The Conexus Team
Abby Alter
Manager, Research and Impact
Email: aalter@conexusindiana.com
As Manager of Research and Impact, Abby executes projects associated with acceleration and growth of AML industries throughout Indiana. She works to build relationships across a group of peers and executives within corporate, academic, government, community and non-profit sectors to gather and analyze information to inform key stakeholders.
Most recently, Abby served on the Conexus team as Manager of Skills Alignment. In her role, she guided K-16 talent programming, connecting students and educators with AML stakeholders (regional AML ambassador program) and Conexus Student Industries. Prior to joining Conexus, Abby served as a co-instructor and research assistant for the Department of Health and Human Sciences at IUPUI.
Abby earned a bachelor’s degree in Tourism Management from IUPUI. She is currently obtaining her master’s in tourism research and furthering her skills in predictive data analysis via statistical programming, evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making (DDDM) principles. Abby is passionate for continuous learning to understand today’s social, political and economic opportunities and challenges.
Bryce Carpenter
Chief Operating and Strategy Officer
Email: bcarpenter@conexusindiana.com
As Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, Bryce supports the organization’s robust network of industry, public-sector and higher education stakeholders as they identify and activate the most impactful projects for industry growth.
Prior to joining Conexus Indiana, Bryce spent more than 10 years in business development, fundraising, marketing and communications for the Marion County Republican Central Committee (MCRCC). He most recently worked as the Executive Director for the MCRCC in Indianapolis, creating and executing individually tailored campaign platforms and grassroots strategies, and partnering with the Indianapolis City-County Council, State Legislature, and Mayor’s office on advance issues and legislation. Within the Committee, he previously held the position of Communication and Political Director where he managed press relations and volunteer programs.
Bryce holds a Bachelor of Arts from Centre College, Danville, Ky., where he majored in Government and minored in History.
Bryce Carpenter
Chief Operating and Strategy Officer
Guillermo Guillen
Manager, Adult Programs
Email: gguillen@conexusindiana.com
A 28-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps with additional experience in the private sector, Guillermo has spent much of his career focused on training and process improvement.
Joining Conexus Indiana in July of 2021, Guillermo came from the manufacturing and orientation training department at Subaru of Indiana (SIA), where he helped employees gain basic skills and learn about standard work and safety processes in the manufacturing environment. Previously, the fluent Spanish speaker led and trained employees at two Nevada aircraft-maintenance firms, DynCorp International and L3 Vertex.
Guillermo holds a number of certifications, including a Green Belt in Process Improvement Management in Lean and Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints, as has undertaken extensive training in supply chain management. While with the Marine Corps, he put his expertise to work as lead maintenance production supervisor of a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron, an aircraft component repair facility supporting seven fixed-wing squadrons and processing more than 900 components each month. In that role, he implemented Theory of Constraint/Lean Six Sigma methodologies to produce an 80% reduction in awaiting parts and component runaround time.
Ryan Henderson
Senior Director, Innovation
Email: rhenderson@conexusindiana.com
Ryan advances Conexus’ Industry 4.0 programs, which support Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics companies with technology adoption and digital transformation to drive productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability. He is passionate about emerging technologies and research, and strives to lead innovative collaborations between industry, academia and the public sector to accelerate the fourth industrial revolution.
Ryan joined Conexus Indiana from Techstars, where he helped manage The Heritage Group Accelerator Powered by Techstars. During the program, Ryan helped 10 hardtech startups grow from early-stage to venture-backed companies. He engaged founders in Techstars intensive 3-month accelerator programming, which included working closely with 12 global network partners, the corporate partner (The Heritage Group & Heritage Group Ventures), over 85 mentors, and the Techstars associate team.
Before Techstars, Ryan worked at Current, Chicago’s water innovation hub. He helped build pilot projects and ran various events to accelerate the adoption of innovative water technologies. Most notably, Ryan supported the implementation of H2NOW Chicago, a first-of-its-kind pilot project that provides real-time water quality data from the Chicago River to the general public.
Ryan holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Illinois University, and a master’s degree in sustainability management from DePaul University.
Ryan Henderson
Senior Director, Innovation
Jordan Isaacs
Senior Director, Growth
Email: jisaacs@Conexusindiana.com
Jordan Isaacs serves as the Senior Director of Growth at Conexus Indiana, where he is dedicated to developing an active, engaged and diverse network of manufacturing and logistics executives for the Conexus Indiana Advanced Industries Council and Board of Directors. In this role, he oversees fundraising strategies and initiatives aimed at driving economic development within Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) sectors. His efforts include building partnerships with public sector agencies and supporting company targeting and recruitment initiatives.
Previously, Jordan worked with TechPoint, another initiative under the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, where he focused on fundraising for tech startups, scaleups and tech-enabled companies. He also managed partnerships with state and federal agencies, government bodies and technology councils. Throughout his career, which includes roles at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the United States Senate, Jordan has established a strong track record of creating and nurturing partnerships, driving revenue and engaging the business community across various industries.
He holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Indiana State University.
Ben Klein
Project Coordinator – Apprentice
Email: bklein@conexusindiana.com
Ben Klein joined the Conexus Indiana team through the Modern Youth Apprenticeship program and serves as a project coordinator. In this role, Ben collaborates with multiple teams within Conexus and participates in working groups for various events and projects. He also gathers data from public sources and external partners, tracks project activities and milestones, creates and modifies databases and helps drive continuous improvement within internal operations.
Now a junior at North Central High School, Ben was in the top 10% of his class academically through his first two years. He is also involved with multiple community organizations, including as a volunteer for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and as captain of the junior varsity volleyball team.
Outside of school, Ben is also the founder/sole proprietor of Lawn and Order, a lawn care company that he started in April 2020. In this role, he leads business development and sales and marketing while maintaining long-term business-client relationships.
After completing high school, Ben’s goal is to pursue a business-related degree in college.
Ben Klein
Project Coordinator – Apprentice
Brooke Lambert
Manager, Industry Partnerships
Email: blambert@conexusindiana.com
As the Manager of Industry Partnerships, Brooke executes projects associated with the acceleration and growth of AML industries throughout Indiana. She supports the Advanced Industries Council, assists with project management and documentation and coordinates with external stakeholders. Brooke is passionate about community engagement and fostering strong relationships.
Most recently, Brooke worked as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Butler University. In this role she worked in the Career and Professional Success office alongside the Employer Relations team managing a micro-internship platform that connected students and employers for project-based work. Before this, Brooke was a Fellow, splitting her time between Butler University and Ice Miller LLP.
Brooke holds both a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Management from Butler University.
Mitch Landess
Vice President, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Email: mlandess@conexusindiana.com
Mitch Landess serves as Conexus Indiana’s Vice President of Innovation and Digital Transformation. Mitch joined Conexus after more than 17 years as a member of the leadership team at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Rose-Hulman Ventures – the institute’s revenue-generating enterprise that serves engineering clients and provides student internships and real-world work experiences. Mitch started his career as a control systems engineer and operations team member for the startup of the $438-million Wabash River Gasification Repowering Project.
At Conexus Indiana, Mitch uses that experience to develop pathways to digital transformation for advanced manufacturing and logistics firms.
Mitch holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.
Mitch Landess
Vice President, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Ian Mangan
Senior Manager, Digital Media
Email: imangan@Conexusindiana.com
Ian Mangan serves as Conexus Indiana’s Senior Manager of Digital Media. In this role, he manages the digital media, growth and strategic aspects of Conexus’ external marketing efforts to promote organizational offerings, programs and campaigns through social media, content creation, email marketing campaigns and website management. Ian also handles graphic design and multimedia production through the creation of design deliverables, brand collateral, web imaging and video storytelling.
Prior to joining Conexus, Ian served in the marketing department at Wessler Engineering, an Indianapolis-based civil engineering firm. In this role, Ian oversaw the digital marketing efforts to promote the firm’s capabilities through social media, creating digital and print advertisements, website content and performance management and written and digital content.. Ian has a diverse digital marketing background, serving on marketing teams in the material handling and logistics fields with Storage Solutions and Spot Freight where he gained preliminary knowledge of advanced manufacturing and logistics.
Ian is a graduate of Butler University, holding a bachelor’s degree in strategic communications.
PJ McGrew
Senior Vice President, Talent Strategy and Programming
Email: pmcgrew@Conexusindiana.com
PJ McGrew serves as Conexus Indiana’s Senior Vice President of Talent Strategy and Programming. In his role, PJ will lead all Conexus Indiana programs designed to educate, inform development and inspire talent to create a motivated and prepared workforce pipeline for the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics industries. He will also play a significant role in supporting the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway.
Prior to joining Conexus, PJ focused on advancing INvestEd’s partnerships with educational institutions, employers, community organizations and government agencies. He was instrumental in enhancing brand visibility and collaborating with the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) to support INvestEd’s mission.
After working nearly a decade in state government, PJ played a central role in shaping Indiana’s workforce policies. Under Governor Eric Holcomb, he became the inaugural Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, an entity he worked with the Indiana General Assembly to establish in 2018. He then emerged as Indiana’s leading voice on bridging the education-to-workforce pipeline, gaining national recognition for his efforts.
PJ holds a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Indiana University and remains dedicated to fostering innovative solutions that drive meaningful educational and workforce outcomes.
PJ McGrew
Senior Vice President, Talent Strategy and Programming
Patrick O’Neill
Project Manager, Research
Email: poneill@Conexusindiana.com
As Project Manager of Research, Patrick O’Neill is responsible for overseeing and coordinating projects aimed at driving impact in the advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) sectors and the state of Indiana. He executes research projects associated with the acceleration and growth of AML industries throughout the state.
