This article appeared in the March 2020 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Q: Welcome to the MMA! Could you share a little of the background that led you to becoming MMA’s new president & CEO?

Walsh: First, let me say thank you to the MMA Board of Directors for this opportunity and to Chuck Hadden for staying on during the first weeks of my arrival to help with the transition. I’m very excited to be in this role and I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.

Manufacturing has played a role in every position I’ve held over the last 30 years — from my law practice to Schoolcraft College to the Legislature and finally to serving as State Budget Director. As a prime example of life coming full circle, I actually interned with the National Association of Manufacturers. After that experience, I sat down with John Thodis, then-president of MMA and he took the time to talk with me about my goals and plans for the future. It’s amazing to think, 30 years later, I have the chance to build on a legacy that he and Chuck and others started.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you see for manufacturing’s future in Michigan?

Walsh: There’s just something special about manufacturing. I’ve seen manufacturers create and invest and move Michigan forward. I’ve also seen them struggle through the hardest of times and come out better for it. They symbolize the grit, determination and passion of Michigan. Manufacturing is in our state’s DNA. I think as long as we have a supportive Administration and Legislature who recognize the industry’s role as economic drivers, job creators and community leaders that there is no limit to what our manufacturers can accomplish.

Q: What do you envision for MMA in 2020 and beyond?

Walsh: That’s a big question. I expect that as I have more conversations with our members, the MMA staff and the Association’s Board of Directors, new priorities will arise but I did come into this position with a couple key goals.

First, I want us to always remember that the MMA is a member-centric organization. We can do great advocacy, offer good services and put on strong events but, if we aren’t delivering the value our members need to succeed, we aren’t doing our job. I want to be talking to MMA members to find out what made them become a member, what keeps them renewing that investment each year and where we can improve. It’s also important to talk with manufacturers who haven’t yet joined us and find out what they look for in a membership association. MMA can and should be the go-to source for all things manufacturing, whether it’s thought leadership, advocacy assistance or strategic services. To get there, we need to know what our members — present and future — want.

Second, I want MMA and our members to be out talking about the exciting opportunities in manufacturing. I want to get to a point where, every single day, somewhere in Michigan an MMA member is being quoted or being talked about for the incredible work they do. This is a one-of-a-kind industry with talented people doing amazing things. We should be shouting that from the rooftops. People need to know what manufacturing is and MMA can play a big role in making that happen.