Agent Biographies:

Jack Pfunder
Executive Director

Jack has a successful senior management background, including an exceptional record of contributions in positions requiring leadership, relationship management, operations, and team building expertise. He possesses a unique combination of technical and management skills that enable him to make many positive contributions to the goals of MRC and our manufacturing clients. Jack is known to many in the community as the Chairman & CEO of Ani-Motion, Inc., of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He co-founded Ani-Motion based on patented technologies that use fiber optics to produce lighted animated displays on flexible and hardened surfaces. He built the organization from concept through start-up and management, successfully selling the business in late 2003. Prior to the Lehigh Valley venture, Jack was President/CEO of MICROCOM, a 300 employee supplier to defense and aerospace industries. Jack's defense/electronics career spanned a variety of leadership capacities wherein he functioned as President, Vice President and General Manager with a variety of notable manufacturing firms, including REMEC, Loral Corporation & Lockheeed Martin. His broad experience enabled him to develop a full spectrum of core competencies that apply to start-ups, turnarounds, and dynamic enterprises in domestic and international markets. The foundation of Jack's career includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, and an MBA Degree from the University of Dallas, Dallas, Texas.

Ralph Burns
Manager of Strategic Business Growth Services

Ralph joined the Manufacturers Resource Center to develop the Business Growth Services initiative for MRC clients. He has served industrial market segments for over thirty years covering both domestic and international senior level positions within world class manufacturing organizations. His area of specialty has been focused on executive marketing and sales management for companies that provide B2B industrial products. He has provided: leadership development, product development, market enhancements, sales management and market research skills to internationally recognized companies. These companies include Victaulic Company of America, Keystone International, Bettis Company and other critical fluid flow component device manufacturers. Ralph has a unique perspective on the industries he supports by having functioned as both a direct employee of manufacturers and also providing objective consulting services to globally based companies. From working along side executives at NASA to fire-chiefs in small municipalities, Ralph has both the experience and dedication to positively affect marketing and sales assignments received. He has a BS degree in Marketing and Communications from Stephen F. Austin University and has participated in Marketing/Engineering Metrics Programs at Cal Tech. He has been recognized by the Business Professional Advertising and Valve Manufacturers Associations for his contributions to the industries served.

Dick Donati
Lean6 Black Belt

Richard brings over 30 years of diversified and extensive manufacturing experience to MRC. His specific areas of focus include: manufacturing management, work cell development, flow manufacturing, ISO 9000, team skill training, work measurement techniques, demand flow business strategy, lean manufacturing, organizational effectiveness and incentive pay programs. He has an MBA from DeSales University, a BS in Business Administration from King's College and holds a certificate in Management Development from Penn State University. Richard also holds numerous certifications. He is a Lead Auditor for the Institute of Quality Assurance, is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt by the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and as a Professional in Human Resource Management (PHR) by the Society for Human Resources Management. He is a member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ), the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE), and the Association of Manufacturing Excellence (AME).

Alan Hall
Workforce Development Manager

Alan Hall joined the MRC in 1996 to work with local manufacturers in the identification of their workforce development needs and in the creation of training programs to meet those needs. Prior to joining the MRC staff, Alan was an Associate Dean and Director of DeSales University, Easton satellite campus, where he managed and trained professional, advisory and support staff; supervised a Job Link Training Program; and was the college liaison for the Greater Lehigh Valley Youth Apprenticeship Program. He previously owned a construction management company, managed an undergraduate degree program at the University of Vermont, and directed the Northwest New Jersey Manpower Development Program. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals. He holds both a B.S. and M.Ed. from Penn State.

Walt Hoffert
Manager of Client Accounts

Walt joined MRC in 1989 and has assisted with the implementation of over 1200 engagements that helped companies improve their productivity and quality. Walt has more than forty years of industrial/manufacturing engineering experience including the areas of project management, incentive systems, group technology, cellular manufacturing, flexible manufacturing systems, total quality management, flow manufacturing, labor standards, statistical process control, capital equipment justification and cost reduction programs. He held positions of increasing responsibility in industrial/manufacturing engineering management with several medium-sized companies engaged in the manufacturing of electrical motor components, material handling systems and cryogenic refrigeration equipment. After earning a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and a B.S. in Business Administration from Lehigh University, he went on to earn a M.B.A. from Penn State University.

