A Voice for the Future of Manufacturing in the U.S.

Jay Timmons is president and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, the largest manufacturing association in the United States. Representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and every state, the NAM is the trusted voice for the 13 million men and women who make things in America.

As one of the most experienced leaders of a national business association, Jay has earned a reputation as a visionary—someone CEOs and policymakers alike turn to for insight on the challenges ahead and the leadership to meet them. Under Jay’s direction, the NAM has helped manufacturers not just keep pace with the future, but shape it.

Grounded by Values, Guided by Purpose

At the heart of Jay’s leadership are the NAM’s foundational values: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. These principles have anchored the NAM’s agenda and its biggest victories.

Since assuming the role of President and CEO in 2011, Jay has more than doubled the organization’s revenue, expanded its reach and led the charge on nearly every major policy achievement for the industry—including the 2017 tax reforms, a modernized U.S.–Mexico–Canada trade agreement, sweeping regulatory reforms, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.

Building a Platform for the Industry’s Future

Jay has transformed the NAM into a one-stop shop for manufacturers—leading in advocacy, legal action, operational excellence and workforce development. He’s strengthened the NAM’s influence by creating and expanding key platforms, including:

• NAM Legal Center: the leading advocate for manufacturers in the courts
• NAM Issue Advocacy Campaigns: developed to score more policy wins for manufacturers
• Manufacturing Leadership Council: helping leaders harness AI and digital transformation
• Innovation Research Interchange: driving breakthrough thinking in R&D since 1938

These efforts have cemented the NAM’s role as the go-to resource for manufacturers preparing for what’s next.

A Force Behind a Stronger Workforce

As manufacturers confront a historic skills gap, Jay has made workforce development a cornerstone of the NAM’s strategy. Serving as chairman of the board of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the NAM’s nonprofit affiliate, he has helped grow the MI into the preeminent authority on manufacturing talent and education.

Since 2011, the MI has launched initiatives that connect veterans to careers, elevate women in manufacturing, train the next generation through work-based learning, and inspire students and parents to see manufacturing as a career of purpose and promise.

These efforts—including the Creators Wanted Tour—have become national models, helping thousands find their path in manufacturing and helping employers close the talent gap.

Championing a National Manufacturing Strategy

Jay is now spearheading the NAM’s five-point plan for a comprehensive U.S. manufacturing strategy, focused on:

1. Making the 2017 tax reforms permanent and more competitive
2. Rebalancing the regulatory system
3. Expediting permitting reform to unleash energy potential
4. Strengthening the modern manufacturing workforce
5. Advancing a commonsense trade policy

This bold agenda aims to cement America’s leadership as the world’s manufacturing superpower.

Respected Across the Aisle, Recognized Across the Country

Trusted by leaders of both parties, Jay has served on major federal advisory boards and earned national recognition. Honors include:

• Washingtonian’s 500 Most Influential People (2022, 2024, 2025)
• Bryce Harlow Business–Government Relations Award
• Association Executive of the Year (Association TRENDS)
• Business Citizen Award (Friends of Adam Smith Foundation)
• Business Leadership Award (The Fund for American Studies)
• Trade Association CEO of the Year (CEO Update)

Jay previously served on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and has long been active in public service and civic leadership.

Rooted in Community, Committed to Service

Jay’s leadership is shaped by his roots in Chillicothe, Ohio, where his grandfather spent four decades at the Mead paper plant. He understands firsthand the power of manufacturing to raise the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.

Before becoming NAM president and CEO, Jay held senior roles at the NAM and served as chief of staff to then-Gov. and Sen. George Allen. He led the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2004 and began his career as a press secretary on Capitol Hill. He attended The Ohio State University.

Jay and his husband, Rick Olson, are passionate advocates for families and children. Their legal battle for parental rights led to “Jacob’s Law” in Virginia, ensuring protections for families formed through surrogacy.

Jay also led the transformation of the Washington, D.C., Humane Society into the Humane Rescue Alliance. He and Rick reside in Virginia with their three children—Catherine, Ellie and Jacob—and a lively crew of rescue animals.