Sherri is an experienced executive leader with over 35 years of technology and business development expertise. Her passion lies in connecting people and technology to drive value. Throughout her career, she has successfully launched new technologies, products, and partnerships across various industries, including automotive, commercial transportation, aerospace, defense, energy, architecture, and consumer electronics.

 

Sherri's achievements have resulted in over $450M in new product revenue and process cost savings and have been recognized through multiple patents, publications, corporate awards, and an R&D Magazine Top 100 Technologies Award. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Gannon University, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and certifications in MBA Essentials, Intellectual Property and Contract Law, and Executive Leadership.

 

Foundry Fun Fact: Sherri is an avid traveler who has explored 5 continents, 21 countries, and 43 U.S. states.

Vince is an experienced senior manager with over 40 years of technology development and deployment expertise. He is passionate about delivering smart manufacturing solutions and leading cross-functional teams. Throughout his career, he has successfully launched new technologies and implemented digital automation systems in industries such as automotive, aerospace, metals, biotechnology, and additive manufacturing. Vince's achievements include a U.S. patent and corporate awards for sustainable automation, productivity, and safety. He holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, along with certifications in project management and smart manufacturing. Vince is also actively involved as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Foundry Fun Fact: Vince has been writing software for digital automation and control systems for over 40 years.

Steve is an experienced industrial designer and innovator with over 30 years of expertise across various industries, including industrial/commercial products, aerospace, defense, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. He is the Founder and Managing Director of GrayMatterz™, a consulting firm specializing in business model innovation and strategy for startups and established organizations. Steve has successfully led productivity improvement projects resulting in cost savings exceeding $10 million. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University's Integrated Innovation Institute. Steve holds a bachelor's degree in industrial design from Syracuse University and a Master of Science degree in new product development from Northwestern University.

Foundry Fun Fact: Steve enjoys playing golf and once achieved a double eagle.

Nitin is an experienced mechanical engineer with over 30 years of expertise in developing, managing, and supporting simulation and modeling tools for product and process design. Previously, he served as the Engineering Manager of Simulation & Analysis at Northrop Grumman Corp, where his team supported over 40 applications used by approximately 4000 engineers across multiple locations. Prior to that, Nitin spent 24 years at the Arconic Technology Center, focusing on developing modeling tools for manufacturing processes like extrusion and 3-D printing.

Nitin holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai, India, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has authored 20 publications and served as a reviewer for various peer-reviewed journals.

Foundry Fun Fact: Nitin is not only a music enthusiast who plays the guitar but also a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers!

Josh is a versatile engineer with expertise in both electrical and mechanical engineering in the industrial manufacturing sector. He gained valuable experience at Oberg Industries, where he worked as a controls engineer on automation lines for leading medical companies. Josh handled projects from design to machine installation for external clients and Oberg. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technologies from Penn State University.

Foundry Fun Fact: Josh is an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loves kayaking, hunting, biking, swimming, hiking, and camping.

Joe is an experienced project manager with a diverse engineering background, specializing in nanofabrication for semiconductors and medical devices. He has worked in industrial production, research and development, and held academic positions at Florida Gulf Coast University and Penn State University. Joe co-founded NanoHorizons Inc. and worked at Draper Laboratory before transitioning to academia. Currently, he serves as an assistant teaching professor and program coordinator for Penn State New Kensington's electro-mechanical engineering technology degree program. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. in engineering science and mechanics from Penn State University, with a focus on nanofabrication and device development. Joe's recent research has focused on smart manufacturing and engineering education, emphasizing educational training and outreach.

Foundry Fun Fact: Joe is an avid motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys both wrenching on bikes and riding them in his free time.

Alyssa is a dedicated community advocate with experience in community and economic development, small business ownership, and organizational administration. Alongside her role at the Digital Foundry, she manages Penn State New Kensington's Invent Penn State innovation hub, The Corner Launchbox, and leads business support and community outreach initiatives for the local area. Alyssa is a co-owner of two small businesses and serves on the boards of various organizations, including the Tri-City Historical Society, the City of New Kensington Recreation Commission, Valley Points Family YMCA, and Business New Ken. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Clarion University.

Foundry Fun Fact: Alyssa has a lifelong love for animals and has owned a diverse range of pets, including a cow, a pig, a deer, and horses.

Steven is a creative engineer with experience in both electrical and mechanical engineering, with his main interest being automation. He is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology from Penn State University. Prior to becoming an Automation and Controls Engineer, Steven completed three summer internships in the manufacturing field, working on a wide variety of projects including industrial part design and prototyping, electrical wiring, and programming.

Foundry Fun Fact: Despite being born and raised in Pittsburgh, Steven is a devoted Philadelphia Eagles fan.

   

In the book, “Leadership Jazz”, Max DePree draws on the musical genre of jazz to explain his sense of what lies at the core of leadership: what you hear and what you feel, connecting one’s voice with one’s touch. Diane’s voice centers on how leadership development translates to organizational behavior and training, and her touch focuses on relationship building and partnership growth. A successful career in higher education as a chief student affairs officer for over four decades fulfilled Diane’s passion for student success and developed her interest in community engagement.

Along with her siblings, Diane co- founded Hightower Scholars, Inc.  She also served as YWCA Westmoreland Board President; was appointed to the People's Library Board of Directors, where she serves as Vice President; provides consulting services for Westmoreland Museum of American Art and the Willie Thrower Award Foundation; and is a diversity educator and trainer for the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh’s Center for Race and Gender Equity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh.

Foundry Fun Fact: As a high school student and member of the Girls Tennis Team, Diane dreamed of competing professionally and one day playing at Wimbledon, but settled on becoming a competitive racquetball player and has competed in tournament and league play.