At a Defining Moment for Manufacturing, NAM Elects Blake Moret as Chair and Mark Smucker as Vice Chair
Washington, D.C. – The nation’s most influential manufacturing advocate, the National Association of Manufacturers, today announced that Rockwell Automation Chairman and CEO Blake Moret and The J.M. Smucker Company Chairman and CEO Mark Smucker will serve as board chair and vice chair, respectively.
“At a defining moment for manufacturing—marked by rapid technological change, global competition and the need for policies that unlock investment in America—the NAM is excited to announce the election of these proven leaders,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. “Blake Moret and Mark Smucker lead companies that sit at the heart of America’s manufacturing strength—from overseeing advanced industrial automation powering the factories of the future to delivering iconic and trusted food brands that consumers and their families enjoy every day. Their leadership and vision will help manufacturers prosper and reach new heights in the years ahead. I also want to thank Immediate Past Chair and Johnson & Johnson Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Operations & Risk Officer Kathy Wengel for her outstanding leadership and steady guidance—delivering new opportunities for manufacturers and positioning our industry to build on that momentum.”
“Blake has long been an advocate for modern manufacturing, championing technology adoption, workforce development and a competitive policy environment that enables manufacturers of all sizes and all industries to grow and succeed,” Timmons continued. “Mark brings a seasoned manufacturing perspective grounded in operational excellence, supply chain strength and a commitment to community. In 2025, Congress delivered vital legislation making pro-manufacturing tax policies permanent. In 2026 and beyond, our industry will use that pro-growth tax foundation to build, expand, hire and innovate. At every step, these leaders will provide invaluable counsel to lay the groundwork for policies that deliver for our industry and enable manufacturers to make the most of these tax provisions. Together, Blake and Mark will be effective champions for the comprehensive manufacturing strategy our nation needs.”
“The manufacturing industry is at the center of America’s economic strength and global leadership,” said Moret. “It is an honor to serve as chair of the NAM Board and to represent manufacturers who are innovating, investing and creating opportunity across the country. I look forward to working with Jay and the NAM team to advance policies that support growth, technology leadership and a robust manufacturing workforce.”
Moret previously served as Chair of the Board for the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the NAM. Throughout his tenure, he was deeply engaged in efforts to build skills programs and change the perception of modern manufacturing careers.
The NAM Board of Directors guides the association’s leadership in policy advocacy, legal action, operational excellence, workforce development and news and insights. More than 200 manufacturing leaders serve on the NAM Board, helping advance an agenda that enhances manufacturing competitiveness and the industry’s ability to improve lives in the United States and around the world.
The new board leadership was elected at the September NAM board meeting.
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $2.90 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for 53% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.