Guiding Principle: Listen First

By Sara Hanks, NWIRC President/CEO

As I begin my journey as President and CEO of NWIRC, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our staff, clients, partners, and the incredible manufacturing community across northwest and north central PA. Your collective commitment to improving processes, developing people, and investing in your communities is the reason NWIRC exists, and it’s the reason I’m so excited about this role.

Before I go any further, I want to take a moment to acknowledge Bob Zaruta. For over a decade, Bob has led this organization with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving manufacturers. His leadership shaped NWIRC into the trusted partner it is today, and I’m honored to build on that legacy. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Bob during this transition, and his guidance has been both generous and invaluable.

Over the past two months, I’ve hit the ground running, guided by a simple principle: listen first. I’ve been visiting manufacturers, meeting with government officials, and spending time with our staff and partners to understand the unique strengths and challenges across the 13 counties we serve. From Erie to Clearfield, Mercer to Potter, each corner of our region brings something distinct to the table, and it’s clear that innovation, resilience, and pride in craftsmanship run deep throughout. I’ve seen not just potential, but progress. From economic development conversations to shop floor visits and community events, it’s clear that people across the region care deeply about creating meaningful impact through manufacturing. I’ve also been learning the inner workings of NWIRC — from our Lean Together™ and Maintenance Masters programs and student-run enterprises to how we deliver value through initiatives like leadership training, operational excellence programs, automation support, and culture development. These are pathways to transformation, designed with and for manufacturers in our region.

Internally, we’re laying the groundwork for NWIRC’s next chapter. We’re working through strategic planning, evaluating the needs of the
manufacturers we serve, and exploring opportunities to expand our expertise and offerings. What’s been clear from day one is that this organization is filled with smart, mission-driven people who are committed to making a difference. I couldn’t be more proud of the team, or more confident in our future.

Whether you’re a current client or we haven’t worked together yet, I want you to know that NWIRC is here to support you. We are problem solvers and connectors, bringing the right people, resources, and ideas together to help manufacturers overcome obstacles and seize new opportunities. Our mission is to walk alongside manufacturers, not just providing solutions, but building lasting partnerships that drive real impact. We’re deeply invested in your success — not just as businesses, but as employers, educators, innovators, and community leaders. As someone recently shared with me, ‘It’s not about building a network, it’s about creating a neighborhood.’ That sentiment truly captures the spirit of NWIRC and the manufacturing community we’re proud to serve.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I’m honored to lead this organization, and even more honored to serve this region. Cheers to strong partnerships, bold ideas, and a future we shape together.

Photo: Sara Hanks on recent tour at Beverage Air in Jefferson County.