Guests

On this page, you’ll find the guests we have received on the Manufacturing Hub Network. We thank each and every guest for coming onto the show, speaking with us, and sharing their knowledge.

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Featured Guests —

Amanda Beaton

US Siemens Cooperates with Education Program Manager

Siemens

Amanda leads the Siemens cooperates with Education Programs to promote Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, and Mechatronics in schools. She's responsible for instructor technical training of over 400 schools in the US.

Amos Purdy

Lead Systems Engineer

GPA

Amos is currently a Lead Systems Engineer at GPA. His extensive involvement in manufacturing intelligence began while he was still working on his Master’s in Electrical Engineering degree and Masters in Business Administration [MBA]. As he expressed an interest in data acquisition and control systems, Amos quickly became the leader of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) at Carlex. Within this role, Amos led a team of engineers, delivered continuous improvement projects by retrieving critical data from the manufacturing floor and presenting it to key stakeholders. As he joined GPA, Amos assumed the role of a Lead Systems Engineer where he currently leads a team responsible for data intelligence at various client sites. His team executes projects that deliver key insights and unlock process improvement opportunities for the clients among other benefits.

Arlen Nipper

CTO

Cirrus Link Solutions

Arlen is the co-Inventor of MQTT – The leading protocol for IoT( Internet of Things), specializing in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and SCADA software solutions. With over 40 years of experience in the SCADA & IIoT industry, Arlen has broad experience covering the design and manufacture of embedded computer systems to complete SCADA system infrastructure implementations for many companies. A leading expert on MQTT involved in many activities including published articles and speaking engagements on educating the use of publish/subscribe methodologies for operational technologies and digital transformation.

Colm Gavin

Portfolio Development Manager

Siemens

As a Portfolio Development Manager with Siemens Software, my goal is to ensure that machine and line builders as well as end-users are aware of the Industry 4.0 solutions available to them and how these solutions can benefit their businesses. I leverage my experience in discrete manufacturing to help companies take advantage of the new innovations available with Industry 4.0. Working for Siemens for 20 years, I worked in a variety of roles. Prior to this role, I marketed Siemens’ Totally Integrated Automation Portal software in the US, and also worked on the development of this software in Nuremberg, Germany, focusing mainly on the usability and design aspects of engineering software – especially as required by the U.S. market. Digitalization is changing the way companies manufacture and they are feeling the pressure to increase flexibility, efficiency, and quality while getting to market faster and maintaining safety. Let Siemens and our team help your company on their digital transformation with our Industry 4.0 solutions. Feel free to reach out to me through LinkedIn and visit our website.

Dr. Heather Buker

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

6clicks

As a technology professional, I have compliance, product, and business implementation experience with several platforms (including RSA Archer, Allgress, 6clicks and SailPoint) across heavily regulated industries such as the financial, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors primarily. My specialties encompass Product Management, Pre-Sales Engineering, Customer Implementation and Support, Regulation and Control Compliance/Mappings, Third Party Risk Management, Policy Management, and Business Continuity. However, I have lead and/or completed Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and Information Security implementations across all business use cases. I am well-versed in software development, coding, and analytics. I am passionate about bridging the gap between people and process using technology.

Preston Hadley

Owner / Constrols Specialist

Envision Automation & Controls

As the President of Envision Automation & Controls. Preston has experience in multiple skillsets. Systems integration, electrical design, troubleshooting, commissioning, fabrication, and more. Envision Automation & Controls specializes in retrofitting and upgrading equipment and systems for your operations. Often engineering add-ons to existing systems that integrate seamlessly into the production process. Preston is particularly a big fan of vision applications, material handling, and Industry 4.0 technology.

Rebecca Gillespie

Managing Director

Energy Systems Network

Becca Gillespie joined ESN as a Managing Director in January of 2023. Before that, she worked as the New Products and Services Lead at Duquesne Light Company, the electric utility in Pittsburgh, PA. Before that, she was a Sales Director and Product Engineer at UniEnergy Technologies, a flow battery start-up company in Mukilteo, Washington. She has also worked at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as an energy analyst and Propulsion Engineer at NASA. Becca has a BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University and a Masters’ of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.

Benson Hougland

Vice President

Opto 22

Benson Hougland has three decades of experience in manufacturing automation. In his early career, Benson founded a computer software, hardware, and consulting company which exposed him to the technical and business challenges of technological change. An opportunity to join Opto 22 was presented to him in mid 1990s where he was brought on as a technical expert. By participating in various industry-defining initiatives, Benson delivered products that had a major impact on the automation industry. Today, in his role as the Vice President of Opto 22, Benson brings awareness to the new lines of products released by the company and still finds time to be hands-on with the hardware and software! His entire home is automated on groov EPIC and RIO.

Billy Albritton

Associate Director Operational Technology

BD

Billy is a manufacturing automation professional who's recently made the move from management into an executive role at BD. Honorably discharged veteran with 16 years’ experience leading departments in advanced technologies for the military, academia, and private industry. Military service includes duty as an Operations and Security Specialist to United States Coast Guard. Consistently recognized for performance of duties and expertise above achieved rank. Numerous achievements including receiving the Presidential Humanitarian Award for assisting as a first responder in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Proven ability to deliver viable solutions that resolve complex business issues and ensure organizations meet internal and external goals by building strong collaborative teams and leading through organizational change. “Leading alongside” management style has been the catalyst to achieving exceptional results in challenging environments while building and maintaining strong, loyal relations with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders. Billy completed a MS in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Robotics and Control Systems in 2017 and anticipating MBA graduation in May of 2019. Currently, working in the aerospace industry as an Information Technology Specialist and Digital Technology Manager for UTC – Pratt & Whitney.

Bobby Cole

President

THINK-PLC, LLC

Bobby is a systems integrator, educator, and passionate leader. With a number of years in manufacturing automation, Bobby has built a business that provides an array of system integration services including panel building, system programming, upgrades, and more. Above all else, Bobby is constantly striving to become a better person for the people that work in the company. He has attended and provided various coaching events that aim to empower the workers, allow them to follow their passions, and ultimately have a more fulfilled work environment.

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Ep. 104 - [Ryan & Rebecca] Sustainable Energy for Manufacturing & Life - Data-Driven Sustainability.

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