Dr. Debra Volzer Director of Governments and Workforce Partnerships As the Director of Governments and Workforce Partnerships, I lead national and state strategies to expand the reach and impact of SME’s workforce development goals. With over 15 years of experience collaborating with government agencies at various levels, I align workforce needs across sectors, and I have spent more than 25 years working with higher education to develop relevant programming that serves historically resilient populations. What inspires me to drive change in workforce development daily is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially for those facing employment barriers. I believe in the power of collaboration among education, industry, and government to transform opportunities and strengthen communities, ultimately bridging gaps and promoting economic mobility. In my current role at SME, I influence the future of manufacturing by driving workforce development strategies that meet current and emerging industry needs. I collaborate with national and state partners to develop and implement programs that equip individuals with the advanced skills required in modern manufacturing. By aligning educational curricula with industry innovations and creating accessible pathways for diverse talent, my work shapes a workforce prepared for today’s challenges and poised to lead in the future of manufacturing. Recently, I architected and launched the Manufacturing Imperative – Workforce Pipeline Challenge, partnering with 25 colleges across 17 states to create and deploy bold, innovative solutions that increase manufacturing talent and drive economic mobility for individuals.