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Michigan Lean Consortium Annual Conference Presenters + Sessions

We've Never Done It This Way Starts Here!! Please watch this video and learn how the Annual Conference is setting you up for a unique learning experience!

View the Full Agenda!


Keynote Speakers

Embracing Cultural Disruption


Amy Gowder
President and Chief Executive Officer,
GE Aerospace Defense & Systems

As president and chief executive officer of GE Aviation Defense & Systems, Amy Gowder leads a $6 billion operation focused on developing and manufacturing advanced and next-generation engines as well as avionics and electric power systems for military air combat, trainer, tanker, helicopter, and marine applications as well as civil applications. With more than 26,000 engines in operation for 300 U.S. and international military customers, Amy and her team also provide service and support to ensure the fleet remains mission ready.

Amy has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the aerospace and technology industry. Prior to joining GE, she served as Chief Operating Officer for Aerojet Rocketdyne where she led the Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality & Mission Assurance, Safety, Health & Environment, and Information Technology organizations, and had oversight of 11 sites in nine states. During her 15 year tenure at Lockheed Martin, Amy held several key executive positions, such as president and general manager of Commercial Engine Solutions. As vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin’s Training and Logistics Solutions in the Rotary and Mission Systems business, she was responsible for the execution and strategic growth of the mission readiness and sustainment programs with more than 5,000 employees around the globe. Prior to Lockheed Martin, Amy worked for Accenture and specialized in Supply Chain Management for the high technology industry.

How Minds Change- The Surprising Science of Belief, Opinion and Persuasion

David McRaney
Science Journalist + creator of blog, book, and podcast “You Are Not So Smart”

Hey there, I’m David McRaney. I’m a science journalist fascinated with brains, minds, and culture.

I created the blog/book/podcast You Are Not So Smart to get a better understanding of self delusion and motivated reasoning, but I did a lot of other things before that: construction, selling leather coats, and I even owned two pet stores for a few years.

I started the blog in 2009, and it became an internationally bestselling book shortly after, now available in 17 languages. It then became a podcast that was once part of Boing Boing. On that podcast I continue to interview scientists who study the psychology of reasoning, decision-making, and judgment. 

My second book, You Are Now Less Dumb, was released in 2013, and my third book, How Minds Change was released in 2022. Also, and this is really the best part of all of this, I get to give lectures around the world about these topics.

Education Track

The White Belt Certification will be comprised of three 90-minute breakout sessions designed to introduce the origin, principles, and fundamentals of Lean from a high level. 

Wednesday AM—Bad Processes Beat Good People

Introductions | Red Bead Experiment | Start of Rules and Principles

Wednesday PM—Lean: Not What We See; But How We Think

Complete Rules and Principles | Intro to Notecard Sim – Work Cell Formation, WIP, Inventory Control

Thursday PM—One Piece, One Pace, One Place

Notecard Sim Rounds with discussion | Push v Pull, Takt Time, Visual Management, Standard Work & More! | Group Reflection / Q&A / Survey | Next steps / Lean Learning Yellow & Green Belt offering info & how to.


Josh Smith
Internal Training & Education Lead @ ZFS

Josh is currently working at ZFS as the Director of Operational Excellence. Josh has been with ZFS since early 2020. Prior to that, he worked at US Marble, where he was introduced to Lean manufacturing and helped champion Lean implementations in multiple stone and marble manufacturing plants throughout the US.

Josh graduated from Ferris State University with a BA in Science-Integrative Studies. He is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.


Jeff Zupancic,
Lean Consultant/Facilitator @ Lean Learning Center

Bringing over 30 years of consulting experience, Jeff Zupancic specializes in driving transformative growth and implementing practical solutions using lean principles. His extensive work with Fortune 150 companies at J.D. Power and Associates and his role as a facilitator at the Lean Learn Center have refined his customer-centric approach. Jeff’s ability to create strategic visions, execute detailed tactics, and leverage AI tools ensures comprehensive, adaptable solutions for diverse client requirements.


Bill Artzberger, PMP, LSSBB
Partner, Lean Learning Center

Bill has over thirty-five years’ experience in real-world senior management, including CIO, VP, President and CEO. He has worked with thousands of individuals from the boardroom to the shop floor, in virtually all sectors of industry.   He has been published dozens of times and is a co-author of the best-selling Lean book “Driving Operational Excellence” and author of “Powering the Lean Enterprise” and “Fostering Innovation”.  He is also an associate professor at Oakland University and a member of the OU Pawley Center advisory board. 

