~ Speakers~
Lexi Lapke
SafetyCulture
Gary Maddock
Tri Star Metals LLC
Kevin Natterstad
Sumiden Wire Products Corporation
Matt Paison
Technical Specialist, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
Matt brings over 25 years of experience in leadership, engineering, and operational excellence with a strong focus on Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement. Beginning his career as a machine operator and rising into senior leadership, Matt has successfully led initiatives that improved productivity, reduced waste, enhanced safety, and built high-performing teams. His expertise spans multi-site operations management, P&L oversight, Six Sigma problem solving, ISO/IATF compliance, and employee development. Matt is passionate about helping manufacturers optimize people, processes, and products to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.
Alex Riesbert
SafetyCulture
Paola Velasquez
Director of Organizational Culture, Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
Paola Velasquez brings over 20 years of experience in manufacturing, academia, business, and healthcare, giving her a unique perspective on workforce and organizational development. Coming from a family with deep roots in manufacturing, she has led cross-functional teams through transformational change, improving engagement, retention, and collaboration. Paola specializes in leadership development, employee training, and expanding talent pipelines, with certifications in Lean Six Sigma, psychological safety, and leadership coaching. She is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and is passionate about building strong cultures where employees thrive and organizations grow.