Our People

Amber joined Catalyst in October of 2018 as a recent graduate from St. Vincent College with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Communication. Amber has prior experience in market research and customer service. Amber is currently in the position of Data and Events Associate. In her position, she provides support to all members of the Catalyst staff.

Prior to joining Catalyst Connection in 2024, Jennifer served as Director of Workforce Development for an international non-profit’s operation in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Jennifer’s expertise involves grant writing, research, planning, managing, and administering government-funded workforce, economic development, and housing grants designed to resolve critical needs within southwestern Pennsylvania’s regional workforce eco-systems.

As a Workforce Specialist with Catalyst Connection, Jennifer’s experience in collaboration, leadership, managing workforce initiatives, overseeing compliance, diversifying revenues, acquiring talent, and assessing stakeholder needs, greatly contribute toward creatively managing and seeking potential opportunities to grow Catalyst’s current state registered apprenticeships programs.

Jennifer has a B.S. in Human Resources Management and has a strong reputation of helping others achieve their human potential, solving challenging business issues, and collaborating with teams to identify best practices in service-design and delivery, technology integrations, and collaborative business partnerships.

In her free time, Jen is always up for an adventure. She loves to travel and experience different cultures within and outside our borders. She loves spending time with her family and pups.

In his position as Workforce Specialist, Nate engages local job seekers, community organizations and employers via the REAL Jobs Initiative to create new employment pathways for a more diverse workforce. Nate brings a proven track record of community and workforce development and is a recent winner of Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 Award.  Prior to joining Catalyst, Nate served as a business account manager for the Center for Employment Opportunities, and in 2018 helped 78 formerly incarcerated people achieve their employment dreams.

Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, Terri led the operations of a non-profit workforce development organization holding responsibility for quality, compliance, growth and human resources. During her tenure, the annual budget increased by 90% to $22.6 million and personnel increased to 340 employees.

With over 30 years of experience in career development and workforce development, her accomplishments include developing business/education partnerships throughout the southwestern and southern Alleghenies regions of Pennsylvania to introduce high school students to career opportunities in the manufacturing industry, assisting employers in addressing workforce recruiting and training issues through the formation of industry specific consortia, and providing services to individuals with disabilities in order to maximize their employment potential. She has facilitated workshops locally and nationally for educators, employers, parents and students on such topics as business/education partnerships, workplace behaviors and skills, career planning, employer expectations, and labor market information.

Terri is on the Board of Directors of New Century Careers and the Executive Committee of Southwestern PA BotsIQ. She is a native of Johnstown, earned her BS degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and currently resides in Saltsburg.

As a Workforce Specialist, In’dea strives to create new employment pathways, and engage job seekers and community organizations to create a more diverse and sustainable workforce. Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, In’dea was the Workforce Development Officer for the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA) where she created opportunities for Pittsburgh residents to have full access to job resources and skill development. In’dea brings vast knowledge and expertise of best workforce practices and methods and has experience working alongside to help Minority- and Women – Owned Businesses (MWBE), and Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable community groups to create pathways to success.

Timothy joined Catalyst Connection in 2004 from Robert Morris University, where he earned a BS in Information Systems. Over the years Timothy has overseen Reporting and Management of the CRM system. In his current position as Manager, Information Systems, Timothy is responsible for managing all software applications used by Catalyst Connection.

Scott leads the program development and delivery of Catalyst Connection’s workforce initiatives. Over the past 19 years, Scott has consulted with manufacturing companies and schools on talent pipeline and career pathways across 12-counties of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Scott leads grant funded efforts for incumbent worker training, job seeker training, and various STEM initiatives. He is a frequent speaker for school districts, industry consortiums, and conferences on the topics of STEM education, manufacturing, and workforce programs. Annually, Scott works with more than 60 local school districts, 100 local manufacturing companies, and over 1,500 regional students.

Scott has been involved in human resource and workforce education, with expertise in the manufacturing, retail, financial, and consulting industries, since 1999. As a recruiter for Mellon Financial Corporation, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and a small consulting firm, Scott has recruited technology and management talent, delivered training, developed internship programs, and conducted outreach with local nonprofit organizations and youth programs.

He holds B.S.B.A. degree in Human Resource Management from Robert Morris University.

Bob has partnered with manufacturing and engineering enterprises in SW PA for 20 years, with a primary focus on technical talent acquisition, project management and best practices.  Prior to joining Catalyst, he served as Director of Project Services for one of the country’s largest technical staffing firms.   His experience with large scale recruitment process outsourcing projects range from developing and managing on-site contingent labor programs to high volume / high velocity direct hire projects.  He has placed 1,000+ core talent employees into more than 100 manufacturing and engineering companies in his career. Bob earned his BA from the University of Pittsburgh.