Round Table Discussion Track

Peer-to-Peer Round Tables: Dynamic Dialogues on Lean Leadership, Change Mindset, and Professional Development At our round tables, we invite you to engage in dynamic dialogues centered around principle-based lean leadership, fostering a change mindset, and advancing your professional development in Lean. These curated themes provide the foundation for structured networking, where you’ll connect with fellow practitioners, share insights, and learn from each other. Expect laser-focused learning through group discussions, where the collective wisdom of the Lean community propels us forward.

Wednesday AM—Developing Principle-Based Lean Leaders


Kaleb Foss,
Manager Continuous Improvement @ Munson Healthcare

Kaleb Foss is the Manager of Continuous Improvement for Munson Healthcare. One of Kaleb’s main purposes, that drives his work, is to develop principle-based lean leaders. He serves Munson Healthcare as an executive and leadership coach, mentor, and change manager. He has a strong passion for the development of individuals at all levels of the organization. In addition, he supports Munson Healthcare by leading the deployment of Munson Healthcare’s Operating System and empowers a core team of amazing continuous improvement professionals to make good things happen for other people through targeted strategic, project management and continuous improvement efforts.

Kaleb prides himself on spending time and supporting his FAMILY. He enjoys working weddings with his wife Emily, who is a wedding coordinator, and he as a DJ. Kaleb and Emily have two sons, Owen and Reed. They enjoy supporting and coaching them in wrestling, baseball, and football. In addition, Kaleb is a seasoned Election Official who has led over a dozen elections in Traverse City.

Wednesday PM—Mindset Change


Brian DeVries
Director, Global Business Improvement Leader | Executive Coach | Operational Excellence through Operational Experience

Brian DeVries is a global leader with over 13 years of experience in driving lean strategy and assessments within manufacturing, food processing, and distribution facilities. Industries served in his career include agriculture, office furniture, food & beverage, golf course maintenance, and insurance.  Brian is dedicated to improving lives through continuous improvement work and focuses on his core values of Happiness, Empathy and Hope.  He is married to his wife of 15 years Allison (a former MLC coordinator), and has 2 boys – Greyson (9) and William (4).  He is an avid golfer, bourbon enthusiast and an aspiring BBQ pitmaster.

Professionally, Brian has been recognized in the lean industry, having been featured on podcasts, was an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium from 2016-2020, and has spoken at various conferences, including the 2016 Lean Six Sigma World Conference where he won the Project of the Year award.  He prides himself on the people he has empowered to change their lives, and continues to look for opportunities to inspire.

Thursday PM—Professional Development and Lean


Brian Johnson
Training Specialist III @ Grand River Aseptic

Brian Johnson has a career comprised of varying industries tied to the development of individuals, as well as business goals. Brian began his career as an educator in two districts in West Michigan. Later, holding training and development roles in the mining, insurance, and box plant industries before entering the pharmaceutical industry in May of 2022. As a supervisor and operations manager, Brian focused on using proper training design and techniques to influence personal growth of individuals while accelerating business goals and overall job satisfaction amongst employees.

During the breakout session, we will explore how professional development coincides with Lean. We will use peer discussion and structured networking to focus on the challenges and successes of implementing and developing professional development in our organizations. Come prepared to share your stories and learn from each other.

Deep Dive Track

Peer-to-Peer Deep Dives: Uncover, Discuss, Triumph In the deep dives, fellow practitioners take the stage to share their project insights, battle scars, and triumphs. These sessions delve into specific topics, such as “from A3 to Kata for Communication,” “coaching across the multi-verse,” “3P and Lean in architectural design,” and more. Join us for an immersive experience as we explore these projects, dissect the challenges faced, and celebrate the victories achieved. It’s a chance to learn from real-world examples, connect with like-minded professionals, and emerge with practical takeaways to elevate your Lean practice.

Wednesday AM Dive I—From A3 to Kata for Communication


Tracy Cleveland
Vice President Supply Chain @ Munson Healthcare

Tracy Cleveland, VP Supply Chain for Munson Healthcare, and the president of the Northern Michigan Supply Alliance. 30+ years in healthcare supply chain with experience in Research, Academic Medical Centers, a Children’s specialty hospital, Trinity Health and now Munson Healthcare. Married with 3 adult children and a newly planted Traverse City, tiny vineyard.


