Strategic hires target technology’s impact on Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics innovation and talent
INDIANAPOLIS (October 1, 2018) Conexus Indiana announced today the appointment of two senior executives to join its leadership team and support the organization’s strategic initiatives focused on new opportunities for the technology-enabled advanced manufacturing and logistics industries.
Elizabeth Hagerman, Ph.D., formerly vice president for Rose-Hulman Ventures at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, joins as chief innovation and strategy officer, and Bradley Rhorer, formerly senior manager of human resources at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), joins as chief talent programs officer.
Hagerman will lead Conexus Indiana’s work to support Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries’ integration of next-generation technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence, electrification and 3D printing, for increased productivity and business growth. Rhorer will develop and direct programs that support secondary and post-secondary students, as well as adult workers, to succeed in an evolving technologically advanced industry sector.
“Our organization focuses on serving the advanced manufacturing and logistics industries as they embrace new opportunities and emerging technologies,” said J. Mark Howell, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “Elizabeth and Brad bring the expertise to shape and direct Conexus Indiana’s efforts to ensure Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries build on their global leadership position. I am thrilled that two seasoned professionals of Elizabeth and Brad’s caliber are joining us at this transformative time.”
At Rose-Hulman Ventures, Hagerman led a unique model in higher education that brings together staff and students with technology-based companies to design prototypes, refine the design of existing products, and expand current engineering capabilities. Prior to Rose-Hulman Ventures, she spent five years with Baxter Healthcare working with physicians, medical affairs, research & development and marketing teams on new products in the regenerative medicine space. Hagerman was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “Forty Under 40” class in 2018, and holds a doctorate and master’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Rhorer’s career at SIA spans more than 25 years, starting with experience working on the production assembly line. He held positions of increasing leadership through his most recent role leading all HR operations and serving as manufacturing liaison for more than 5,000 employees at the Lafayette, Ind. plant. Rhorer was instrumental in developing major programs to address talent needs at SIA. He is also a member of the Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, a new group created during the 2018 legislative session to assess and realign Indiana’s workforce development programs and services. Rhorer is widely recognized in both the public sector and manufacturing industry for his expertise in workforce development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management of human resources from Bellevue University and an associate’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision from Purdue University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from Western Governors University.
About Conexus Indiana
For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana, one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) non-profit initiatives, has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to invest, employ and succeed. By collaborating with industry, academic and public sector partners on a shared vision for an innovative, skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana has helped to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepare Hoosiers to succeed in the state’s largest industry sectors and maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage. For more information, go to www.ConexusIndiana.com.