The Minds Behind the Machines Innovation Exchange was created to bring together South Carolina’s manufacturing community to advance the future of the industry through innovation, technology, and collaboration — and to recognize the leaders driving it forward. The council guides our awards program recognizing manufacturing excellence across South Carolina.
Chief Economic Development Officer, Greenville Technical College
Leads strategic partnerships, workforce development, and alumni engagement. Previously served as Dean of Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology, working with regional industry leaders on workforce training aligned with manufacturing needs.
Founder, Chairman, and Former CEO of HTI
Co-founded HTI in 1999 as a workforce strategy and HR consulting firm. HTI specializes in manufacturing-sector talent attraction, development, and retention, addressing skilled-labor shortages and leadership pipeline challenges.
Plant Manager, Shiloh Bearing Plant (Timken)
An eighteen-year Timken veteran with roles in sales, product management, and manufacturing operations. Prior experience at Chrysler and Accenture in engineering and supply chain. Mechanical engineering degree from Kettering University and an MBA from Michigan State.
Applied Data Team Leader, First Quality
Over a decade of manufacturing experience leading analytics, machine learning, and AI initiatives to improve performance. Bridges traditional engineering with data science for evidence-based decision-making in production.
Robotics Professional / Consultant
Forty-two years advancing industrial automation. Started at ABB in 1984 in applications engineering, then project management and technical instruction. Launched a consulting firm in the mid-1990s and joined FANUC Robotics in 2003. Expertise spans picking, packing, palletizing, welding, assembly, and inspection automation.
Corporate VP of Strategy and Communications, MEMA
Fifteen years in the automotive and mobility sectors. Leads enterprise strategy, corporate communications, and sustainability initiatives at MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, helping suppliers navigate industry disruption.
Former President of Bosch North America
Served as Bosch North America president from 2012 to 2024. More than three decades with Bosch beginning in 1988, holding executive leadership roles in the mobility business sector with engineering, manufacturing, and management experience in the U.S. and Germany.
President and Owner, Palmetto Manufacturing Partners
Founded Palmetto Manufacturing Partners in 2022, supporting Carolinas industry through plant startups, expansions, product launches, and restructuring across the U.S., Germany, and Mexico. Previously a 30+ year career with Bosch and Bosch-Rexroth.
VP of 787 Operations, Boeing South Carolina
Oversees the full value stream of 787 Dreamliner production, from composite fabrication through final assembly. Previously vice president of quality for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, focused on first-pass quality and best-practices standardization.
Chief Operating Officer, Carolina Handling
Leads Service, Power Management, Continuous Improvement, Distribution, Rentals, and Quality Assurance teams, and directs the Intralogistics Solutions Group. Joined in 2012 after eight years as a warehouse manager, advancing through multiple leadership roles.
National Corporate Business Development Advisor, SEW Eurodrive
A four-year tenure at SEW Eurodrive, a global drive technology and industrial automation leader. Previously business development manager at Horizon Solutions. A sales leader in industrial control and automation with expertise in leadership, process improvement, and business development.
President and CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness
Leads SC Competes, a business-led nonprofit driving long-term economic growth. Manages clusters including SC Aerospace, SC Logistics, SC Tech, CyberSecureSC, the Palmetto AI Corridor, TransformSC, and the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance for applied research.