Catherine ‘Cat’ Ross is an industry advocate focusing on multi-sector harmonization to develop and maintain a globally competitive United States workforce. As Director of Community Engagement, Cat leads AMT outreach initiatives to strengthen stakeholder relationships and amplify the industry's voice through community events, specialty programs, and AMT members, who drive AMT’s impact. Cat organizes purpose-driven programs at IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show to enable inclusive communities of practice and expand the industry’s workforce: Elevate – Women Make Manufacturing Move and the Smartforce Student Summit, which attracted over 15,000 professionals, educators, and students most recently at IMTS 2024. Cat is a two-term member of the Women in Manufacturing Education Foundation's board of directors. She became Board Secretary in April 2025.
The future of manufacturing isn’t about technology alone—it’s about the people who make it work. This panel unpacks the collision of tech, skills, and business in a landscape that demands efficiency and growth. Hear how leaders in HR, operations, and IIoT are using technology to empower workers, boost efficiency, and deliver real results. We’ll discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead—and how to navigate them for a future that works for everyone
Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Catherine.
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