in the areas of culture, finance and technology. Davis also manages the investment process for Automation Alley's pre-seed fund. Davis has an extensive background in performing due diligence on both public and privately-held companies. Davis coaches Varsity football for Southgate Anderson High School, and played offensive line for Eastern Michigan University, where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Special Programs
John Bedz manages Automation Alley's special programs related to entrepreneurship and has a history of working with disruptive technologies. He works with startups, capital formation groups, federal, state and regional economic development organizations and with mature companies integrating new technologies and products. His current focus is on Automation Alley's recently launched Industry 4.0 Accelerator.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Human Resources Manager
- Manager, Accounting and Human Resources
John Shirk doubles as Automation Alley's accountant and human resources manager. His role is to complete payments and control expenses by receiving payments, plus processing, verifying and reconciling invoices. Shirk is also responsible for or ensuring that the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of human resources plans and programs are realized. Shirk is a graduate of Michigan State University and is an avid sports fan.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Manager
Laura Gearhart is Automation Alley's Graphic Designer & Digital Marketing Manager, responsible for supporting the growth of Automation Alley's brand through digital and print media and the organization's online environment through email and social media promotion.
Job Titles:
- International Business Services Manager
- Manager, International Business Services
Lisa Lasser is Automation Alley's International Business Services Manager. In this position, she manages the day-to-day operations associated with the organization's global business activities, assisting foreign trade delegations and companies interested in establishing a presence in Michigan and also managing activities related to Automation Alley international trade missions, including logistical support and coordination, participant recruitment and pre-mission seminars.
Lasser holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Oakland University. Prior to joining Automation Alley, she worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative and worked for a medical supply company
Job Titles:
- Director, Operations
- As Director of Operations
As director of operations, Lisa Stief is responsible for the day-to-day management of Automation Alley's initiatives and grant activity as well as projects related to the U.S. Army. Stief has over two decades of experience in both industry and academia and has extensive project management, sales and operational experience across many industries, including defense, alternative fuel, automotive, commercial truck, sealing, chemical and electrical industries. Stief also has extensive experience in grant management and has served as the Program Manager for multiple federal and state funded projects including projects funded by the National Science Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, New Economy Initiative and Michigan Corporate Relations Network . Stief is a graduate of Michigan State University. When she's not at Automation Alley, you can find her teaching Jazzercise in Royal Oak.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Director
- Media Inquiries
Nicole Kampe is the Marketing Director for Automation Alley, Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, and is responsible for overseeing the organization's marketing strategy, digital experience, brand and image. Nicole is an experienced marketing, communications, and public relations professional with over 17 years of experience working in both journalism and corporate communications. Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Oakland University and worked previously at The Oakland Press, where she was honored on multiple occasions by the Society of Professional Journalists before joining Automation Alley in 2012.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Finance
Nicole Zapoli joined Automation Alley in July of 2021, bringing over 15 years of experience in forecasting, budgeting, month-end close, cash management, inter-company, auditing, accounting for local and foreign currencies, system implementations, and process improvement.
Nicole has worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and earned her bachelor's degree in Accountancy from Wayne State University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Automation Alley 's International Business Services
- Director, International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships
Noel Nevshehir is director of Automation Alley's International Business Services and Global Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Nevshehir is responsible for leading Automation Alley's trade mission program and foreign direct investment efforts. He is also responsible for seeking out global strategic partners that align with Automation Alley's Industry 4.0 mission.
Under Nevshehir's leadership, Automation Alley received both the President's E Star Award from President Barack Obama in 2013 and the President's E Award from President George W. Bush in 2008-the nation's highest, most prestigious international trade awards granted to organizations in recognition of their accomplishments in global trade and economic development. In particular, companies participating on Automation Alley trade missions worldwide have generated over $1 billion in export sales.
Nevshehir also oversees Automation Alley's International Business Center, which provides 90 days of complimentary soft-landing space for foreign companies to use as a home base while exploring opportunities to do business in Michigan.
