Proven experience in business operations and management

Scott has been Director since 2001. He is responsible for overseeing all aspects of GLTAAC. Before becoming Director, he served as a researcher then Project Manager with GLTAAC. During this time he worked with management at dozens of companies, conducting industry analyses and helping firms develop and implement recovery plans. Before joining GLTAAC in 1998, Scott worked in several applied economic research positions, focusing on manufacturing and healthcare issues. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan with concentrations in domestic policy and quantitative methods.

Prior to joining GLTAAC in April 2018, Paul operated his own manufacturing and supply chain consulting business. He has worked as a consultant for QP Group on supply chain and procurement projects. Paul also worked at the adult beverage company Diageo PLC for 10 years in the areas of Engineering, Production Planning, Supply Chain Operations, and Project Management. Paul holds a BS in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MS in Engineering Management from Eastern Michigan University. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP), certified through Project Management Institute (PMI).

Jani joined the Great Lakes TAAC in November 2019 and currently leads outreach efforts including direct one-on-one engagement with manufacturers in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio who have been directly hurt by imports, offering assistance with accessing the program. She also connects with manufacturing industry associations, as well as regional business support and economic development organizations, to provide resources for manufacturers through the wider business support ecosystem. Jani welcomes the opportunity to help companies use TAAF assistance so they can meet their goals and become more competitive globally.

Prior to joining the GLTAAC, Jani worked in finance and consulting, and she was the co-founder of a reputation management company that dealt with her clients’ with global reach. Jani has a strong natural talent for creating common ground, is a skilled presenter and facilitator, and brings to the team a successful background in prospecting and closing client leads.

James joined GLTAAC in 2018. He works with small and mid-sized manufacturers as a GLTAAC Project Manager. Prior to becoming a Project Manager, James worked as a Research Associate with GLTAAC. His background includes automotive industry experience in product development, project management, and production roles, primarily for automotive suppliers. James received a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Prior to graduate school, he completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Kevin joined GLTAAC in June 2017, bringing a wide range of abilities and industry experience to the team.  Most recently, he was VP/General Manager of Douglas Electric Company.  He has extensive experience in manufacturing, including applying Lean Manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, increase through-put and create competitive advantage. He has held positions as President, General Manager, Operational Excellence Champion, and Engineering Manager.  He has experience in business turnarounds, start-ups, and independent consulting.  Kevin holds a BSME degree from UMass Lowell, an MBA from Bryant College, is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and is a Registered Professional Engineer.