Image
Colin Cooper
In 2019, Colin Cooper became Connecticut s inaugural chief manufacturing officer. The former executive chairman of Eastford’s Whitcraft Group has a mandate to coordinate state and private-sector efforts to educate and support the next generation of skilled manufacturers. His work amid the COVID-19 pandemic has included working to match manufacturers willing to produce personal protective equipment with healthcare providers in need of it.
Image
Ari Santiago
Gov. Ned Lamont in July tapped Kelli-Marie Vallieres to lead a new state office dubbed the Connecticut Workforce Unit. Under Vallieres formerly CEO of Sound Manufacturing and Monster Power Equipment in Old Saybrook the group collaborates with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Department of Labor to advise the governor and other state officials on workforce strategies and initiatives.