Nevshehir graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan with bachelor's degrees in Economics and Russian Studies. He also received a master's degree with honors from the London School of Economics in International Relations; and a doctorate in Chinese-Russian studies from the University of Michigan. Nevshehir's cross-cultural experiences include having worked, studied, lived, and/or traveled to 82 countries. His language skills include English, Russian and conversational Spanish
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Founder of PCS Insight LLC
- Industry 4.0 Expert
Pavan Muzumdar is the chief operating officer of Automation Alley, Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center. Blending his 20-plus years of experience in executive leadership roles with his love of financial analysis and entrepreneurial endeavors, Pavan brings a people-focused, fundamentals-based analytical approach to his work.
Pavan is an Industry 4.0 expert who is often invited to speak at conferences and is a regular participant in panel discussions related to digital transformation. Pavan has been instrumental to the success of Automation Alley's Industry 4.0 programs and services, including taking a leading role in the creation and management for Project DIAMOnD, Automation Alley's 3D printing network.
In addition to his role at Automation Alley, Pavan is also the founder of PCS Insight LLC, a company that teaches leaders of growing companies how to increase profits by intensifying happiness and reducing friction in the workplace, resulting in greater productivity and long-term success. Pavan is also the author of the book "Venture Perfect: The Leadership System to Maximize Teamwork and Profit in Your Business."
He is a CFA charter holder and has master's degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts, and a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Bombay.
Job Titles:
- IT Manager
- Process Engineer
Rebecca Thibault is Automation Alley's Process Engineer and IT Manager. In this role, Thibault is responsible for developing and implementing process strategies, managing process resources, and optimizing processes to maintain the efficiency of the organization. As the IT manager, Thibault oversees IT strategy and is the liaison to our vendor IT companies. Thibault graduated with honors from Baker College.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Operations Assistant
Sean Fabian is Automation Alley's Office Manager and Operations Assistant. In this role, Sean is responsible for managing schedules of Automation Alley's conference rooms for member companies and internal staff, tracking supply for events and office, and receiving visitors at the front desk by greeting, welcoming, directing and announcing them appropriately. As the Operations Assistant, Sean assists in operations logistics, facilities, events (hosting and organizing) and staff coverage.
Sean Healey is Automation Alley Multimedia Manager responsible for Automation Alley's digital experience. Sean is a marketing professional who, in addition to managing Automation Alley's website and metric tracking, is tasked with maintaining brand standards and leading videography, photography and livestreaming efforts for the organization.
Shelly Watkins is Automation Alley's Global Event Manager. Relying on more than 25 years of event experience, Watkins is responsible for planning and execution of all Automation Alley events with a focus on Integr8, the Industry 4.0 conference. Watkins also works closely with the International Business Services department on trade missions and global events. Watkins is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and at eight months pregnant, ran the Olympic Torch.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Executive Director
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Co - Chair to the World Economic Forum 's Global Network of Advanced Manufacturing Hubs
- Expert
Tom Kelly is a globally recognized expert on Industry 4.0 and its impact on business. As executive director and CEO of Automation Alley, a Michigan-based nonprofit Industry 4.0 knowledge center with a global outlook and a regional focus, Tom is often tapped to share his visionary leadership and expertise around digital transformation.
As executive director and CEO, Tom has been instrumental to the success of Automation Alley's Industry 4.0 initiatives, designed to help businesses jumpstart or accelerate a digital path to strategic success, including Integr8, the global Industry 4.0 conference; the 3D printing network Project DIAMOnD; and the formation of the World Economic Forum's U.S. Centre for Advanced Manufacturing.
Tom serves as co-chair to the World Economic Forum's Global Network of Advanced Manufacturing Hubs and is a member of the Additive Manufacturing Coalition Steering Committee, Fraunhofer Technology Advisory Board, Global Future Council on Advanced Manufacturing and Value Chains and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Board.
Wanda Norman is a Project Manager at Automation Alley. In this role, Wanda works with the MEDC and various Regional Economic Development Partners to assist Michigan manufacturing companies in adopting Industry 4.0 by way of creating awareness campaigns, manufacturer outreach and a variety of engagements.
Wanda holds a master's degree from Eastern Michigan University in Urban Planning and Regional Development as well as a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Baker College. Prior to joining Automation Alley, she worked as a Parking Planner. When she is not at Automation Alley, Wanda likes to geocache and work with the youth Scouting program.