Volume 28 | Issue 1
Carolyn Lee’s path to becoming the Executive Director and President of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the 501c(3) workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, was shaped by a deep-rooted family connection to manufacturing, a career in public service, and a commitment to building teams and empowering others. Her story is one of legacy, leadership, and a dedication to strengthen the workforce that drives American industry forward.
Manufacturing is more than a career for Carolyn, it’s part of her DNA. Her grandfather, a machinist, worked in manufacturing during the pre-World War II era and her grandparents met at a global watch manufacturer’s factory outside New York City. This family heritage instilled in Carolyn a profound respect for manufacturing, its vital role in society and helped shape her view of service.
Her father also carried on the family’s legacy. He owned a screw machine business when Carolyn was young. The business provided for their family and gave Carolyn a firsthand view of the challenges and rewards of running a small manufacturing operation. She joined her father in the shop doing small jobs, gaining early, hands-on experience with the precision and dedication the industry demands. Watching him manage the business and navigate the industry gave her a deep appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and the critical role that small manufacturers play in the broader industrial ecosystem.
Early in her career, Carolyn worked on Capitol Hill, working first in the U.S. House of Representatives and then in the U.S. Senate. During that time she saw firsthand how legislative policy shapes workforce development, and families. Serving as staff for former U.S. Representative Sue Kelly (NY), who was the Republican chair of the Congressional Women’s Caucus, reinforced the importance of building networks, coalitions and community.
While in the office of U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (ME), one of her most memorable and formative experiences was working on the partially funded child tax credit, which was part of the 2001 tax law. It was the first piece of legislation she worked on that was enacted and it would go on to provide thousands of families with additional support.
Her experience in Congress also gave her insight into the unique challenges women face in entering industries that are mostly male dominated, where the lack of role models can become a barrier. She recalls Rep. Kelly often sharing how she was encouraged by others to run for office—a push that was and is often necessary for women seeking leadership roles. That lesson of needing allies and sponsors resonated deeply with Carolyn and became a guiding principle in her work at the MI, where she champions initiatives to support women in manufacturing and to reduce barriers to opportunities for all.
When the Executive Director position opened at the Manufacturing Institute, Carolyn initially hadn’t considered herself for the role. It took a suggestion from Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, and chair of the MI Board of Directors, for her to consider the opportunity to make an impact via programs instead of policy. His encouragement pushed her to step into a position where she could make a transformative impact on the industry.
When she first stepped into the role, the MI was a small organization of just eight people, working on several projects but without a clear strategic plan or vision. Under her leadership, the MI has grown dramatically in scale and reach. Today, the MI has become a trusted advisor for manufacturing employers – powering solutions to build and strengthen the workforce needs of today and prepare the talent needed for the future. The organization is doing this by creating initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and address industry-wide challenges.
The MI’s success, however, is not Carolyn’s alone. Through her leadership she has empowered the dedicated teams working alongside her to think big and deliver impact. Together, they have transformed the MI into a national leader in workforce development, driving solutions that strengthen individuals, businesses and communities.
The MI’s flagship initiatives, including FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education), Heroes MAKE America, Women MAKE America, and its Student Engagement efforts, are expanding access to manufacturing careers and fostering a skilled talent pipeline. The MI also works with regions and communities to build new workforce development pipelines and develop new solutions.
During her tenure, the MI took over management of FAME. Originally founded by Toyota but then entrusted to the MI in 2019, FAME trains individuals for advanced manufacturing careers through a combination of paid, hands on work experience and classroom instruction. The program is widely regarded for producing highly skilled graduates who are ready to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. FAME has scaled nationally, offering a proven model for building a skilled talent pipeline.
Recognizing the untapped potential of transitioning service members, in 2018, the MI launched Heroes MAKE America, a training and certification program that helps veterans and active-duty personnel transition into manufacturing careers. The program offers industry-specific training, career coaching, and connections to manufacturing employers.
Carolyn has been a champion for increasing female representation in manufacturing. Women MAKE America is elevating role models while creating mentorship networks and career development opportunities. The initiative aims to inspire more women to pursue and thrive in manufacturing careers by highlighting role models and fostering a community so that the next generation of women can see themselves in modern manufacturing. And in doing so, we can close the skills gap hindering manufacturing’s continued growth.
To address the need for a future-ready workforce, the MI has strengthened its student engagement tools, promoting manufacturing careers to young people through hands-on experiences, industry tours, and classroom resources. By sparking interest in manufacturing careers early, the MI is helping to cultivate the next generation of manufacturing talent.
At the heart of Carolyn’s MI leadership is the belief that manufacturing is about people— strengthening individuals and, by extension, their families and communities. She recognizes that workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs, it’s about creating opportunities for growth and stability.
As she continues to lead the MI, Carolyn remains driven by the same values that brought her into public service: making a tangible impact through thoughtful leadership and a commitment to building a stronger, more dynamic manufacturing workforce. Her story is a reminder that meaningful change comes from persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to take on challenges, even the unexpected ones.
About the Author:
Carolyn Lee is the president and executive director of the Manufacturing Institute, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. Since 2017, she has guided the MI’s growth and evolution, expanding its impact nationwide to strengthen the manufacturing workforce.
A champion for the industry’s future, Lee is passionate about the MI’s work to tap into new talent pools and change perceptions of manufacturing careers so that every potential worker sees the opportunity for a family-supporting, rewarding career.
Parts of the MI portfolio include the Women MAKE America initiative, which empowers and elevates women in manufacturing to create role models and opportunities for the next generation, and the Heroes MAKE America initiative, which builds military-to-manufacturing pathways for veterans and transitioning service members. She is also committed to engaging students and fostering excitement for manufacturing careers.
Through these and other initiatives, including apprenticeships, she works to close the industry’s talent gap and build a strong pipeline of skilled workers.
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