Join us for a member-exclusive, immersive webinar designed to equip you with cutting-edge solutions for tackling talent attraction and retention issues in the age of Industry 4.0 and AI. Whether you’re grappling with workforce shortages or aiming to optimize your recruitment processes, this event will provide actionable knowledge, case studies, and innovative solutions to future-proof your operations. This conversation will be led by leaders from the Manufacturing Growth Alliance, the Centrepolis Accelerator, and Industry 4.0/AI technology experts.
Meet Our Presenters
Elizabeth Bernhard is the Executive Director of the Manufacturing Growth Alliance, a statewide trade association serving Michigan’s manufacturers. With a life-long passion for partnership engagement and service to others, Elizabeth has a wealth of experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors ranging from higher education to business development and executive coaching. Elizabeth is a strategic and visionary leader with extensive experience supporting the workforce needs of Michigan’s most in-demand industries, including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and construction. For instance, in a prior role at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Elizabeth worked with the Advanced Manufacturing Career Consortium to create career academies in service of their entry-level talent needs; programs ranged from Computer Numerical Control, to Production Technician, and Warehouse Management and Inventory Control. She has successfully integrated her passions into her career, working with youth, veterans and justice-involved individuals from around the state to establish a pathway for their career success.
Dan Radomski is the CEO of Centrepolis Accelerator @ Lawrence Technological University, a program that helps accelerate and scale small manufacturers and innovators of new “hardware” products. Dan was formerly the Chief Strategy / Operating Officer for the Optimal Group, small businesses and start-ups focused on product development, competitive business strategy, product benchmarking, product development and engineering. In his prior role as Vice President of Industry and Venture Development at NextEnergy, Dan led all market and technology analytic efforts to support the growth of early-stage and mature energy technology firms in areas such as wind, solar, advanced batteries, power electronics, vehicle electrification, smart grid, micro-grid, natural gas, and energy efficiency.
Kevin Kerwin is the President and CEO of Detect-It, a software company that specializes in Ai and Neural Network technology. Prior to forming Detect-It in 2020 Kevin spent the last 35+ years at ARKK Engineering Inc. implementing thousands of automated/robotic systems and creating products geared toward Automation Technology and Industry 3.0. During that tenure he also established another company, International Wheel and Tire Inc. (IWT). IWT’s charter was to grow and dominate the global market of High Volume Automated Wheel-Tire Assembly and Balancing, which is required at all Automotive Assembly Plants worldwide.
Courtney Steele is the Director of Marketing & Communications at DeepHow, where she leads initiatives to drive brand awareness and support digital transformation across the manufacturing sector. With over 10 years of project management experience and a PMP certification, Courtney has been instrumental in helping organizations adopt AI-powered training solutions to address critical workforce challenges. A recognized leader in AI in manufacturing in Michigan, Courtney is actively involved with Automation Alley and advocates for Industry 4.0 innovations that enhance operational efficiency and knowledge retention. Her expertise has positioned her as a key voice in shaping the future of manufacturing, particularly in leveraging technology to optimize workforce productivity and adaptability.
Oliver Theiss is a seasoned executive with a rich history in the automotive and technology sectors. As the co-founder and CRO of Andonix, a Detroit-based Industry 4.0/AI technology company, he brings significant expertise in business development, global expansion, and the ability to build portfolios, growth, and profitability. Oliver has an established track record in corporate mergers, restructurings, divestitures, and joint ventures in different countries, including the USA, China, France, Mexico, and Brazil.