Jeannine Kunz, SME’s CEO, and Dr. Brett Conner, its Chief Manufacturing Officer, were acknowledged for their work in progressing additive manufacturing and bolstering American manufacturing
YOUNGSTOWN, OH, UNITED STATES, August 5, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Continuing SME’s long history of pushing additive manufacturing (AM) forward over nearly four decades, America Makes, the top public-private AM partnership in the country, presented awards to two SME executives today. The honors were given for their guidance in reinforcing U.S. manufacturing and speeding up the technology’s uptake and expansion.
Jeannine Kunz, SME’s Executive Director and CEO, received the America Makes Ambassador Award for her outstanding commitment to the organization and its objectives since its founding in 2012. Dr. Brett Conner, SME’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, was given the Distinguished Collaborator Award for his major contributions to the progression of additive manufacturing and for enhancing collaboration across the AM landscape during his career.
“This award is a great honor and reflects the deep, enduring partnership between SME and America Makes,” Kunz stated. “America Makes is crucial in keeping the United States at the cutting edge of additive manufacturing while also cultivating a trained workforce ready to harness its complete capabilities. That objective is closely in line with SME’s dedication to progressing manufacturing technology and cultivating the skills necessary to propel the sector ahead.”
Over the years, SME and America Makes have collaborated on various projects and initiatives, such as creating the first certification for additive manufacturing. More recently, SME’s RAPID + TCT industrial AM event hosted America Makes’ Spring TRX conference in Detroit in 2025 and in Boston earlier this year, giving participants from both gatherings worthwhile chances to connect and develop professional ties throughout the industry.
“The possibilities and hurdles that additive manufacturing brings have been a key emphasis throughout my professional life, both within SME and the broader manufacturing world,” Conner remarked. “The advancements our sector has achieved demonstrate the strength of working together, and groups like America Makes have been essential in uniting innovators, producers, researchers, and government partners to tackle common problems. Cooperation is a principle deeply rooted in both America Makes and SME, which is why our collaboration remains so effective. I am proud to be acknowledged by an organization with such high regard.”
The integration of America Makes’ Technology Readiness Exchange (TRX) has offered RAPID + TCT attendees the chance to meet face-to-face, share concepts, interact with colleagues in the field, and directly witness the newest advancements and potential in additive manufacturing. SME considers encouraging such teamwork and exchange of information to be fundamental to moving the manufacturing sector forward.
“Additive manufacturing is now a vital component of the manufacturing sector,” Kunz said. “One of my early projects at SME about 25 years ago involved collaborating with a small group of AM enthusiasts who were keen on promoting AM to establish what is now our SME AM community. Getting this award from a highly esteemed partner like America Makes is especially significant due to our long-standing connection.”
Kunz and Conner were both presented with their awards during a ceremony at America Makes’ Members Meeting & Exchange, a two-day gathering in Youngstown that unites the AM industry for talks, panels, and discussions on how to further boost AM adoption among U.S. manufacturers.
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About SME
Founded in 1932 as a non-profit, SME serves the manufacturing sector, encompassing manufacturers, educational institutions, professionals, students, and the communities where they are situated. We hold that manufacturing is essential to economic growth and prosperity, and we advocate for the industry’s promise as a varied, flourishing, and valued ecosystem. SME speeds up the adoption of new technologies and develops talent and skills to progress manufacturing, boosting competitiveness, resilience, and national security. SME creates innovative ways to comprehend and address issues, and our solutions drive the next phase of growth in manufacturing. Find out more at SME.org.
Brie Smith
SME
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