NWIRC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Strategic Business Advisor
- in 2018 As a Strategic Business Advisor
Andrew Idzik joined NWIRC in 2018 as a Strategic Business Advisor. He is part of NWIRC's team of business advisors serving manufacturers in northwestern PA. In his role, he assists manufacturers supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.
For nearly 20 years prior to joining NWIRC, Andy helped develop business solutions for regional companies. He served as a consultant for orthopedic surgical products, devices, and biologics developing collaborative relationships with surgeons, hospitals, and surgical centers. Andy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Colorado State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Entrepreneurial Operations
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director / Bradford Area Alliance
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Executive Director / Bradford Area Alliance
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- VP Administration / Peter 's Heat Treating, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Principal
Job Titles:
- Division Manager
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Division President
- Member of the Board
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Jennifer Baker joined NWIRC in October 2021 as Project Coordinator. Her responsibilities include coordinating essential logistics and activities to facilitate successful implementation of consultative projects with manufacturing clients, working along with NWIRC's Strategic Business Advisors and independent service providers. Her experience includes serving as Project Manager at various manufacturing firms over 14 years, most recently at Kane Innovations. Jennifer served as an Operations Specialist in the US Navy for nearly 23 years.
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Kim joined NWIRC in 2006, after serving as finance director / controller in the Erie region, including at Cathedral Preparatory School and AccuSpec Electronic Services. She holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA from the Pennsylvania State University.
Kim manages all aspects of NWIRC's accounting operations, overseeing all transactions related to the general ledger; receivables, payables, payroll, revenue and expenses. She prepares the quarterly and annual reports required by NIST and DCED. Kim's expertise in financial compliance issues required federal and state government funders supports our integrity in our financial dealings with these important partners.
Kim's goal at NWIRC is the accurate and complete reporting of all the organization's activities, both from a financial and an operations perspective, so that customers, stakeholders, and employees have ready access to all the information they need.
Job Titles:
- Marketing & Communications Manager
- in 2015 As Marketing & Communications Manager
Laurie joined NWIRC in 2015 as Marketing & Communications Manager. She is responsible for marketing campaign development and coordination, publications, advertising, digital marketing, content, large events, grant writing, and outreach. She is a Project Manager for What's So Cool About Manufacturing student video competitions and other career awareness initiatives, and leads project teams for launching Uniquely Abled Academies (for CNC training) in the region.
With nearly 30 years in business development, her experience includes strategic marketing; public relations; advertising; ecommerce; and sales team management. She previously served as Senior Vice President of Business Development for a regional home medical equipment company and as Client Solutions Manager for a government contractor responsible for capture activity, proposal management, and technical writing. She is a previous member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), attended the University of Pittsburgh, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Gannon University. Most recently she earned a certificate in Digital Marketing from Columbia Business School.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Business Advisor
Lisa Dach joined NWIRC in March 2021 as a Strategic Business Advisor. She is part of NWIRC's team of business advisors serving manufacturers in the 13 counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. In her role, she assists companies with business growth opportunities, supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.
Lisa has over 20 years of executive management experience working with fortune 500, privately-owned, and nonprofit organizations. She is a collaborative leader and problem solver with a proven ability to create and implement solutions, improve processes, and increase efficiency. Her experience with retail, manufacturing, and logistics companies includes driving profitability and revenue growth while aligning talent with business objectives, as well as developing and implementing training programs. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor of Science. She resides with her family in Hermitage.
Job Titles:
- Culture Development Manager
- in 2018 As a Strategic Business Advisor and Employee Development Specialist
Lisa Pustelak joined NWIRC in 2018 as a Strategic Business Advisor and Employee Development Specialist. As Strategic Planning & Culture Development Specialist, she focuses on developing leaders and employees with coaching and providing onsite and public training programs on topics such as critical thinking, leadership development, communication skills, improvement kata, strategic planning and coaching. Lisa also navigates companies through the strategic planning process for sustainability. She is a certified Professional Coach through Duquesne University.
Lisa has over 20 years' experience working with small businesses, including ten years as the CEO of LEDGE Enterprises, a company she founded to help companies, Lead, Engage, Develop, Grow, and Empower their people. She is a certified Balance Score Card Professional, DDI Facilitator, and member of Women in Manufacturing, NTMA, National Speakers Association, and PA Business and Professional Women.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President & CEO / Precision Profiles, LLC
Michael joined NWIRC in August 2013 following fifteen years fulfilling various manufacturing roles including product development, sales engineering, and sales and marketing management. Michael served five years in the US Marine Corps as a Korean Cryptologic Linguist and received both his bachelors in Chemical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University.
During his tenure with NWIRC, Michael has directly assisted manufacturers as a Strategic Business Advisor, Manufacturing Technology Engineer, and Manager of Business Development/Operations. Michael draws upon his analytical, organizational, and project management skills and experience while working with NWIRC's current Strategic Business Advisors and support staff to facilitate our regional manufacturers' ability to accelerate their topline business growth.
Michael lives with his family in Erie, where he enjoys hiking, biking, and soccer.