For over ten years, Stacey has worked alongside manufacturing and industrial supply and service companies in southwestern PA. Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, she oversaw the operations of a grassroots company that worked exclusively in this sector, then helped to transition and carry out that mission through a long-standing SWPA trade association with deep roots in manufacturing. With an emphasis on economic development, her primary focus was to connect industrial focused companies with the local resources available for improved business processes and efficiencies as well as generating additional revenue through external connections.

Stacey has led several industrial focused steering committees and has served as the local area coordinator for the Fluid Power Challenge, a hands-on STEM program that exposes middle school students to the skills needed and opportunities available within the industrial and manufacturing industries. Her background also includes marketing, sales and event process management as well as being an entrepreneur following her studies at Pennsylvania State University.

Nicole joined Catalyst Connection in April 2024 following a decade in the Auto Industry, splitting her time between roles as an Accounting Associate and as an Accounting Office Manager for an equal five years each.

Echoing her past experiences, Nicole’s main duties at Catalyst Connection encompass handling billing, managing accounts payable and receivable, overseeing cash flow, conducting bank reconciliations, and providing support for subrecipient monitoring.

In her role as a staff consultant and education expert within the Organizational Development team at Catalyst Connection, Kristen plays a pivotal role in assisting manufacturing and industry organizations in the implementation of employee-centric strategies rooted in learning and development. Kristen’s extensive background in education and crisis intervention uniquely positions her as a specialist in developing, facilitating, and leading comprehensive learning initiatives. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum, encompassing leadership development from frontline to senior levels, Women in Leadership programs, one-on-one skills reinforcement coaching, as well as the intricacies of instructional design and curriculum development.

Kristen is a certified educator, officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She holds a Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Kristen is also accredited in Crisis Intervention, adding a layer of depth to her skill set. Before joining the Catalyst Connection team, she served as an adjunct faculty member at the Community College of Allegheny County and the Director of a Corporate Mentor Program, which attracted participation from over 150+ prominent companies. Kristen’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in education and workforce development.

Kate started at Catalyst Connection in March 2024 after spending 10 years working in the telecom industry. Prior to that, Kate worked in the banking industry, after spending 12 years as a stay at home mom.

In her current position as Administrative Assistant, Kate is a master multitasker. She is responsible for providing a wide range of support and for the completion of administrative tasks for Catalyst Connection, especially for the Executive leadership team and Board of Directors.

Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Robert Morris University.

In her free time, Kate enjoys taking walks, reading, traveling, volunteering and spending time with her family and friends.

Matt is an innovative business development expert and a proud Pitt Graduate with more than 20 years of experience serving the Technology and Manufacturing industries. Through an entrepreneurial approach to problem solving, Matt leverages his unique understanding of technology and market trends to help our clients identify and address the complex challenges they face as an increasingly competitive marketplace.  As part of our team, Matt works with manufacturing firms in Allegheny, Butler, Lawrence counties.

Matt earned his BA from University of Pittsburgh.

Lauren Jones joined the Catalyst Connection team in 2024. She had the unique opportunity to be exposed to manufacturing since she was an adolescent. Her grandfather owned and operated a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, where she was introduced to, and sparked her interest and passion, around manufacturing operations.

Having 3 years of experience, she started her professional career as Product Development in chemicals, then transitioned into a Quality Control role involving process development, documentation, and integration. Then working as a Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement Engineer in heavy metal manufacturing and fabrication, she honed her skills in processes. Each position provided her with knowledge and experience.

She has obtained certifications in Lean Problem Solving, VSM and Waste Identification, where she discovered a natural understating of LEAN manufacturing process.

In her short time within the consulting profession, she has worked with over 20 manufacturers. Through these experiences, it has strengthened her skills in LEAN principles and implementation, process improvement, and technical documentation.

She is currently pursuing a Bachelors in Industrial Engineering degree, with a minor in Chemistry, at the University of Pittsburgh.

Lauren currently resides in Pittsburgh where she is close to school, work, and family.

Hannah joined Catalyst Connection in 2017 and has since done work in a variety of different departments including reporting, marketing, organizational development, and workforce development.

In her current position as Workforce Specialist, Hannah manages a variety of middle and high school student workforce programs that connect youth with local manufacturing companies. These programs fall under the Explore the New Manufacturing branding that encompasses all education initiatives created and run by Catalyst.

Hannah has a passion for creativity and uses her design skills to create engaging marketing and program collateral for these initiatives. She strives to reach more students and teachers each year to connect them with wonderful opportunities in manufacturing by continuously growing the reach of our programs through innovative marketing strategies, partner connections, and networking.