Denise G. Holub
Program Developer / Grants Manager

Denise is an experienced professional that brings a unique mix of grant administration, grant writing, finance, and human resource experience to the regional workforce training initiatives she helps coordinate with service providers within the community. She helps develop and implement new economic development program opportunities for MRC. Before assisting MRC, Denise was the Chief Financial Officer/Grants Administrator with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and she oversaw the administration, finance, grants administration, and contracting responsibilities for both the federal Commission and the non-profit. In the past, Denise spent 14 years in healthcare working at Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. In addition she has taught at Muhlenberg College, Lehigh Carbon Community College and Salisbury Township School District. Denise is also active in the community. She earned her degrees from the University of Scranton. Her B.S. is in Medical Technology, with a minor in Biochemistry, and her Masters Degree is in Human Resources Administration.

Susan C. Kennedy
Director of Market Development & Communications

Before joining MRC in 1994, Susan had over twenty years of marketing and planning experience with the electric and gas utility, banking, automotive, paper products, health care and food and toiletries industries. She has worked for three Fortune 500 companies including Procter and Gamble, Ford Motor Company and Champion International Corporation. She has extensive background developing marketing/strategic plans, building sales functions, developing creative marketing materials, conducting market research and developing new products and services. Susan has a BS in Mathematics from Kutztown University, an MA in Mathematics from Penn State and an MBA in Marketing from Xavier University. In addition, she is a graduate and certified teacher of the Philip Crosby Quality Program.

Tony Maslowski
Strategic Business Growth Services, Professional Business Advisor (PBA)

Tony came to MRC in 2006 with 19 years of industrial experience ranging from specialty chemicals, industrial adhesives, hybrid circuit fabrication materials and medical devices. His experience in material science, product development and industrial marketing is an excellent addition to the MRC mission. Tony's wide range of project management, marketing and sales skills further compliments MRC's host of business growth services. Prior to joining MRC Tony worked with Ferro Corporation as a Product Development Engineer from 1987 through 1989 working on conductive inks used for hybrid circuit fabrication. Tony then moved on to National Starch and Chemical and held the positions of Product Development Engineer, Project Supervisor, Technical Marketing Specialist and finally Product Manager from 1989 through 2000. While at National Starch, Tony supported customers within the circuit fabrication industry and mechanical switch market. Tony then joined PQ Corporation as a Market Development Manager focusing on the use of conductive particles in electromagnetic shielding applications. Finally, Tony worked with Synthes as a Project Manager within the Biomaterials Product Development Group, focusing on medical devices for fracture healing. Tony holds a B.S. in Ceramic Science and Engineering from Penn State University and an MBA in Marketing from Temple University. Tony has authored several technical papers and holds one U.S. patent. Since joining MRC, Tony has become a certified Growth Coach for Eureka! Winning Ways and a certified Coach/Trainer for the Gazelle Program of Rockefeller Habits.

Jim Mikulski
Lean6 Black Belt

Jim has more than 14 years of Lean Six Sigma and manufacturing experience while working for three Fortune 500 companies. His industrial experience spans several industries: machine tools, food products, aviation/aerospace, and industrial pumps. Prior to joining MRC, Jim worked as a full-time Lean Six Sigma Black Belt for ITT Corporation. In addition to his experience in Lean6, he also has a strong background in machining, project management, capital equipment procurement, supplier quality, and process development. Jim earned a M.S. in Manufacturing Management and Leadership from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, and two associate degrees from Pennsylvania College of Technology / Penn State. Jim attained his Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Master Certifications from ITT through The George Group, a global leader in Lean Six Sigma consulting. He is also is an adjunct instructor of operations management at Alvernia College and supply chain and logistics at Penn State Schuylkill. Jim is a 2003 graduate of the Schuylkill Leadership Program, past chairman of SME chapter S287, member of AME, ASQ, , B.P.O. Elks, and IIE. While at MRC, Jim has successfully consulted, implemented, and trained a diverse group of clients in various Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma techniques.

