Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1306198
PANEL DISCUSSION: COPING DURING COVID-19: Managing a Manufacturing Operation MODERATOR: LESLIE PARADY Workforce Development Manager, Massachuestts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) Leslie Parady has worked as the Workforce Development Manager at the Massachusetts Man- ufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) for the past thirteen years, overseeing a number of programs focused on workforce development. Since the inception of its Workforce Devel- opment program in 2005, MassMEP has successfully trained over 5,000 dislocated, incumbent and veteran manufacturing shop floor employees through the nationally acclaimed Applied Manufacturing Technology Certification Pathway program. The Pathway is a comprehensive training system that assesses an individual, provides necessary training to fill in the skills gaps, then validates the learned competencies through the MACWIC industry-developed, industry- recognized credential testing. MassMEP was a founding member of the Manufacturing Ad- vancement Center Workforce Innovation Collaborative (MACWIC), an employer-led workforce solutions group that provides a competency-based statewide manufacturing credential. Prior to joining MassMEP, Leslie spent 12 years with a Fortune 500 manufacturing firm. PANELIST: MARK PIHL President and Chief Executive Officer Web Industries, Inc. Mark has extensive experience in executive and operations leadership roles. His 25+ year ca- reer with Web Industries highlights his ability to apply world-class standards for technology, sys- tems, quality, and service to build organizations focused on scalable growth, financial health, and delivering industry-leading solutions for customers. He was named Web Industries CEO in 2019 after serving as President from 2015, Board of Directors member from 2012, and COO from 2010. Mr. Pihl is a trusted leader committed to developing Web's high engagement employee-own- ership culture and establishing a legacy of delivering outstanding solutions for Web's partners. He has been instrumental in setting strategy and realigning company assets and resources to meet customer and market needs, support client-driven international expansion, and position all aspects of the company for significant growth. Earlier in his career, Mark held various operations and executive leadership roles at Sony Corporation and FLEXcon, Inc.