Job Titles:
- Culture Development Advisor
- Training & Events Coordinator
Molly Reichard joined NWIRC in June 2016 as Training & Events Coordinator, and after 6 years, transitioned to Culture Development & Training Specialist. She conducts culture assessments and leads employee development training to help manufacturers growth and retain talent. Molly is a certified DDI Facilitator, a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and also the coordinator / facilitator for NWIRC's Lean Together™ program. She is a member of Women in Manufacturing and a board member of NAMI Erie.
Prior to NWIRC, Molly served as Constituent Events Manager for the Alzheimer's Association and has an Associate Degree in Business Science
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- President / Onex, Inc.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
Robert Zaruta joined the Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) as President/CEO in 2016, after serving for sixteen years with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC). He is responsible for executive management functions including leadership; community relations and advocacy; risk management and compliance; and strategic, program, human resources, and financial planning. During his tenure, Bob developed, implemented, and managed a national program providing sales training and licensed sales methodology to Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) locations and their clients across the country. He also participated in numerous Industrial Resource Center (IRC) and MEP special initiatives, provided working sessions at National MEP Conferences and seminars, and has been an advocate for NEPIRC, the IRC network of Centers, and MEP in Harrisburg and Washington, DC. In addition to his IRC/MEP experience,
Bob has held leadership and management positions within Fortune 500, regional and small enterprises. As an entrepreneur, he founded and led a startup telecommunications company to dynamic growth. He has a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from King's College, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Some of his relevant industry training and certifications include Lean Specialist, Innovation Engineering Management System, Solution Selling, and Project Management from Penn State.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Programs & Events Coordinator
- Strategic Programs and Training Coordinator
Robin Keller joined NWIRC in October 2022 as Strategic Programs & Events Coordinator. She handles all planning logistics for NWIRC's training programs and other special events geared for manufacturers in thirteen counties of northwest and northcentral Pennsylvania. In addition, Robin serves as convener for GR8T Manufacturing, the next gen industry-led partnership for the eight counties of northwest PA. Robin comes to NWIRC after 19 years with Perseus House, Inc in Erie PA working in a variety of roles, including talent acquisition, marketing, and coordinating events. The majority of her career has been serving the non-profit sector.
Robin has an Associate Degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director of Program Management / Continuous Improvement / Wabtec Corporation
Job Titles:
- Operational Excellence Specialist
Shane Cantrell joined the NWIRC staff in January 2024 and moved from Hamilton, Montana to Meadville, PA as the Operational Excellence Specialist. His passions are helping others improve and ultimately fulfilling their destiny for their life. In his role, he assists manufacturers supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.
Born and raised in Montana, Shane has 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management, leadership, and lean transformation with demonstrated ability to implement swift and impactful business performance solutions to upper management and owners in manufacturing, high tech, and service sectors. Relationship-based, high integrity, and "get-it-done" approach to assist clients in developing a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Shane earned his BS in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University - Bozeman in 2002. In 2006, he earned his Master's in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University - Bozeman.
Job Titles:
- Manufacturing Talent Stream Coordinator
Tara Lawrence joined NWIRC in 2023 as our Manufacturing Talent Stream Coordinator. She leads our Manufacturing Talent Stream initiative supported by a PA Manufacturing Training to Career Grant. In this role, she prioritizes and accelerates initiatives designed to connect manufacturers to the regional talent stream. Her work includes developing a northwest Manufacturing Dream Team; a group of young individuals working in various manufacturing roles, trained and scheduled for presentations and events at area schools. She is also spearheading startup industry clubs at several schools across the region, organizing manufacturing month (October) activities, and serving as a liaison for NWIRC's involvement with five student-run manufacturing enterprises and two Uniquely Abled Academies.
Tara holds a BA in Communication Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and brings with her more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in the areas of marketing, development and event planning. She serves on the Board of The United Way of Western Crawford County and lives in Meadville with her husband and two boys.
Job Titles:
- Accountant
- Internal Auditor
Theresa joined the NWIRC team in 2019. She brings over 27 years of accounting experience in non-profit and manufacturing settings and holds a BS in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Gannon University. She has most recently worked in accounting, payroll and accounts payable at Saint Vincent Hospital/AHN and as Assistant Controller at the YMCA of Erie County.
As the NWIRC's Accountant, Theresa's responsibilities include full-charge bookkeeping - accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll. She also spearheads NWIRC's quarterly impact survey of its customers, which measures NWIRC's effectiveness in the manufacturing community. Theresa's goal is to support the Chief Financial Officer in the preparation of accurate and timely financial information.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Director, School of Engineering
Job Titles:
- Strategic Business Advisor
- Senior Strategic Business Advisor
- Senior Strategic Business Advisor and TWI Certified Kata Trainer
Tom Weible came to NWIRC with 22 years of customer service and operations management experience. He is part of NWIRC's team of business advisors serving manufacturers in northwestern PA. In his role, he assists companies supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.
Tom earned his BS in Business Administration from Clarion University before serving with the US Navy in the Submarine Force. In 2006, he earned his Master's in Business and Workforce Development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.