THE NWIRC TEAM

Jennifer Baker joined NWIRC in October 2021 as Project Coordinator. Her responsibilities include coordinating essential logistics and activities to facilitate successful implementation of consultative projects with manufacturing clients, working along with NWIRC’s Strategic Business Advisors and independent service providers. Her experience includes serving as Project Manager at various manufacturing firms over 14 years, most recently at Kane Innovations. Jennifer served as an Operations Specialist in the US Navy for nearly 23 years.

Shane Cantrell joined the NWIRC staff in January 2024 and moved from Hamilton, Montana to Meadville, PA as the Operational Excellence Specialist. His passions are helping others improve and ultimately fulfilling their destiny for their life. In his role, he assists manufacturers supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.

Born and raised in Montana, Shane has 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations management, leadership, and lean transformation with demonstrated ability to implement swift and impactful business performance solutions to upper management and owners in manufacturing, high tech, and service sectors. Relationship-based, high integrity, and “get-it-done” approach to assist clients in developing a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Shane earned his BS in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University – Bozeman in 2002. In 2006, he earned his Master’s in Industrial & Management Engineering from Montana State University – Bozeman.

Chad Courtney joined NWIRC in October 2025, with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing management. He has built a distinguished career in the cabinet manufacturing and fiberglass manufacturing industries. Chad is committed to driving innovation and continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. His leadership is grounded in operational excellence, productivity enhancement, and a deep understanding of streamlined production workflows. In his role, he assists manufacturers supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.

Previously serving in various manager roles, Chad led transformative initiatives rooted in lean manufacturing principles. His efforts significantly enhanced process efficiency and product quality, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement across cross-functional teams. These contributions helped the organization as a leader in its field. He’s known for his strong focus on operational safety, team leadership, and customer satisfaction. He is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and is actively pursuing further educational credentials to support his professional growth. Embracing new technologies and ideas, Chad is dedicated to mentoring others and advancing the capabilities of the teams he leads.

Lisa Dach joined NWIRC in March 2021 as a Strategic Business Advisor. She is part of NWIRC’s team of business advisors serving manufacturers in the 13 counties of northwestern Pennsylvania. In her role, she assists companies with business growth opportunities, supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.

Lisa has over 20 years of executive management experience working with fortune 500, privately-owned, and nonprofit organizations. She is a collaborative leader and problem solver with a proven ability to create and implement solutions, improve processes, and increase efficiency. Her experience with retail, manufacturing, and logistics companies includes driving profitability and revenue growth while aligning talent with business objectives, as well as developing and implementing training programs. She is a graduate of Mercyhurst University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology. She resides with her family in Hermitage.

Tim will be serving our manufacturers in Mercer and Crawford counties. Tim Drummond brings more than 15 years of experience as a business owner, manufacturing employee, sales professional, and operational problem-solver, with a strong passion for helping organizations grow and succeed.

In 2009, he founded Artistics Silk Screening, a custom apparel and promotional products company, and successfully built it into a respected local business before selling it in 2021. Through his entrepreneurial journey, Tim gained firsthand experience navigating the challenges of business operations, workforce management, customer service, and profitability. This background gives him a practical understanding of the real-world issues manufacturers and business leaders face every day.

Following the sale of Artistics, Tim served as a Technical Sales Representative, working closely with clients to troubleshoot production challenges, improve workflow efficiency, and maximize operational performance. He later expanded his expertise in a corporate business-to-business sales role, helping organizations improve their workplace and operational effectiveness.

Michael joined NWIRC in August 2013 following fifteen years fulfilling various manufacturing roles including product development, sales engineering, and sales and marketing management. Michael served five years in the US Marine Corps as a Korean Cryptologic Linguist and received both his bachelors in Chemical Engineering and Masters of Business Administration from The Pennsylvania State University.

During his tenure with NWIRC, Michael has directly assisted manufacturers as a Strategic Business Advisor, Manufacturing Technology Engineer, and Manager of Business Development/Operations. Michael draws upon his analytical, organizational, and project management skills and experience while working with NWIRC’s current Strategic Business Advisors and support staff to facilitate our regional manufacturers’ ability to accelerate their topline business growth.

Michael lives with his family in Erie, where he enjoys hiking, biking, and soccer.

Sara Hanks joined Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) in April 2025 and then formally transitioned to President/CEO on July 1. She has over 20 years’ experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality systems, and digital transformation. As President, she’s responsible for executive leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and advocacy, compliance oversight, and driving innovation to support manufacturers throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.

Before joining NWIRC, Sara held several senior leadership roles at GE Transportation, now a Wabtec Company. These included Senior Director of Continuous Improvement and Senior Director of Data & Analytics, where she led large cross-functional teams, implemented lean transformations, and drove multimillion-dollar impact through data-driven decision-making and process optimization. She began her career as a mechanical engineer and manufacturing leader, serving in roles such as Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Engineer, and Program Manager, where she led teams, improved production performance, and drove quality system enhancements across multiple product lines.

