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Lean Team

Michael Beels

Lean Program Manager

Michael’s areas of expertise include Leadership training and mentoring, Workforce Engagement and the Employee Experience, Culture, Communication and Succession Planning, as well as the entire portfolio of Lean strategies and methodologies, having led more than 100 kaizen/workshop events.

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Karen Goike

Senior Business Advisor, The Center-Northern Michigan

Karen has more than 25 years of experience in project management and business analysis. She is a certified Project Management Professional and Lean Office Champion.

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Zack Hofbauer

Lean Program Manager

Zack Hofbauer is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, specializing in process optimization, continuous improvement, and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. He works with manufacturers to enhance operational efficiency, reduce process variability, and implement data-driven decision-making strategies.

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Josh Johnston

Lean Program Manager

Joining The Center in 2024, Josh leverages continuous improvement tools and leadership philosophies to help Michigan manufacturers achieve their goals and objectives. His areas of expertise lie in Lean implementation, project management,  value stream mapping, and kaizen facilitation.

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David Kay

Lean Program Manager

As Lean Program Manager at The Center, Dave Kay provides custom training and mentoring to manufacturers across Michigan. His focus is on Lean philosophy, principles and tools to support companies as they work through their Lean transformation to reduce waste, cut costs and improve efficiency.

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Sara Sjöberg

Program Manager, MMTC-North

Sara L. Sjöberg joined MMTC-North as Program Manager in May 2025, bringing with her three decades of experience in manufacturing and leadership. A Metro Detroit native with a strong automotive foundation, Sara spent the past ten years in the UK, where she deepened her expertise in ISO 9001-based quality systems and Lean methodologies across diverse sectors—including aluminum production, food-safe packaging, and aerospace.

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John Spillson

Food Business Development Manager, Lean Business & Leadership Advisor

Since joining The Center in 2014, John Spillson has worked to mentor manufacturers on Lean and Leadership strategies, as well as provide expert support to food processors.

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Robert S. Stauffer

Senior Lean, Costing & Project Management Consultant

Rob Stauffer has been a Program Manager in The Center's Lean Business Solutions program for 18 years. He has trained and mentored Michigan companies in the entire portfolio of Lean Sigma strategies and methods specializing in financial analysis, costing, strategic planning, project management and supply chain strategies.

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Jered Tyack

Lean Program Manager

Jered Tyack is a Lean Program Manager at The Center. In his role, Jered provides custom training and mentoring to Michigan manufacturers on Lean principles and tools, helping them to reduce waste, increase efficiency and improve workplace culture.

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Chuck Werner

Manager Operational Excellence/Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt

Chuck Werner has been with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center since July 2016. His areas of expertise are in Lean, Six Sigma, Industry 4.0 and Quality.

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