Manufacture Alabama adds four new members to Board of Directors

(Manufacture Alabama/Contributed, YHN)

Manufacture Alabama has added four new leaders to its board of directors.

The statewide trade association announced the election of Matt Greer of Nucor Steel, Heather Wilson of United Launch Alliance, Phil Fultz of ArcelorMittal Calvert, and David Fernandes of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. Organization officials said the appointments will help strengthen advocacy efforts for Alabama’s manufacturing industry.

Matt Greer, controller at Nucor Steel’s Birmingham mill, has been with the company for more than a decade. A licensed CPA, Greer previously worked with Walmart’s home office in Arkansas and in public accounting.

“Manufacture Alabama is a fantastic organization that has been a powerful voice for manufacturing within the state. I am deeply honored to be joining the board and look forward to helping achieve our vision of making Alabama the best location in the US for manufacturers,” said Matt Greer.

Heather Wilson, United Launch Alliance’s Southern State Director, brings a background in consulting and advocacy, including nearly ten years leading Politically Correct Consulting.

She said, “I am looking forward to serving on the board and advocating for the issues and legislation that have a direct impact on the manufacturing industry and our state’s economy.”

ArcelorMittal Calvert Chief Operations Officer Phil Fultz oversees the facility’s safety, engineering, environmental, and operational functions. His career also includes leadership roles at AK Steel Corporation.

“I am honored to serve on the Manufacture Alabama board and look forward to working closely with Jon and his team, as well as my fellow board members. Together, we have an important opportunity to strengthen Alabama’s manufacturing industry, share best practices, and support the continued growth of our state,” said Phil Fultz.

David Fernandes, Senior Vice President of Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, oversees both manufacturing and administrative functions at the Huntsville-area facility. With 26 years of experience at Toyota, including international assignments, Fernandes noted, “It is my pleasure to join the Manufacture Alabama board. I plan to bring the perspective of operating a large manufacturing facility in Alabama, including our ‘team one’ companies representing more than 7,500 Alabama team members.”

Manufacture Alabama President Jon Barganier welcomed the four new members.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt, Heather, Phil, and David to our board of directors. Their knowledge, experience, and deep connections in the industry will be instrumental as we continue to champion Alabama manufacturing and drive innovation. With the addition of these exceptional leaders, our board is stronger than ever and united in ensuring Alabama remains at the forefront of manufacturing.”

Other board members include Karen Johnston, Chair, Toyota Motor North America; Paul Vercher, United States Steel; Marty Parker, Packaging Corp. of America; Andy Bramstedt, SSAB; Steven Smith, Specification Rubber Products; Craig Savage, Airbus; Donna Jackson, International Paper; David Hendrixson, Daikin; and David Carroll, formerly of Hunt Refining.

Manufacture Alabama is the state’s only trade association focused solely on the interests of manufacturers and partner industries. The group represents companies ranging from international corporations to small family-owned businesses, all of which play a vital role in Alabama’s economy and workforce.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.