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Former NAM Board Chair Jim Fitterling has been appointed executive chair of the Board of Dow Inc.—“an important leadership transition for the iconic manufacturer,” the NAM said yesterday.

A leader on policy: “Jim is a leader of substance and integrity—clear in his direction, consistent in his approach and deeply committed to the people and communities that power manufacturing,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

• “As NAM Board chair, he helped strengthen the association’s impact and build consensus across the industry around a competitiveness agenda that is delivering results—from historic tax reform implementation to regulatory modernization and a growing consensus around permitting reform as essential to unlocking investment, jobs and growth in America.”

A leader on workforce: “Jim’s imprint on America’s future has extended well beyond policy. He has been a driving force behind efforts to inspire the next generation of manufacturers,” Timmons continued.

• “Through his leadership, the Creators Wanted campaign became the most successful workforce initiative in modern manufacturing history—reaching millions of students, parents and educators and changing perceptions about careers in our industry. He approached that work with a straightforward message: if you want to design, build and create, manufacturing offers that opportunity.”
• “He carried that same commitment into his strong support for the Manufacturing Institute as a respected advocate for bringing one’s authentic self to the workplace, helping broaden the impact of the MI in developing talent and opening doors for more Americans to pursue careers in modern manufacturing.”

A lasting record: “Jim leaves behind a stronger Dow, a more competitive manufacturing industry and meaningful progress in building the workforce that will define the future of manufacturing in the United States. On a personal level, he has been a trusted partner, counselor and a leader who consistently pushed for excellence and results on behalf of manufacturers.”

New leadership: “As we continue our historic charge with Jim as an Executive Committee member of the NAM, manufacturers congratulate Karen Carter on being named CEO of Dow,” Timmons concluded.

• “Karen is a proven and accomplished leader, and we look forward to working with her as she builds on Dow’s momentum and continues advancing manufacturing in the United States and around the world.”