Enda McGonigle
System Director Supply Chain @ Munson Healthcare

System Director Supply Chain at Munson Healthcare / Northern Michigan Supply Alliance. Over 30 years of supply chain experience. Qualified management accountant. Married with 2 children, 1 dog, and 2 cats. Passionate about examining current systems and processes and identifying and implementing improvements using data and metrics to track improvement.

Situation: A new System Vice president is coming in, and a long-tenured director announces their retirement. Our response/approach was new for the team. The result is a fundamentally new way to communicate and manage our projects and challenges.

Wednesday AM Dive II—Coaching to the Multi-Verse


Brian Calkins
Manager, Continuous Improvement, Americas-Solutions Development, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt @ Dematic

Brian was a trainer and A3 and 5S plant focal for Howmet Whitehall and drove shop-wide initiatives, creating a culture of safety, process improvement, and waste elimination.

From there, he was site focal for coaching and training A3 methodology, leading Kaizen events and Action Work Outs at GE Aviation. Brian also played a key role in introducing and expanding the Kata mindset to the three GE plants in the Muskegon area. Kata was the primary method used to meet and exceed goals and objectives and played a large role in achieving “World Class” status (under 2% defects) in the area he supervised. Using Kata methods and practices, the team increased our First Pass Yield by 48% over 62 days.

Also, while at GE, Brian participated in two Shingi-Jutsu Kaizen events as a team lead. The team was able to set effective standard work practices to reach and exceed expectations and goals, implement KanBan with outside suppliers both up and downstream, and develop an effective mix-model process flow.

Wednesday PM Dive I—3P and Lean in Architectural Design


Lindsay Dewey
Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Munson Healthcare

Lindsay Dewey is a Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist for Munson Healthcare and has 17 years of healthcare experience. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan. Prior to healthcare, she worked in manufacturing and consulting. She is also certified ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt and has had extensive Lean training. In her career at Munson Healthcare, Lindsay has been involved in many large facility expansion projects at Munson Medical Center (MMC), including the Cowell Family Cancer Center, the Cardiac Cath Lab, and the Surgical Services Expansion. She also facilitated 3P events for more recent and upcoming facility expansion projects around the Munson Healthcare system: the Family Birth and Children’s Center at MMC, the Regional Birthing Center at Otsego Memorial Hospital, and the Petoskey Community Health Center. She is passionate about engaging and involving staff to improve processes that optimize the patient experience. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, and her 14-year-old son, Jack. She loves watching her son play baseball, football, and basketball. Her family enjoys the northern Michigan outdoors together with their Australian Shepherd hiking, boating, and skiing. 


Penny Cox
Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Munson Healthcare

A strong foundation in women's health nursing and a passion for continuous improvement have shaped Penny’s career. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Florida, she gained a decade of experience as an obstetrics nurse. Driven by excellence, Penny pursued a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Women's Healthcare Nurse Practitioner, at Frontier Nursing University. Returning to clinical practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse in the maternity unit, Penny led impactful process improvement initiatives to improve outcomes for patients experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, neonatal hypoglycemia, and maternal sepsis among others. Now, Penny leverages her skills on a broader scale. Since joining Munson Healthcare's Continuous Improvement team in 2022, she has supported system-wide improvements across various departments. Her focus areas have included fall reduction, enhancing stroke care in the emergency department, standardizing care for pregnant trauma patients, and community health center planning.

While her professional focus is broad, Penny's passion for maternal health remains constant. She actively contributes her leadership through AWHONN and serves on the MI Maternal Mortality Review Committee, fostering better pregnancy outcomes for mothers across Michigan. When she's not advocating for advancements in healthcare, you’ll likely find Penny and her husband, Mike, cheering on their three active kids at their various sporting events or enjoying summer boating on Glen Lake.

Are you looking to improve flow, enhance efficiency, and optimize design? This deep dive explores how 3P (Production Preparation Process) and Lean principles were used to design a healthcare clinic that optimizes patient experience, workflow, and space utilization.

Wednesday PM Dive II—Leading by Example: Modeling Lean Principles in Continuous Improvement Departments

Emily Miner
Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Grand River Aseptic

Emily Miner had a varied career in public education and environmental services before joining Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing in the fall 2023. In her current role as a Continuous Improvement Specialist, Emily has spearheaded the implementation of a new strategic approach for the CI department and the redesign of the lean belt training program. Her experience as an educator has helped her distill and deliver program content to accelerate its impact on company culture.

