Remembering Jim Manley

Jim Manley learned about Lean and systems thinking during his time working at the General Motors/Toyota NUMMI plant. He got to meet and work with Dr. W. Edwards Deming during this time. He worked the rest of his life teaching, coaching, consulting, and sharing Lean systems thinking with everyone he met. His personal mantra was RICTA, Reach Influence Cause To Act.

MLC Chairman and BOD Member

Jim served as Chairman of the Board of directors for the Michigan Lean Consortium for four years. His vision for the MLC was growing Michigan business and government through the sharing of Lean practice. Jim also served as the Managing Director of the Demmer Center for Business Transformation at Michigan State University. At MSU he led cohorts of students in his Lean apprenticeship program to provide the students with practical knowledge of Lean application.

The Jim Manley Scholarship

The Jim Manley Scholarship was created in his honor to continue Jim’s legacy of engaging college students in learning and applying Lean systems thinking. The scholarship will open annually for applicants on March 16, Jim’s Birthday. Recipients of the scholarship will be able to use the funds for expenses related to attending the MLC annual conference, as well as tuition.

Apply for the Jim Manley Scholarship