CBIZ Manufacturing Forum

Ron Angelo has led the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology for over seven years, guiding the organization through unprecedented growth. He spearheads initiatives and partnerships that help industrial companies and the supply base de-risk and adopt critical technologies across multiple sectors. With more than 40 years of leadership experience, Ron has a proven track record in strategic planning, financial growth, and process improvement in both public and private sectors.

Nasir Mannan is an accomplished engineering professional and owner of M3DI with nearly two decades of experience advancing manufacturing technology innovation, including digital twin, AI, and automation. He specializes in integrating Industry 4.0 technologies into manufacturing companies and contributes to strategic national initiatives to advance the U.S. supply chain. Nasir holds a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Brian brings extensive experience in Lean practices, having won two Connecticut Shingo prizes and making Lean a core part of HABCO’s culture and operations. Previously, he held leadership roles at Wiremold/Legrand, C&M Corporation, Respironics Novametrix, and HID Global, and has also taught Lean Management at Eastern Connecticut State University. Brian holds a degree from Siena College and an MBA from Central Connecticut State University.

Dr. Amy Thompson is Chief Technology Officer at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, where she leads teams supporting manufacturers with technology adoption and technical training programs across Connecticut and the Northeast. Previously, she was an Associate Professor-In-Residence at UConn and Associate Director for the Pratt & Whitney Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering. She holds three degrees from the University of Rhode Island and has expertise in model-based systems engineering, smart manufacturing, supply chain design, and engineering education.