Speakers

Featured Speakers

Speakers for the 2026 Build Freedom Summit will be announced on a rolling basis as sessions are confirmed. Check back for updates.

Featured Speakers​

Leaders from manufacturing, defense, workforce development, education
and government. Speakers are announced as sessions are confirmed.

Michael Gilroy

VP of Workforce Development
CREC

Kyle Jordan

Director of Certification
American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

Paul Lynch

Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, Industrial Engineering and MMM programs
Penn State Behrend

Gil Gonzales

Director of Special Projects
Barberton Community Foundation

Brittany Burton

U.S. Regional Director, Talent Management
Hill & Smith PLC

Derek Scarbro

Director
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center

Heather Cooper

Director of Apprenticeship
Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center

Kory Anderson

Founder and CEO
Made by Anderson Brands

Chad Duty

CEO
IACMI

William Barber

Chief of Workforce Development
General Dynamics Electric Boat

Sean Morrone

Manager of Operations Hiring and Community Engagement
General Dynamics Electric Boat

Toni Neary

Director of Community Engagement and Workforce Innovation
SME

Stephen DeWitt

Deputy Executive Director
Association for Career and Technical Education

Robert Flores

Integrated Talent Development
Raytheon, an RTX business

Katherine Sutton

Workforce Development Senior Specialist
General Dynamics Electric Boat

Tim Robertson

Chief Strategy Officer, Co-Founder
TECHnista

Mark Winchester

District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration

Valerie Maher

Lead Economic Development Specialist
U.S. Small Business Administration

Chris Ing

Senior Program Manager
NextFlex

Dan Robles

Champions Machine Tools Sales
Haas Factory Outlet

Bill Padnos

Non-Ferrous Founders Society
Director of Workforce Development

Sara Timm

Fractional Marketing Leader and Strategic Advisor
Timmco Advisory

Scott Dietz

Managing Director, Workforce Development
Catalyst Connection

Ali Anderson

Chief Branding and PR Officer
Made by Anderson

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Call for Speakers is closed.

Applications for speakers has closed. To join the waitlist, please email to mfgworkforce@tamu.edu.

 

This is a pivotal moment for American manufacturing.

As reshoring accelerates and demand for skilled trades grows, collaboration between industry, education, and policy leaders has never been more critical.

We are seeking dynamic, forward-thinking speakers who are shaping the future of American manufacturing and skilled trades. We invite you to help lead the conversation.

Submit your proposal and be part of shaping the future of manufacturing in America.

We welcome proposals from:

  • Manufacturing executives and plant leaders
  • Workforce development and training providers
  • Education leaders (K–12, community college, university, technical)
  • Defense and government partners
  • Economic development professionals
  • Industry innovators and technology providers
  • Apprenticeship and credentialing leaders

Ready to submit a proposal?