Speakers

Jennifer Fielding
Chief, Ceramics Branch
Air Force Research Laboratory
Facilitator

With 20+ years of experience at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Dr. Jennifer Fielding performed research and program management in diverse fields such as polymer composites, multifunctional materials, and additive manufacturing. Dr. Fielding is currently the Chief of the Ceramics Branch, leading a team of over 70 scientists and engineers performing research and development on materials discovery, processing improvement, and performance understanding of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. She served for five years as the Deputy Program Manager for the Defense-wide Manufacturing Science and Technology Program. Dr. Fielding launched America Makes, the first manufacturing institute within the Manufacturing USA network, and served as the government lead in the public-private partnership for over four years. She recently served as Past Chair of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Member Council, and previously chaired the Additive Manufacturing Community Advisors. Dr. Fielding has been the recipient of numerous awards including the Secretary of Defense Award for Excellence, the AFMC-level nominee for the Katherine Wright Memorial Award, the Defense Manufacturing Technology Enabler Award, and has been named a Dayton Business Journal 40 Under Forty. She is a Fellow of SME and AFRL.

Mark Michalski
Manufacturing Expert in Residence
FORGE

Mark L. Michalski brings over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing, technical operations and operations information systems to his role as a manufacturing expert in residence for FORGE. Mark has designed, built and implemented proven strategies in process development, new product introduction, supply chain management, and facilities engineering in startup, turnaround and growth phase environments both locally and globally. Mark has worked in a wide range of industries such as semiconductor capital equipment, medical devices, massively parallel advanced computing, fuel cells and distributed power systems, for leaders in their fields like MKS Instruments, Zoll Medical and BBN Advanced Computers. He is also a dedicated leader in the advancement of engineering education as a past president of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and current board of directors member of the SME Education Foundation. Mark has also volunteered his time as an advisor at several local career and technical education high school programs. Mark is founder sizzle&STEM Media where he supports local businesses with digital marketing and social media solutions, as well as mentoring in the operations and supply chain space.

Deb Volzer
Vice President, Workforce Development
SME

In my current role at SME, I influence the future of manufacturing by driving workforce development strategies that meet current and emerging industry needs. I collaborate with national and state partners to develop and implement programs that equip individuals with the advanced skills required in modern manufacturing. By aligning educational curricula with industry innovations and creating accessible pathways for diverse talent, my work shapes a workforce prepared for today’s challenges and poised to lead in the future of manufacturing. Recently, I architected and launched the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge, partnering with 25 colleges across 17 states to create and deploy bold, innovative solutions that increase manufacturing talent and drive economic mobility for individuals.

Chris Chidzik
Principal Economist
Association for Manufacturing Technology

Chris Chidzik is currently the Principal Economist at AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology where he examines trends in the overall economy that affect the demand for manufacturing technology. For over five years, Chris has managed surveys which compile the data necessary to get a full picture of the U.S. manufacturing landscape. Prior to AMT, Chris held varied roles in data analytics, research, sales, and marketing in an array of industries and settings. Chris holds a master’s degree in economics from The American University.