Hannah is also a consultant in the eContent Design Service Area where she uses her creativity and instructional design skills to create interactive and captivating content for clients.

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focused on Marketing and Communications from Slippery Rock University.

Whit Little is the VP of Administration and Consulting and CFO of Catalyst Connection. He joined Catalyst’s leadership team in 2022. He is leading the Finance, IT, HR and Consulting functions.

He has experience in a broad array of activities including strategy, investments, finance, development of human capital, fundraising, technology development, commercialization, manufacturing, sales and marketing in domestic and international markets with a variety of technology companies.

He was recently CEO of Advantech U.S., Inc., a technology company that successfully developed and commercialized a disruptive additive manufacturing process and equipment to fabricate printed electronic devices. The company was awarded the Pittsburgh Technology Tech 50 award for Advanced Manufacturing in 2016. He has been a consultant, executive coach, and held the roles of Chief Financial Officer for several start-up organizations. He is a member of the faculty at the University or Pittsburgh Katz Graduate School of Business. He holds an MBA degree from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Eric MacDonald has had 30 years’ experience in senior positions in the manufacturing sector including: electronics, medical, beverages, construction, consumer goods, and plastics. Eric has held positions as Plant Manager, Director of Operations, Project Manager and Manufacturing Engineer that required an experienced lean transformation leader with a broad cross-functional background, that demonstrated success in driving improvements across transactional business processes.

He has worked and consulted with over 700 different manufacturing and service companies over his impressive career as a Lean Practitioner.

Some industries that Eric has work in: Medical Devices, Consumer Goods, Industrial Products, Steel Fabrication, Electrical Components / Power Distribution, to name a few. He is accomplished in problem solving, lean principles, productivity, and standardizing processes. His expertise in these areas has been a welcome addition to the team.

Eric has a B.S. in Industrial Technology from California University of Pennsylvania and holds his MBA from Waynesburg University. Additionally, Eric holds certificates in Practical Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping and Lean Kaizen event facilitation, Master Kata Coach, and Lean Tool Implementations.

Eric currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA, where he is close to his children and grandkids.

Anna has been with Catalyst Connection since 2010, joining the organization as a recent graduate from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration where she focused her studies on Supply Chain Management. Anna was hired by Catalyst Connection as a Supply Chain Analyst to provide expertise on supply chain management best practices, supplier scouting and validation consulting services.

In her current position as Consultant, Business Growth, she plays a key role on our Business Growth Services & Regional Initiatives team. Anna provides project management across a wide variety of projects and initiatives, as well as leads our consulting services for e-Strategy and Digital Marketing projects. Additionally, she manages the team’s third party relationships.

Certifications and Affiliations

• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• Member of the Project Management Institute
• Member of Women in Manufacturing (WiM)

Allison joined Catalyst Connection in 2000 and currently has primary responsibility for billing, accounts payable, benefits administration, payroll/401K processing, bank reconciliations, cash management and loan reconciliations. She has over 15 years of accounting experience with a variety of companies, including the Pittsburgh Technology Council and in industries as diverse as manufacturing, healthcare and information technology. She is a  graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, with a degree in Business and Accounting.

Matt Minner serves Catalyst Connection as the Managing Director of Technical Services. Since joining Catalyst in 2017, Matt has focused on developing Catalyst’s services around advanced technology and supporting clients with all aspects of technology adoption – from exploration and assessment to RFP process management and implementation. He also manages and plays a key role in various grant initiatives that have a focus on technology, such as AIM Higher, Digital Bridge, and ARC ARISE. In addition, he manages the team’s third-party technology partner network, including relationships with the Manufacturing USA Institutes such as Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM), the Digital Manufacturing, MxD, and the Smart Manufacturing, CESMII.

Leveraging his technical background, Matt also teaches Catalyst’s Print Reading and Engineering Drawing Format course, along with GD&T Fundamentals.

Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, Matt spent 15 years in the manufacturing and mining sectors focused on customer relationship management, product development, service management, and continuous improvement. Matt has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MBA from Virginia Tech. He also has extensive experience working in Latin America and is fluent in Spanish.

Consulting Expertise

• Automation and Robotics
• Digitization
• Additive Manufacturing
• Technology Selection and Project Management
• Engineering Drawing Development & Management
• Lean Manufacturing
• Dealer and Distributor Management
• Aftermarket Support Strategy Development
• Warranty Management/Administration

Petra Mitchell is the President and CEO of Catalyst Connection, a private, nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to helping manufacturers with management consulting and technical assistance leading to business growth and job creation.  Catalyst Connection is part of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the Industrial Resource Center (IRC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Petra Mitchell is its Center Director.  Petra Mitchell’s experience in manufacturing operations, technology acceleration, and business development stretches back to 1988.  Before joining Catalyst Connection, she was employed by GE Aircraft Engines, now GE Aviation.

She holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, and an M.S. from the University of Cincinnati.  Petra was named a 2011 Top Women in Business Leader, a 2012 Top Energy Leader and a 2016 Most Admired CEOs in Pittsburgh by the Pittsburgh Business Times.  She is on the Board of Directors of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, American Small Manufacturers Coalition, Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network and Sister Cities Association of Pittsburgh.  She is a former member of the Board of Pittsburgh Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and Keystone Powdered Metals, and is also the Honorary Consul for the Republic of Slovenia.

Allison has been a dedicated member of Catalyst Connection since 2010, contributing her extensive expertise in marketing and project management to the organization. As the Marketing Manager, she plays a crucial role in shaping and executing comprehensive marketing strategies that propel the organization’s mission. Her innovative approach and visionary leadership have significantly enhanced Catalyst Connection’s visibility, engagement, and impact in the industry.

Throughout her tenure, Allison has demonstrated an exceptional ability to integrate creative marketing tactics with strategic planning, resulting in successful campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Her proficiency in digital marketing, brand management, and communications has been pivotal in driving the organization’s growth and success.

Allison holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University. Her robust educational foundation, coupled with her extensive hands-on experience and unwavering work ethic, makes her an invaluable asset to Catalyst Connection. Her commitment to excellence and continuous improvement underscores her dedication to the organization’s goals and her role as a leader in the field.

Louis A. “Lou” Musante – Adjunct Faculty, Corporate Entrepreneurship Lab, Tepper School of Business, Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship, Carnegie Mellon University. Founder Echo Strategies, a research and innovation, strategy boutique.

Now the Director, Growth Services, for Catalyst Connection, a not-for-profit, economic development force focused on making manufacturing better.

Lou’s background is in chemistry with a master’s degree in library and information science. Serial entrepreneur and research architect who spent the 1970’s and early 1980’s working in large, organizations (General Tire Research, A.D. Little, (Boston) and NASA. Started his first company in 1984 along and with Don Jones, a Pittsburgh legend. Since, has launched six other companies. Four are still in-business. Today Lou is a Co- Founder of Brite Labs, an EdTech company focused on increasing student consistency by helping 18-19 undergraduate students connect, grow, and succeed in college.

Areas of focus:

• Lean Product Development
• Digital Transformation & Work Process Augmentation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Methods for Measuring and Influencing Subjective Well-Being and Loneliness
• Human-Centered Product Design
• Transformational Innovation Strategy
• Corporate Entrepreneurship
• Innovation Risk Mitigation

JOURNEY: Serial entrepreneur and research architect who spent the 1970’s and early 1980’s working in large, organizations (General Tire Research, A.D. Little, (Boston) and NASA. Started his first company in 1984 along and with Don Jones, a Pittsburgh legend. Since, has launched six other companies. Four are still in-business. Today Lou is a Co- Founder of Brite Labs, an EdTech company focused on increasing student consistency by helping 18-19 undergraduate students connect, grow, and succeed in college.

PASSION: Lou loves hanging out with his family including five awesome daughters, helping corporate entrepreneurs, especially manufacturers, learn new tricks, walking on the streets in large cities and in the woods all over the world.

Connie joined Catalyst Connection in 2005 and brings over 25 years of global sales, business development, and product development experience to her role as the Managing Director of Regional Initiatives. She leads a team that secures and executes grants initiatives to support manufacturers and build the region’s vibrancy. She also works with regional academic institutions, economic development organizations and regional manufacturers to build new capabilities and help make Southwestern Pennsylvania a model for the nation.

Her experience includes developing and executing global sales strategies, implementing stage-gate product development programs, and leading the execution of various strategic initiatives ranging from technology development and commercialization, internal process improvement, and building alliances to achieve strategic goals. Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, Ms. Palucka was employed by Callery Chemical Co., Zeton-Altamira, GE Reuter-Stokes, and Westinghouse. Her most recent positions included Director of Strategic Planning and Initiatives, Director of Sales and Business Development, and V.P. of Sales and Marketing.

Ms. Palucka holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee and an M.B.A. from the Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh. She became a certified New Product Development Professional in 2012.

