Meet Ann Franz, Executive Director at Northeast Wisconsin (NEW) Manufacturing Alliance. She is the executive director and leads the strategies and initiatives of the organization. Ann helped start the organization 15 years ago with 12 manufacturers. As of today, the organization has over 300 members.
During your time with NEW Manufacturing Alliance, what have you experienced there that has helped further your professional career?
"The organization has over 150 volunteers that participate in the Alliance’s taskforces. Engaging these volunteers has made me see that two heads are better than one. The ideas that are generated are truly remarkable and have served to find impactful solutions to the issue of finding talent. Another key takeaway is not waiting for something to be perfect before moving forward and doing it. I think too many people want to work out every contingency and get stuck in implementing solutions. I have learned that sometimes failing serves to generate solutions that would never have been found by doing nothing."
What experiences there have helped you to expand your skills and connections?
"I am fortunate to be in a role that has me working shoulder to shoulder with CEOs, presidents, HR leaders and plant managers. The organization provides solutions and opportunities for all divisions of a manufacturing company. Each person brings their own skillsets that I have been able to learn from in my role. The Board of Directors have given me the opportunity to work with great strategists. In total, there are over 500 people that are part of the organization, which has given me an opportunity to work with both manufacturers, nonprofits, K-12, higher education, economic development along with other private companies that serve the manufacturing community."
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve been given?
"Never assume, always validate."
What advice do you have for up and comers in your field?
"I have been told by many people that several of the Alliance’s successful events and programs would never work when I first shared the concept with them. If you believe in the idea and have good reasons for moving forward, do not let others motivate you to disband what you are working on. It can be difficult to be the lone sheep on an idea, but to the perceiver it’s worth it."
If you could visit one country you haven’t been to, where would it be and why?
"I would like to go to New Zealand. I enjoy the Lord of the Rings movies, in part due to the beautiful scenery. The movies were filmed in New Zealand, so I would like to see it in person."
Thanks Ann, we appreciate your time. And for our readers, if you would like to connect with Ann, please send her an email at Ann.Franz@NWTC.EDU.
