CEO/Executive Director
Executive Leader in Strategy, Growth, and Lean Transformation Across Global Manufacturing
Chris is an innovative, people-centered manufacturing leader who blends an engineering mindset with change leadership to help small and mid-size manufacturers compete and grow. With deep experience opening and scaling markets in the U.S., Canada, and Asia, he aligns strategy, operations, and talent to deliver measurable results—consistent with WMEP’s mission and the MEP Network.
Key Expertise
- Strategy Deployment and Profitable Growth
- Process Excellence and Supply Chain Optimization
- Product Innovation and Portfolio Management
- Global Market Expansion and Channel Development
- Small, Mid-Size, and Large Manufacturing Environments
Certifications
- Bronze and Silver Lean Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- U.S. Patent 5,864,941 (rapid custom heater supply method)
- Certificate in Private Company Governance
- HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certificate
Manufacturing Background
Before joining WMEP in 2022, Chris held executive roles at Perlick Corporation and Standex International, driving growth, customer experience, and operational performance through lean principles. He spent 19 years with Watlow, leading multi-country operations, improving portfolio management, and accelerating growth through vertical markets and supply chain expansion.
Education
- MBA, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- BSME, Missouri University of Science and Technology
On a Personal Note
Chris loves working on improvement projects around the house and enjoys travelling with his family, learning about different cultures, and trying new cuisines.