FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
Contact: Delaney McKinley
Phone: 517-303-3541
E-mail: mckinley@mimfg.org
Web: mimfg.org

Leaders representing manufacturers large and small elected by their peers to guide the state’s only manufacturing-focused organization

LANSING (June 30, 2025) — At its June Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors of the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) elected officers of the organization, named two new members to the body, seated new members of the Executive Committee and re-elected a number of sitting members.

Guided by its Board of Directors, MMA has for more than 120 years maintained a proven track record and unwavering commitment to serve Michigan manufacturers through relentless advocacy, resources to address the talent crisis, communication of vital information and numerous cost savings and benefits. To facilitate the Association’s robust activities, the MMA Board of Directors leads the organization with a strong strategic orientation.

Patrick Curry, President of Saginaw’s Fullerton Tool Company, Inc., was elected as Chair of the Board, as Jeff Daniel, Vice President & CFO of Detroit-based PVS Chemicals Inc., completed his term. Mr. Daniel was recognized for his leadership and service. Mr. Curry is a third-generation manufacturer, serves on a variety of community organizations in addition to the MMA Board and was named the 2014 John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year.

Jill Dralle, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Nexteer Automotive’s U.S. Division, was elected Vice Chair of the MMA Board. Ms. Dralle has worked at Nexteer for more than 30 years and is known for her strong leadership and operational excellence. She was named the 2024 Manufacturing Woman of the Year.

Newly elected to the MMA Board of Directors are:
1. Suzanne Morrison, Director of Marketing for Hatch Stamping Company. Ms. Morrison has extensive expertise in the areas of marketing leadership, process improvement, sales operations and management, team building, organization development, change management and planning. She directs the training of 1,300 employees worldwide and has been the driving force behind Chelsea-based Hatch Stamping Company’s community involvement initiatives.

2. Jeff Schick, North America Vice President – Operations of Holland-based Haworth. Mr. Schick has over 30 years of experience in operations and supply chain management within Fortune 500 companies, consistently driving operational excellence and implementing world-class manufacturing initiatives. He leads all aspects of Haworth’s North American manufacturing and logistics operations, encompassing the network of plants, the distribution center and the team of over 1,000 dedicated Haworth Members.

The MMA Board of Directors also elected At-Large members of the Executive Committee:

1. Angela Ayers, Regional Director, Government Affairs for Ford Motor Company, was elected as an At-Large member of the Executive Committee

2. Bill Henderson, President of Ithaca’s Aircraft Precision Products, Inc., was elected as an At-Large member of the Executive Committee

Re-elected to the MMA Board of Directors are:

1. George Cook III, Regional director, State & Local Public Policy, General Motors

2. Annette Crandall, President, Quality Assured Plastics in Lawrence

3. James Green, Executive Director of Human Resources, Lacks Enterprises in Grand Rapids

4. Valerie Knol, Manager, Government Relations, Stellantis

5. David Palsrok, Director of Government Affairs, DTE Energy

6. Dan Szymanski, Chairman of the Board, Jedco, Inc. in Grand Rapids

“It’s an honor to serve as Chair of the Board for an organization that plays such a vital role in supporting and strengthening Michigan’s manufacturing industry,” said Patrick Curry, Chair of the MMA Board of Directors. “As a board member, I’ve seen firsthand the power of collaboration, innovation and advocacy in driving our sector forward. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of leaders to champion the interests of manufacturers across our state and ensure continued growth and success for the industry we proudly represent.”

MMA Service Corporation Board of Directors

Earlier this Spring, the MMA Executive Committee elected manufacturing leaders to serve on the MMA Service Corp Board of Directors. The MMA Service Corp is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MMA which exists to support Michigan manufacturers with valuable solutions and cost savings.

Ron Geisman, President & CEO of Horton’s Lomar Machine & Tools Co. was elected Vice Chair of the MMA Service Corp Board of Directors. Mr. Geisman has over 40 years of experience in Michigan manufacturing as an involved small business owner and passionate supporter of his community.

“The manufacturing executives who serve on the MMA Board of Directors bring experience from companies of every size and sector, representing communities across the entire Great Lakes State,” said John J. Walsh, President & CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association. “Their leadership drives MMA’s mission forward, and we are deeply grateful for the expertise and strategic insight they bring to shaping the future of our organization and Michigan’s manufacturing industry.”

For more information or to schedule a call with MMA President & CEO John Walsh, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-303-3541 or mckinley@mimfg.org.

About MMA
The Michigan Manufacturers Association is the unifying champion of Michigan’s manufacturing industry. Since 1902, MMA has a proven track record and unwavering commitment to serve Michigan manufacturers through relentless legislative advocacy, resources to address the talent crisis, vital industry information, significant cost savings and more. As MMA members, manufacturers can tap into a professional network and resources to help grow their businesses, address challenges and create a sense of unity with other manufacturers. Visit mimfg.org for more information.

For more information, contact MMA’s Delaney McKinley at 517-303-3541 or mckinley@mimfg.org.