Emily has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science, and her master’s thesis explored the application of lean management strategies to the environmental services sector. She has a strong interest in adapting lean methodology to non-traditional settings and in the dual benefits of combining lean and “green.

In this deep dive, we will analyze the ongoing transformation of a continuous improvement department into company-wide lean champions. From constructive criticism and objective self-reflection to implementing substantial changes to implement lean practices, follow one CI team’s journey to convert itself into a model of lean principles. Learn firsthand how these changes positioned them to practice what they preach, inspiring others to embrace lean thinking and drive a culture of continuous improvement.

Thursday PM Dive I—Microsoft Power Platform as a Tool for Lean Practitioners: Benefits, Challenges, and the Systemic Impacts on Culture


Lucas Apol
Continuous Improvement Specialist @ Grand River Aseptic

Over the past three years at Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing, Lucas Apol has coached 100+ individuals through impactful quality culture and departmental changes. Functioning as a Lean Champion and Senior Continuous Improvement Specialist for the organization, Lucas’s focus on innovation, safety, quality, and efficiency has successfully implemented a belted lean certification system that systemically drives cultural change. Lucas’s ability to implement key solutions in highly regulated environments, coupled with a commitment to Lean principles, positions him as a catalyst for positive change and measurable results.

Microsoft Power Platform is a valuable tool for lean practitioners - enabling waste elimination, simplifying communication, and helping as an improvement kata coaching tool. The Power Platform is applicable across various business processes on the shop floor and beyond. This demonstration will showcase custom applications created with multiple departments, providing insights into the problems the apps addressed and the challenges encountered during implementation. As with any tool, achieving excellent results with Power Platform depends on the systems and behaviors wielding it. Come learn the lessons of our Power Platform implementation - the benefits, the challenges, and the obstacles.

Thursday PM Dive II—Break Down the Silos: Supporting Change Management with a Proactive Process


Michael Goodrich
Senior Supplier Quality Engineer @ Consumers Energy

Michael is currently a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer at Consumers Energy.  He has 20 years of experience as a quality professional, beginning at a US subsidiary of Toyota, and trained in the Toyota Production System. Later Michael returned to MSU as Quality Engineer for the project team delivering the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB). He spent 10 years at FRIB working with global teams of engineers & scientist, contributing to successful completion of the nearly $1Billion Dept of Energy project in 2022.

Michael has an Engineering degree from MSU, is a practitioner of Lean and recently completed the MLC & DemingNEXT Lean Learning Alliance training with Sergent Results Group.

The Supplier Quality team at Consumers Energy recently launched a new methodology to support change management within the supply chain. This standardized approach for new materials, substitute products, or brand new manufacturers had not been in prior practice. Michael will share the background behind this new approach, explain challenges along the way, and reveal the software Consumers is utilizing to facilitate the process.


Jody Tupper
Principal Supplier Quality Engineer @ Consumers Energy

Jody is currently a Principal Supplier Quality Engineer at Consumers Energy.  He has 28 years of experience as a quality professional, beginning at a US subsidiary of Toyota and training in the Toyota Production System.

Later Jody joined Consumers Energy as part of the Lean Office, Quality Manager for 4 years with the Appliance Service Plan and the last 4 years in Supply Chain.

Jody has a Metallurgical Engineering degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia.

Keynote Speaker Track

Wednesday AM—Psychological Safety as a Foundation for Continuous Improvement


Mark Graban
Consultant, Author (“The Mistakes That Make Us"), Speaker, Coach, Podcaster, Senior Advisor to KaiNexus

Mark Graban is an internationally-recognized consultant, published author, professional speaker, blogger, podcaster, and entrepreneur.

He builds upon a deep education in engineering and management with practical experience working with executives and frontline employees in multiple industries. He synthesizes and practices approaches, including Lean management, continuous improvement, statistical methods, and people-centered leadership to cultivate psychological safety and employee engagement.

Mark helps others learn how to improve and sustain performance. In his healthcare work, this means improving the quality of care and patient safety while reducing cost and improving the workplace experience. Across multiple sectors, goals also include improving the customer (or patient) experience, helping develop leaders and employees, and building more robust, adaptive organizations for the long term.