Consulting Expertise

• Additive Manufacturing
• Improving Sales Performance
• Innovation and Product Development
• Export Compliance
• Roadmap for Growth

Since 2008, Mara has worked across departments including operational excellence, workforce development and organizational/leadership development. In her current position as Workforce Development Consultant, she specializes in helping employers and partners create hiring and skills gaps assessment, development of programs to attract and retain talent, and bring career pathways to the next generation. She also manages Catalyst Connection’s state registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and leads our instructional design service. Mara holds a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University and her M.B.A in Leadership Development from Waynesburg University. Mara is certified as a DDI Leadership Facilitator, MSSC Certified Production Technician (CPT) and CPT+ facilitator.

In his position as an Organizational Development Consultant, David specializes in helping manufacturers optimize employees through hiring, development and retention best practices. With a training background in Industrial Organizational Psychology, he specializes in employee selection, succession planning, job analysis, employee engagement analysis, leadership training and compensation studies. Before joining Catalyst Connection in 2007, he spent six years as a senior consultant at a workforce development firm serving educational institutions, joint union/management committees, economic development organizations, government agencies, and corporations.

David has a B.A. in psychology from Gannon University, and an M.S. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Baltimore. He is certified as a DDI Leadership Facilitator, and an alumnus of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative.

Consulting Expertise

• Training and Development
• Succession Planning
• Employee Engagement and Retention
• Culture Change
• Competency and Job Analysis
• Performance Evaluation
• Employee Selection
• Regional Workforce Initiatives
• Project Management

Certifications and Affiliations

• Development Dimensions International Certified Facilitator
• Leadership Development Initiative Graduate from Leadership Pittsburgh
• Member of the Society of Human Resource Management

Tom oversees communications and project management for many of Catalyst Connection’s programs that benefit the southwestern Pennsylvania community. He promotes services, trainings and resources available to manufacturers in various industries such as energy and defense. Tom consults on workforce programs with the WVMA Education Fund to promote manufacturing careers. He has worn several hats during his time at Catalyst Connection including marketing, workforce education and contracts administration.

Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, Tom spent 12 years in client relations and procurement for a variety of companies including Westinghouse, Teletech and the WVHTC Foundation.

Tom holds a B.S. degree from West Liberty State University with dual majors in Marketing and Computer Information Sciences.  Tom also holds an MBA with a Marketing concentration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.

Certifications and Affiliations

• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)©

Mark Sewell re-joined Catalyst Connection in 2019 as a Senior Consultant.  Mark has over 30 years of experience in manufacturing as an engineer, manager, and consultant, including five years as a continuous-improvement / lean-manufacturing consultant for Catalyst Connection from 2003-2008.  Mark’s experience has involved a variety of industries, including medical devices, electronics, machining, precision stamping, valve manufacturing, and solar power.  His strengths are problem solving, process development and implementation, project management, quality assurance, lean principles, and new product development.  Mark has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, and an MA in Applied Statistics from the University of Pittsburgh.

Mary Margaret is responsible for directing and coordinating the accounting and subrecipient monitoring functions of Catalyst Connection. Prior to joining Catalyst Connection, she spent eight years with Maillie LLP, a regional public accounting firm outside of Philadelphia.

While working at Maillie, she performed and supervised audit services, tax return preparation, and consulting services for nonprofit, governmental, and for-profit clients, including those in construction and manufacturing industries. She additionally managed audits of Uniform Grant Guidance compliance for municipalities, school districts, and other governmental entities.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Business Administration from California University of Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Mr. Wilson has more than twenty years working as a supervisor, manager and advisor in quality assurance and production. Since joining Catalyst Connection in February 1993, he has helped companies in the aerospace, automotive, chemical, defense, food processing and medical industries to develop and implement effective quality management systems. Mr. Wilson is an AS9100/AS9120 Aerospace Experience Auditor with Exemplar Global and a QMS Lead Auditor with IRQA. He is a senior member in the American Society for Quality, an ASQ Certified Manager of Quality /Organizational Excellence, Certified Quality Engineer, and Certified Quality Auditor. Additionally, Mr. Wilson is an IAQG certified Instructor for the AS9100 Aerospace Auditor Transition Training.

He holds a BS degree in Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from West Virginia University. He regularly performs QMS audits of aerospace companies in the continental US, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Consulting Expertise

• Quality Systems
• ISO Project Management
• ISO Internal Auditor Training
• Process and Software Verification and Validation
• CE Marking

Certifications and Affiliations

• Active member of the American Society for Quality
• ASQ Certified / Quality Manager
• ASQ Certified / Quality Engineer
• ASQ Certified / Quality Auditor
• RABQSA Certified / AS9100 Aerospace Experienced Auditor
• International Register of Certificated Auditors / QMS 2000 Lead Auditor