Catalyst Connection’s New CFO Sees Position as Opportunity to Give Back

By Todd Miller

Whit Little is Catalyst Connection’s new CFO. He has spent over 30 years in senior management at multiple startup tech and manufacturing companies in the Pittsburgh region. In many of those roles, Whit was a loyal client of Catalyst Connection. These experiences helped him deeply understand the group’s core mission. Catalyst Connection provides training and consulting to help small local factories boost sales and output.

His long history with the group gives him firsthand knowledge of its work. He has seen how its talented team helps manufacturers grow in real, measurable ways. Whit agreed to take over for Jeanne Straw, who retired after 34 years of excellent service. He sees this move as a great way to give back to the local manufacturing community that has supported his career for so long.

“When the chance to work at a purpose-driven group like Catalyst Connection came up, I knew I had to take it,” Whit said. “The consulting and training services provided here make a huge difference. They drive real growth and stability for many family-owned businesses across western Pennsylvania.”

A History of Collaborative Success

Whit first worked with Catalyst Connection in the 1990s. At the time, he managed a distribution company that wanted to switch to manufacturing. That teamwork helped Berthold Systems Inc. build cellular manufacturing pods. They also created a quality control system used across many industries.

More recently, Whit hired Catalyst Connection while leading Advantech U.S., Inc. He used the group’s expertise to move his company from research and development into full production. They used tech built in Pittsburgh to open and run a plant overseas.

Now that Whit is on the inside, he looks forward to helping small and mid-sized companies grow. His main goal is to help them get the most out of modern factory technologies.

“If I can help local shops the same way Catalyst Connection helped my previous businesses, I will be thrilled,” Whit shared. “I want to make a real difference in the economic health of our region.”

Core Tech Focus Areas

Whit is highly committed to helping small and mid-sized manufacturers adopt modern tools so they can win spots in the domestic supply chain. He focuses heavily on:

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Robotics technologies
• Artificial intelligence (AI) systems
• Workforce development tracks to hire and keep top talent

An Influential Figure in Pittsburgh Tech

Whit Little has been a well-known leader in the region’s tech and manufacturing circles for years. Most recently, he worked as chief administrative officer and CFO of PEAK Technical Staffing. This O’Hara Township company places engineers and IT professionals with employers nationwide.

He also served as CEO of Advantech U.S. This business brought a unique additive manufacturing process and custom printing equipment to the commercial market. Under his leadership, the company won a Pittsburgh Technology Tech 50 Award in 2016.

Whit has built a deep career background to prepare for his current role. He has worked as an executive coach and independent consultant. He also served as the CFO for several corporate teams, including:

• RedMorph
• Brightline
• CompuSport (where he also served as vice president and treasurer)

Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Pittsburgh Tool Steel and Berthold Systems. He earned his MBA at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and a B.S. in Finance from East Carolina University.

Teaching and Personal Life

Along with his corporate work, Whit is a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business. He teaches students how to use the best consulting practices. Each semester, he coaches student teams to help local companies solve tough business problems. He helps them build project plans, tracks data collection, and guides them to deliver great advice to clients.

Outside the office, Whit serves on the board of the National Eagle Scout Association’s Pittsburgh Chapter. He also loves restoring his historic home. The house was built in 1910 in Beaver Borough’s historic district. He lives there with his wife, Kim, near their four children: Rich, Jennifer, Whittney, and Kinnsey. To relax, Whit and Kim enjoy rafting, hiking, biking, and skiing in the Laurel Highlands.

Whit knows he has big shoes to fill in his new role. Still, his passion for the local manufacturing sector, paired with his deep leadership experience, will help ensure Catalyst Connection remains a valuable resource for small and mid-sized shops.