He has learned, practiced, and taught these methodologies in settings including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology startups, working independently since 2010. Mark often works in partnership with other consulting groups on larger engagements. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the technology and software company KaiNexus and has a small equity stake.

Wednesday PM—Bridging Academia and Industry-Experiential Learning for Tomorrow’s Leaders


Lisa Eshbach, PhD
Professor, College of Business, Ferris State University

Lisa Eshbach is a faculty member at Ferris State University (FSU), where she teaches Leadership, Lean Systems, and Strategic Management. She has facilitated over 160 student team experiential lean projects, partnering with both profit and non-profit organizations through her Lean Systems courses. Her teaching focuses on equipping students with the essential tools and skill sets needed to navigate the diverse challenges of the modern workplace.

Before joining FSU, Lisa amassed 13 years of industry experience at Ford Motor Company and Visteon Corporation. In these roles, she served as a coach, project manager, and senior manufacturing engineer, implementing lean principles to boost productivity and profitability in both office and manufacturing settings through targeted process improvement initiatives.


Dennis L. Wade
Director, Pawley Lean Institute, Adjunct Professor, Oakland University

As director of the Pawley Lean Institute at Oakland University, Dennis oversees the sharing of lean thinking concepts and practices to create leaders and learners in the university, public and private sectors, and the community. He also teaches as an adjunct professor in Oakland University’s Human Resource Development program. Previously, he was a director at AT&T for nearly 35 years in sales and service positions. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (including journalism as a double major). In addition, he was corporately sponsored as a candidate for the Michigan State University Advanced Management Program, for which he received his Master of Business Administration as the youngest graduate in his class.

Thursday PM—Igniting Collective Learning


Toni Racco Benner
Chief Difference Maker, Racco + Associates Inc.

Toni Benner has been teaching with Nexus as a Lean Healthcare and Kata for Daily Improvement instructor since 2009. Throughout her career, Toni has studied, developed, and explored an interest in Lean systems improvement and human development. She has leveraged Kata in her work across various industries, including non-profit, healthcare, and automotive.

As a scholar-practitioner in the Doctorate of Organizational Development and Change program at Bowling Green State University, Toni’s research focuses on approaches to foster engagement, inclusivity, and widespread change within teams. Through the Fowler Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit, she serves as Director of Creativity and Partnership in the Just Conversations program, aimed at actualizing social justice within public service industries to enhance well-being and ignite growth within individuals, organizations, and communities.

In an ever-changing world, the one constant is change itself. Like those we serve, as Lean practitioners, we are asked to continuously learn and grow. This interactive workshop provides an open format for practicing critical skills of inquiry, listening, reflection, and storytelling in ways that seed collective learning. Engage with us to shine a light on the social side of socio-technical systems improvement and find the edge to differentiate your practice. This experiential activity is designed to foster self-reflection, active listening for insights, and storytelling to represent the generativity of diversity of thought.

The experience illuminates the power of connection and interactions in navigating change.

Morning Yoga


Kennith Scott
HeartMath Certified; NeuroChangeSolutions Consultant

Ken serves as a coach, trainer and speaker. He has worked with all levels of an organization from senior executive VPs, to individuals adding value for the customer. He has a deep desire to help individuals evolve themselves to higher levels of performance and enjoyment. This empowers them to change themselves and contribute to changing their organization from the inside out.

Ken is trained by Dr. Joe Dispensa to deliver his ground braking work in the Neuroscience and Biology of change. Having practiced this work since 2012, Ken leverages his personal experience to ensure the content is relatable to everyone he works with.

Ken is also certified by the HeartMath Institute to teach individuals how to create and sustain an optimal state of being.


Jessica Merwin
Owner, New Moon Yoga LLC

Jessica Merwin is a U.S. War Veteran, Kundalini Yoga Instructor, Accredited HeartMath® Mentor, and current owner of New Moon Yoga LLC in Traverse City, Michigan. She teaches the ancient technologies of Kundalini Yoga and the new science of HeartMath® Heart Coherence to bring the body into a state of harmony.

Since 2003 she has dedicated herself to life transformation and has been exploring and teaching healing modalities such as yoga, heart coherence, and meditation. She knows the powerful shifts that this work has brought into her life and is eager to share this passion with others. She steps forward with enthusiasm, clarity, and commitment to help others become the best version of themselves. Jessica offers clear and specific practices delivered in approachable ways with scientific data reflecting much of the effectiveness of the techniques.

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