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MassMEP Announces New Members Appointed to Board of Directors

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April 29, 2024 – Auburn, MA – MassMEP, the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Board Chair Dennis Leonard are pleased to announce the appointment of Karen M. Coombs and John Genereux to the MassMEP Board of Directors. They join the team of active leaders from industry, government, and manufacturing associations that govern MassMEP in its work to help small to mid-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts in various parts of their businesses, with the ultimate goal of helping them to achieve growth.

Karen M. Coombs is a senior executive with experience in domestic and international strategy, global supply chains, leading business turnarounds, and driving growth in large, multinational organizations, startup tech companies, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Previously, she served as VP of Supply Chain for a Massachusetts-based pre-IPO, high-growth global ag-tech startup; as a global supply chain executive with Amazon with a $3.5 billion budget; and as an Executive VP for a $1+ billion, highly diversified industrial and commercial production and construction company. Karen’s career began as a Commissioned Officer for the U.S. Army where she progressed to a Company Commander within four years and led more than 130 personnel within logistics, supply chain, and warehousing. Karen holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Biology, as well as several leadership development program certificates. In her free time, Karen and her husband run a small farm in New Hampshire focused on regenerative agriculture through rotational grazing and a grass-fed dairy.

John Genereux is a senior business executive with many years of management and leadership experience in high-tech manufacturing. Currently, John is VP and General Manager of Hamilton Storage, Franklin, MA.  Hamilton is a global manufacturer of life science automation equipment with the Franklin location focusing on ultra low temperature applications. Prior to Hamilton, John held senior leadership positions in R&D, engineering, and operations at companies in the life sciences and medical device fields, including Allurion, Terumo, Boston Scientific, and Cognex.  John holds an MBA from the Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Dennis Leonard, MassMEP Board Chair, stated, “We are pleased to add the vast experience that Karen and John bring to the MassMEP Board. Their expertise in manufacturing strategy, R&D, supply chain, and production will bring valuable perspectives to MassMEP client manufacturers as they navigate the many challenges of today’s global economy, from embracing innovative growth strategies to ensuring operational excellence to addressing workforce development.”

Kathie Mahoney, CEO/President of MassMEP, added, “Massachusetts continues to stand tall as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and growth in the manufacturing sector thanks to the many talents of our community. We are delighted to add the talents of Karen and John to the MassMEP Board of Directors. Their depth of experience and strong relationships throughout the manufacturing community will serve to strengthen MassMEP, empower manufacturers, and foster a robust ecosystem for businesses.”

The MassMEP Board of Directors includes Dennis Leonard (Chair), Sarah Baker, Jessica Barnes, John Berg, Rita Kapur, John Kovach, Jeffrey Turgeon, and now Karen Coombs and John Genereaux.

 About MassMEP
Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), part of the NIST MEP National Network, is a leading resource for manufacturing companies that cultivates a community built on support, idea sharing, and achievement. MassMEP creates economic impact by transforming manufacturing enterprises and the manufacturing ecosystem. This is achieved through the delivery of operational excellence programs, workforce development strategies, and innovative growth initiatives, all of which are enhanced by strategic public/private relationships. For more information, visit https://massmep.org/

© 2024, MassMEP, Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership.