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Leadership for the Next Era of Manufacturing: From Lean Foundations to Smart Industry

The Fujio Cho Leadership Lecture Series is a flagship initiative of the University of Kentucky that convenes leaders from across the manufacturing ecosystem for high-level dialogue on innovation, leadership, and transformation.

This inaugural event establishes a long-term platform to:

  • Advance manufacturing leadership and thought exchange
  • Strengthen industry–university collaboration
  • Connect students and emerging talent with real-world leadership challenges
  • Position the University of Kentucky as a national hub for manufacturing innovation

Strategic Partnership

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to manufacturing excellence and workforce development between the University of Kentucky and Toyota Motor North America.

Together, this collaboration advances:

  • Leadership in production systems and operational excellence
  • Innovation in manufacturing processes and technologies
  • Development of industry-ready talent

The Future of Manufacturing: Lean Thinking in a Digital World

2026 Theme

This year’s focus examines how Lean principles continue to drive performance, while digital technologies—data systems, automation, and intelligent processes—reshape what is possible in modern manufacturing.

Reserve your spot!

Student holding robot controller

One Voice One System


Welcome Remarks

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Renfro

Interim Dean, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, University of Kentucky

Mike Renfro

Michael Renfro

 

Topics

Scaling Manufacturing Excellence through Innovation, AI, and Operational Discipline

&

Building Kentucky's AI-driven manufacturing innovation ecosystem through university-industry partnerships.

 

Randy Carr

Randy Carr President and Chief Executive Officer, World Emblem

Ian McClure

Ian McClure Vice President for Innovation, UK HealthCare; Associate Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Impact, University of Kentucky

Panel 1 Speakers

Jeff Stryker

Jeff Stryker Owner and Operator, Chick-fil-A Turfland & Nicholasville Road

Neil Thornbury

Neil Thornbury Chief Executive Officer, T.J. Regional Health

 

 

Topic

Cross-Industry Leadership Lessons: Applying insights from healthcare and service industries to advance operational excellence, servant leadership, and people development in manufacturing.

Panel 2 Speakers

 

 

Topic

Digital transformation, resilient supply chains, workforce development, organizational change, and AI.

Tonya Jackson

Tonya Jackson Former Senior Vice President, Lexmark International, Inc.

Jeannetta Burbridge McNeill

Jeannetta Burbridge McNeill Former Worldwide Supply Chain Management & Manufacturing Professional at Lexmark International and Delphi Automotive Systems

Panel 3 Speakers

David Parsley Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Lean Systems Engineering Technology, University of Kentucky

Laura Hunt

Laura Hunt Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Bluegrass Community and Technical College

 

 

Topic

Industry–education partnerships, workforce pathways, experiential learning, and preparing the next generation of manufacturing leaders.

Executive Fireside Conversation

 

 

Topic

Leading the Future of Manufacturing: Integrating Lean Leadership, Engineering Excellence, and Smart Industry

Kevin P. Voelkel

Kevin P. Voelkel Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, Toyota Motor North America

Susann Kazunas

Susann Kazunas Group Vice President and Executive Engineering Officer, Toyota Motor North America


Agenda

The inaugural program features two executive keynote presentations, three moderated cross-sector leadership panels, an executive Toyota fireside conversation, and a concluding Executive Leadership Forum that brings all speakers together for audience engagement.

Check Out Full Agenda

Gatton Student Center – Ballrooms B & C

University of Kentucky
160 Avenue of Champions
Lexington, KY 40508

Thursday, November 5, 2026

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Networking Reception to Follow)
 

Contact

For event inquiries, partnerships, or additional information

Sandra Dunn
TrueLean@uky.edu 
or
8592574886
 

 


Why Attend

  • Engage with industry and executive leaders
  • Explore the intersection of Lean and Smart Manufacturing
  • Build connections across industry, academia, and government
  • Gain insights on workforce transformation and leadership

Bringing together influential leaders from

  • Industry
  • Government
  • Academia
  • Leading manufacturing organizations

Program Highlights

  • Lean as a leadership system in the digital era
  • Integration of Toyota Production System (TPS) with smart technologies
  • Workforce transformation and leadership development

Who Should Attend

  • Industry leaders & professionals
  • Manufacturing engineers & managers
  • Students in engineering and technology
  • Workforce & economic development partners

Join us for a flagship leadership experience!

1 Reserve your spot

2 Connect with industry leaders

3 Be part of the future of manufacturing

logos for toyota, Et department, and UK innovate