Please join us in congratulating our 11 Emerging Leaders Rising recipients from 2021!
Emerging Leaders Rising is NTMA’s annual recognition of talented precision metalworking professionals who show leadership promise for the future of the industry.
We were thrilled to honor this year’s recipients at the Emerging Leaders Conference in September. They are also invited to Manufacturing Engage 2021, our in-person networking conference in October, where they will be recognized again for their achievements.
Emerging Leaders Rising, now in its third year, is geared toward young professionals who are looking to advance their manufacturing careers and their companies through networking, learning, and engaging.
Let’s take a moment to salute this year’s recipients.
1. Bryan Cole – Southern Manufacturing Technologies
Bryan began his career at SMT seven years ago as a CNC Machinist with experience in multi-axis vertical machining and inspection. Using his knowledge in Solidworks and Esprit CAD/CAM, Bryan has transitioned into Manufacturing Engineering and now creates complex processes including solid modeling, operation drawings, and CNC programs. “I look forward to sharing my experiences and knowledge both with current and new employees to help our team move forward, “ he said.
2. Bryan Gallo – Southern Manufacturing Technologies
Bryan began his career at SMT while still in high school. Beginning with no prior experience, Bryan learned machining by working in SMT’s CNC Horizontal Machining Cell, where he progressed from Operator, to Set Up, to the Cell Leader. In recent years, Bryan has transitioned into Manufacturing Engineering, learning Solidworks and Esprit CAD/CAM. He is a true Emerging Leader at SMT with a bright future. His career is a testament to NTMA companies engaging with school programs and exposing young people to careers in manufacturing.
3. John Jackopsic – United Gear & Machine Company
John started with United Gear in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. With no prior manufacturing experience, his natural intelligence and curiosity made him an essential part of the team. He is never afraid to ask a question, and has quickly gained a wealth of knowledge in business and shop floor operations. He’s cool, calm, and collected in the hectic job shop atmosphere, and purposeful and thoughtful in scheduling and customer communications.
4. Jim Leach – Wagner Machine, Inc.
Jim started as a machinist running mills at Wagner and has gradually assumed more responsibility over the years. He took the initiative to start mentoring and leading other employees, and now runs one building with five machinists and manages customer relationships with several customers. He’s in charge of hiring machinists and conducting company evaluations, and is always willing to learn new skills.
5. Chelsea Marsden – Focused on Machining
Chelsea joined Focus on Machining as a new manager and instantly became an invaluable resource for all employees. She learned the company systems and processes quickly, and immediately set to work with improvements. After only a few months, she developed an incredible onboarding protocol and encouraged management to create welcome videos. This new process consistently receives rave reviews from employees.
6. Christopher Musco – United Gear & Machine Company
Chris joined United Gear with eight years of manufacturing experience, but no real knowledge of gears. His eagerness to learn has set him apart and propelled him forward as a leader in our industry. In two years, he’s become a gear expert. In his role in the quality department, he has streamlined procedures and worked with the team to elevate the quality of United Gear’s output.
7. Garrett Ross – Focused on Machining
Garrett is a strong leader at Focused on Machining. He has taken ownership of production scheduling, mill quoting, and most of the programming in the mill department. In 2020, he single-handedly supervised and managed the installation of a new automated horizontal machining center, and due to his efforts the company achieved a 41% growth rate.
8. David Roux – Boston Centerless
Dave has demonstrated his ability to meet aggressive deadlines on new processes and improvement projects from his first day at Boston Centerless. He assures compliance with certifications and has been instrumental in troubleshooting and implementing new equipment. He never fails to assist wherever needed and has become an expert on products and processes. He’s demonstrated leadership skills that will carry him as the shop expands and he takes on more of a leadership role.
9. Trey Seddon – Global Shop Solutions
Trey joined Global Shop Solutions straight out of college and has since exceeded expectations in every way from software development to customer service. He has demonstrated his leadership skills in training new Continuous Improvement Team employees to ensure they develop the best programming practices. Trey is known throughout the company as a team player and creative problem solver, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to think of the big picture when designing new programs
10. Zach Young – Southern Machine Works, Inc.
Since Zach has joined the company, he has been deeply involved in the implementation of a completely new MEP, ERP, and QMS system. He is leading the charge in transitioning the Company’s CUI compliance to the significantly more exhaustive Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Through his earnest efforts, the company is confident it will be able to continue to serve the Defense Industrial Base sector for many years to come.
11. Jason Wilkins – Betar, Inc.
Jason joined Betar in 2019 after a 20+ year career in hospitality and has passionately learned the ins and outs of the business with professionalism and a smile on his face. In January of 2021, Betar began working to achieve AS9100 aerospace certification, and because of Jason’s hard work, the company was on track for completion by the end of the summer.
Though the Emerging Leaders Rising Conference has already passed, you can still meet and congratulate these emerging leaders at Manufacturing Engage 2021 October 26-29 in Alexandria, Virginia. Register here so you don’t miss out!