Sara is the founder and former CEO of Leverage4Data, a software startup focused on bringing AI and workflow automation to small and mid-sized manufacturers. She has also served on NWIRC’s Board of Directors and contributed to workforce development efforts through teaching, mentoring, and thought leadership.

Sara holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo and is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. She is passionate about advancing manufacturing and creating opportunities for regional growth through innovation and continuous improvement.

Theresa joined the NWIRC team in 2019. She brings over 27 years of accounting experience in non-profit and manufacturing settings and holds a BS in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Gannon University.  She has most recently worked in accounting, payroll and accounts payable at Saint Vincent Hospital/AHN and as Assistant Controller at the YMCA of Erie County.

As the NWIRC’s Accountant, Theresa’s responsibilities include full-charge bookkeeping – accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll.  She also spearheads NWIRC’s quarterly impact survey of its customers, which measures NWIRC’s effectiveness in the manufacturing community.  Theresa’s goal is to support the Chief Financial Officer in the preparation of accurate and timely financial information.

Andrew Idzik joined NWIRC in 2018 as a Strategic Business Advisor. He is part of NWIRC’s team of business advisors serving manufacturers in northwestern PA. In his role, he assists manufacturers supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.

For nearly 20 years prior to joining NWIRC, Andy helped develop business solutions for regional companies. He served as a consultant for orthopedic surgical products, devices, and biologics developing collaborative relationships with surgeons, hospitals, and surgical centers. Andy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Colorado State University.

Robin Keller joined NWIRC in October 2022 as Marketing Content and Training Advisor. She handles all planning logistics for NWIRC’s training programs and other special events geared for manufacturers in thirteen counties of northwest and northcentral Pennsylvania. Robin comes to NWIRC after 19 years with Perseus House, Inc in Erie PA working in a variety of roles, including talent acquisition, marketing, and coordinating events. The majority of her career has been serving the non-profit sector.

Robin has an Associate Degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a concentration in Graphic Design and Visual Communications.

Tara Lawrence joined NWIRC in 2023 as our Manufacturing Talent Stream Coordinator. She leads our Manufacturing Talent Stream initiative supported by a PA Manufacturing Training to Career Grant. In this role, she prioritizes and accelerates initiatives designed to connect manufacturers to the regional talent stream. Her work includes developing a northwest Manufacturing Dream Team; a group of young individuals working in various manufacturing roles, trained and scheduled for presentations and events at area schools. She is also spearheading startup industry clubs at several schools across the region, organizing manufacturing month (October) activities, and serving as a liaison for NWIRC’s involvement with five student-run manufacturing enterprises and two Uniquely Abled Academies.

Tara holds a BA in Communication Studies from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and brings with her more than 20 years of nonprofit experience in the areas of marketing, development and event planning. She serves on the Board of The United Way of Western Crawford County and lives in Meadville with her husband and two boys.

Lisa Pustelak joined NWIRC in 2018 and is currently NWIRC’s Culture Development Manager. She has over 25 years of experience working with companies to help people develop their potential.  Lisa is a certified Professional Coach through Duquesne University, certified Balance Score Card Professional, certified DDI Facilitator, and a member of Women in Manufacturing, NTMA, Association of Talent Development, and PA Business and Professional Women.  She develops leaders and employees with onsite or public training programs on topics such as critical thinking, leadership development, communication skills, strategic planning, culture development, and coaching.

Joseph Shadle joined NWIRC in 2026 as an Accounting and Data Operations Analyst.  In his role, he supports the NWRIC’s financial operations by assisting in the preparation and maintenance of financial records and financial reports.  He is also responsible for collecting and analyzing data to support NWIRC’s analytics goals.

Prior to joining the NWIRC, Joseph taught economics and statistics courses at universities and courses for over 15 years.  He also worked in financial services.  Joseph earned his BS in Finance from Gannon University, his MA in Economics from SUNY Buffalo, and his MBA from Louisiana State University.

Kim Stebick, NWIRC’s Chief Financial Officer, oversees all aspects of the Center’s accounting systems, HR, grants, compliance, and contract management. Her expertise in financial and grant compliance as well as federal and state funding reporting requirements ensures our accountability and integrity and supports NWIRC’s efforts to serve our manufacturing clients. As a member of the senior management team, Kim is involved in the Center’s strategic planning, evaluation, and professional development initiatives.

Kim started at NWIRC in 2006. She is an experienced financial professional and a trusted leader within our non-profit organization. Prior to her stint at NWIRC, Kim served the Erie region in various accounting roles including as Finance Director of a local non-profit, and Controller at a local manufacturing company. She holds a BS in Accounting and an MBA from the Pennsylvania State University.

Tom Weible came to NWIRC with 22 years of customer service and operations management experience. He is part of NWIRC’s team of business advisors serving manufacturers in northwestern PA. In his role, he assists companies supporting their needs to become more competitive through continuous improvement, technology advancement, and workforce development initiatives.

Tom earned his BS in Business Administration from Clarion University before serving with the US Navy in the Submarine Force. In 2006, he earned his Master’s in Business and Workforce Development from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.