Cynthia Miller
BGS Professional Business Advisor

Prior to joining MRC, Cindy worked as Director of Market Development in Physician and Hospital Network Development with Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was employed for nine years. Cindy also worked as a Marketing Manager with Precision Medical, Inc., Northampton, Pennsylvania, where she was employed for six years. Earlier employment positions include sales and office management in manufacturing and education environments. Cindy's wide range of management, marketing and sales skills compliments MRC's host of business growth services. Her medical and hospital industries experience is an excellent addition to the MRC mission. As an experienced and successful management/marketing executive, Cindy's record includes significant contributions to her employers, including developing profitable new/start-up businesses, directing multi-faceted projects, leading sales/marketing efforts, and successfully launching new products to achieve corporate objectives. Cindy holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Shippensburg University and an MBA in Marketing and Health Care from Wilkes University.

Karen Carrano-Miller
Accounting Manager

Before joining MRC, Karen was Senior Financial Analyst with Binney & Smith and Plant Accounting Manager with Weston Foods, Inc. (Stroehmann's) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She is an accomplished financial professional with background in accounting, analysis and procurement. She is experienced in large, medium and small organizations and has highly developed skills in financial analysis, general ledger, financial reporting, annual budgets and forecasts, and time management. Karen is experienced with ERP software including implementing and maintaining the PeopleSoft inventory and procurement module and general ledger module, as well as the Oracle general ledger system. Karen manages the day-to-day accounting functions including A/R, A/P, payroll, G/L, etc. and provides additional support to management. Karen earned a Master of Business Administration from Lehigh University and a B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University.

Nancee Noderer
Chief Financial Officer & Director of Strategic Development

Prior to joining MRC, Nancee was with Cedar Crest College for four years where she served as Director of Business Services/Controller. Earlier in her career, she served as financial/operations analyst and general ledger accountant and also has previous experience in the financial area of manufacturing firms. Nancee brings diverse and extensive experience to MRC. She oversees accounting, human resources, marketing, information systems, grants, contract management and the MRC Loan Fund. Nancee holds an MBA from Lehigh University and BS in Management from West Chester University.

John Nothelfer
Account Manager, Berks County

John joined the founding management team of MRC in 1987 and served for nine years as an Account Manager in the Berks and Schuylkill County areas. During this time, he earned his Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) credential from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). Prior to joining MRC, he was with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., for seven years in various management positions including Development Engineer, Equipment Manager, Engineering Manager, and Assistant Plant Manager. John left MRC in 1997 to gain additional operations experience as Director of Operations with Ani-Motion, Inc., and as Plant Manager with Lehigh Valley Plastics, Inc. John has almost 30 years of manufacturing experience improving the profitability and productivity of companies in a wide variety of industries including plastics, metalworking, chemicals, and others. John earned both his BS in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Business Administration from Lehigh University. John is an eight year veteran of the United States Air Force.

Ron Williams
Information Systems Manager

Ron jointed MRC in 1997. Ron is responsible for all network, PC-related issues including hardware installation oversight/maintenance, software installation/maintenance, security issues and user problem intervention. He has experience as a network operator of Legacy, IBM and HP mini mainframes and Novel Servers. Since joining MRC, Ron gained certification in Visual Fox Pro Programming, Front Page 98/2000, Windows NT Administration, Supporting Windows NT 4.0/2003, Supporting Windows 95/98/2002, and Creating and Managing an IIS 4.0 Web Server. He Administers our CRM Saleslogix Database/SQL package. Also, he has experience with Exchange Servers utilizing the Outlook Clients Software. Prior to joining MRC, Ron was Senior Computer/Network Operator for the Lehigh University Computing Center and Stanley Storage Systems. He has an Associates degree in Data Processing Technology from Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Mike Withka
Lean6 Black Belt

Mike joined MRC in 2001 and brings nearly 10 years of hands-on manufacturing experience and continuous improvement expertise to the Center. His work with manufacturers focuses on lean manufacturing, team chartering and team facilitation, manufacturing management, continuous improvement, ISO 9000, and organizational effectiveness. Mike earned his B.S. and M.S. in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, New Jersey.