Manufacturing Conference

Ed Youdell

President & CEO

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International

Ed Youdell joined the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International® (FMA) in 2007 as group publisher of FMA Communications, Inc. after serving more than 18 years in the publishing and trade show industries.  He became president & CEO of FMA, FMA Communications, and FMA’s charitable foundation, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® in December 2011.

He has a B.S. in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI.  Youdell served on NAM’s Council of Manufacturing Associations board of directors from 2013 to 2019, and in 2013 received their annual Leadership Award for creating the concept of a national Manufacturing Day and bringing together other industry leading organizations such as NAM, the Manufacturing Institute and the U.S. Commerce Department’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) to collaborate as co-producers.

Shawn Phillips

Smart Connected Factory Manager for Large Tractors and Combines

John Deere

Shawn Phillips is the Smart Connected Factory (SCF) Manager for John Deere’s Large Tractor and Combine division. In this position, he is responsible for the manufacturing strategies pertaining to technology driven process improvements, including data and analytics as well as digital and physical automation.

Phillips’ 24-year career has included roles in Software Engineering, Industrial Robotics, Factory Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, and Smart Connected Factory. He joined John Deere in 2003 with a focus on improving the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes through the implementation of automation and mistake-proofing solutions. Since joining Deere, Shawn has advanced his career in manufacturing through roles of increasing responsibility within both the technical and people leadership paths.

He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Iowa, a Master of Science Degree in Computer Science from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master Certificate in Systems Design and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Pat Pollock

Chief Executive Officer

ALM Positioners, Inc.

Mr. Pollock is the Chief Executive Officer of ALM Positioners, Inc. in Rock Island, Illinois. He has over forty years’ experience in the manufacturing industry and has been involved with various management assignments including product development, operations, and global business development.

Mr. Pollock’s professional certifications have included Certified Quality Engineer, Project Management Professional and Certified Management Accountant. Mr. Pollock holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Business Administration.