Patrick is driven by a passion for economic development and problem-solving, with a proven track record of fostering community and economic growth through innovative and collaborative approaches. He has a robust background in conducting economic analyses, grant writing, and public engagement efforts, contributing to over $7 billion in private capital investment through initiatives like READI 1.0 and 2.0. In the READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 processes. He also led robust public engagement efforts that directly engaged key regional public and private sector stakeholders, including anchor employers, secondary and post-secondary education institutions and local government leaders.
Patrick is a graduate of Xavier University, holding a bachelor’s degree in political science and public relations.
Tara Pearson
Senior Director, Research and Public Sector Engagement
Email: tpearson@conexusindiana.com
As Senior Director of Research and Public Sector Engagement, Tara Pearson works closely with Conexus Indiana’s networked community to identify opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics sector growth and promotion. Specifically, she leads targeted projects focused on infrastructure, workforce development, economic development and innovation in collaboration with industry leaders from throughout the state.
Tara began her career in investment banking and corporate finance specializing in project-based work. She went on to work as an independent management consultant with a diverse range of industry and nonprofit experience. She has also worked in the public sector, performing policy and advocacy analysis and public policy research. Tara has an MBA from Rollins College and a BS in Finance from the University of Florida. Additionally, through her ongoing coursework as an MPA candidate at IUPUI, she has developed a deep knowledge base in public policy process, advocacy and government relations, public finance, nonprofits, and social entrepreneurship. She has a passion for community and economic development, a commitment to continuous learning, and a fervent desire to impact her local community.
Tara Pearson
Senior Director, Research and Public Sector Engagement
Josh Rychtarczyk
Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ecosystem
Email: jrychtarczyk@conexusindiana.com
Josh Rychtarczyk joined the Conexus Indiana team as Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ecosystem. In this role, he spearheads the Manufacturing Readiness Grants program, multimedia case studies on tech implementation, and industry collaborations related to digital adoption. Josh’s professional background is largely in directing and providing holistic railway maintenance solutions – he has optimized maintenance processes on over 14 US and Canadian public transit light rail systems, evaluated leading-edge rail measurement technology from European suppliers, and established best practices and workflows leading to successful technology integration for North American clients.
In his previous role at the Indiana Department of Transportation, Josh was responsible for managing numerous state contracts with a combined budget of nearly $40 million. He also evaluated consultant responses to bid invitations including technical project approaches, served as Council Leader for Greenfield District’s Innovation Team, and led strategies to improve communication across departments.
Josh earned his bachelor’s degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in mechanical engineering and has taken courses on integrated product design and engineering mechanics at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden.
Josh Rychtarczyk
Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ecosystem
Josh Rychtarczyk
Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ecosystem
Sonya Snellenberger
Senior Director, Industry Engagement
Email: ssnellenberger@conexusindiana.com
At Conexus Indiana, Sonya Snellenberger leads the organization’s Advanced Industries Council, oversees project development for working groups, and supports public sector professional services agreements – including the Manufacturing Readiness Grant program. Sonya is passionate about community development and facilitating productive relationships between community leaders and industry. Prior to Conexus, Sonya worked for the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership for eight years, most recently serving as Director of Talent Initiatives.
As Director at the regional partnership, Sonya focused her efforts on facilitating communication between local employers and post-secondary institutions to ensure educational opportunities matched the workforce needs of the community. While in this role, she successfully led the organization’s Regional Internship Program, designed to improve the ‘work and learn’ atmosphere throughout the region – growing the program by 30 companies year-over-year and serving more than 300 interns. Sonya began with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership as a Project Coordinator, Millennial 2000 Specialist and later as a Project Manager. Additionally, Sonya is a member of the Don Wood Foundation Grants Committee and Women in Manufacturing’s national and state chapter.
Sonya holds two bachelor’s degrees, in media and public communication and interpersonal communication, from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. She also holds a master’s degree in professional communication from the same institution.
Sonya Snellenberger
Senior Director, Industry Engagement
Molly Zentz
Vice President, Communications
Email: mzentz@Conexusindiana.com
Molly Zentz serves as Conexus Indiana’s Vice President of Communication. In this role, she works to promote Conexus Indiana, its industry sector and the organization’s objectives by executing strategic marketing and communications strategies and tactics. As a Director, Molly helps manage the many internal and external communications channels across the organization to drive engagement, participation, retention, and positive brand recognition.
Prior to joining Conexus, Molly served as Head of Marketing for agriculture technology company, Solinftec. In that role, she led an international team of marketing and communications professionals to increase the company’s brand awareness, build trust with key stakeholders and refine the company’s brand narrative.
Molly has a diverse background in communications, having managed public relations for national corporations, non-profits and agencies. Her prior work experience includes Indiana Farm Bureau Inc., Angie’s List, BLASTmedia and Raybourn Group International.
Molly holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Indianapolis and is accredited in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America.