Champion For Industry - Class of 2019

In her years at American Crane, Karen has successfully been able to revitalize and modernize her company’s culture. She created the grit matters campaign, which provides employees with the ability to work through challenges together as well as share success stories. This initiative has enhanced collaboration across various departments, and as a result, has led to increased profitability for the company. Find out more about Karen >

Penni Boxall started her career at Sure Flow Equipment 25 years ago working on invoicing and inventory. After shifting to be more heavily involved in the company's accounting, she later became IT manager in addition to overseeing accounting. Two years ago, Penni was named company president — the first female president in Sure Flow's history. With a focus on her employees, Penni hopes her work motivates others to achieve more, especially women.  Learn more about Penni >

When Skerlos entered the world of machine cutting fluids, it was a dangerous space; known to pick up traces of harmful metals and bacteria known to put machinists at heightened risk for cancers and respiratory conditions, the fluids also presented a host of environmental hazards. With a Ph.D. in machining fluids and a drive to develop a better solution, Skerlos created a new type of supercritical carbon dioxide fluid that has revolutionized machine cutting. Learn more about Steven > 

Three weeks after selling his business and retiring, Chenevert was appointed as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Manufacturing Association (RIMA). Today, he continues to advocate for manufacturing across Rhode Island, develops hands-on, educational opportunities for RIMA businesses, and has grown the association from only 40 to 300 members. He also founded We Make Rhode Island, an organization dedicated to educating students, parents, guidance counselors, and teachers on the career opportunities available in manufacturing. Learn more about Dave >

Phil Lundman has always been involved in manufacturing; he was practically raised learning about Petersen Products, a family business since 1916, and its manufacturing processes. After returning from service in the U.S. Air Force, Lundman took over the family business and has continued to push the company toward new innovations ever since. Under his leadership, Petersen Products also prioritizes its employees and local community by paying up to 70% of tuition costs and books for full-time employees and donating half its profits to charity annually. Learn more about Phil >

As a retired New Hampshire school superintendent, Jacqui Guillette partnered with a local manufacturer to create a hands-on curriculum to educate students, teachers, parents, and faculty about all of the career possibilities available in additive manufacturing. Since implementing her new curriculum and course offerings, Guillette has seen a major shift in the stigmas surrounding manufacturing and industry; her new courses now have a waiting list. Read more about Jacqui >