Jeannine Kunz

Board Member

Jeannine is a nationally recognized leader in manufacturing workforce and technology strategy, with over 25 years of experience driving transformation at the intersection of innovation, talent, and industry growth.

As SME’s former Chief Workforce Development Officer, she led national initiatives to advance U.S. manufacturing talent through strategic partnerships with employers, educators, non-profits, and government agencies. She currently co-chairs the Smart Manufacturing Executive Council, a CESMII–SME-led group that promotes U.S. competitiveness through the adoption of technologies such as IoT, AI, and automation.

In 2023, Jeannine was appointed to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Committee on Smart Manufacturing, contributing to the development of a national strategy. She also serves on several influential boards, including the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group, the Coalition for Career Development, and the ARM Institute, where she received the 2023 Champion Award.

A frequent speaker and media contributor, Jeannine has testified before Congress and been featured in outlets including CNBC, Forbes, and NPR. Her efforts have been recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of its Notable Women in Manufacturing (2018) and Education Leadership (2019).