Denise Rice is president and owner of Peak Performance, Inc.  She also serves as a Manufacturing Consultant to the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, a division of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 

 

Previously, she was an Operations Executive with a career spanning more than 25 years with Corning, Inc. and their subsidiaries holding positions including Director of Operations, Plant Manager, and Engineering Manager.  Under her leadership, Cormetech, a joint equity venture between Corning and Mitsubishi, was awarded Tennessee’s Business Recycler of the year, Gold and Platinum awards for their BEST (Business and Education Working Together) Program with Cleveland High School and was nominated for the U.S. Department of Defense Freedom Award for their support of military veterans. 

Sherry Crye is the Office Coordinator with several years of experience working in office management in local manufacturing plants. She most recently spent 18 years working as Director of Workforce Development  with the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

 

Sherry has two A.S. degrees from Cleveland State Community College~Secretarial Science and Business Management. 

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Kathy Wilson is an experienced Curriculum Developer. She honed her skills through many years in the field of Education. Having taught learners from the very young to adults, Kathy has planned, created, and implemented learning content using a variety of teaching and training methodologies and technologies to increase learning retention and application of knowledge.

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After spending many years as an educator, Kathy’s love of learning led to her furthering her education and experience, and ultimately to her current position. She has advanced degrees in Education and Instructional Technology and has received certifications in Teaching English as a Foreign Language and Instructional Design. She has worked independently as a Freelance Copywriter and has published magazine articles. 

Courtney Jergins is an accomplished marketing and event planning professional with experience in various roles: teaching, project and event management, communications, and marketing. She currently drives the Smart Factory Institute’s marketing outreach and organizes memorable events.

 

Having spent 9 years in the manufacturing industry, Courtney is well-versed in B2B marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and connect with clients.  

 

In addition to her marketing expertise, Courtney brings a passion for event planning to her role at the Smart Factory Institute. She loves bringing people together, whether to collaborate or to celebrate. Her creative vision and attention to detail bring life to every event, large or small.