PMA TN Innovations in Metalforming: Maintenance, Science, Trends & Engaging Women
Speakers
Monica Apodaca
Senior Manager - Steel & Polymers, Trane Technologies
Coy Belt
Production Manager, Pennant, Inc. Tennessee
Coy began her career in the industry as a Press Operator in 2011. She then accepted a position as a Die Setter before becoming a Tool & Die Maker Apprentice, was selected as a recipient of the PMA scholarship, and graduated from the Machine Tool Technology program at TCAT. In 2017, she joined Pennant as a Tool & Die Maker where she played a vital role in the startup of the Lebanon, TN plant which has led many other opportunities such as Production Manager, Operations Manager, and now Materials Manager. In her current role she oversees procurement, shipping & receiving, inventory, and production scheduling.
Ashlianna Chessor
Employee Relations Manager, Tenaris Hickman
Ashlianna Chessor serves as the Employee Relations Manager at Tenaris Hickman. She leads all Human Resources activities for the facility, which includes training and development, onboarding, employee relations and company assimilation. Ashlianna holds a National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Practitioner (NDCCDP) certification and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. She is proud to serve as the Vice-President of the Association of Women in the Metals Industries – Tennessee Chapter. After graduating with her B.B.A. from Mississippi State University and M.B.A. from Union University, Ashlianna began her career in the wholesale agriculture industry. She has also held Human Resources roles in the automotive manufacturing, food and pharmaceutical warehousing and healthcare industries. Ashlianna currently resides in Blytheville, Arkansas with her goldendoodle, Goose.
Jeff Fredline
Industry Consultant, Prestrade
Jeff Fredline is an active member of the Precision Metalforming Association, Jeff has written and presented many times for PMA and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. For the past 35 years he has trained on a private basis for many industry leaders such as General Motors, Chrysler, Whirlpool, General Electric, BAE Systems and numerous smaller companies. Jeff has a Bachelor of Business degree and has earned journeyman status in the machine repair industry.
Art Hedrick
Owner, Dieology LLC
Art Hedrick is the owner of the training and consulting firm Dieology LLC. He is a journeyman tool and die maker and stamping process engineer with more than 43 years of metalworking/die building and processing experience. For the last 22 years, Art authored the “Die Science” column published in the Stamping Journal. He now is the author of “The Science of Forming” column published in MetalForming magazine. He also has written numerous technical articles on stamping die design and build for a number of trade publications.
Art has conducted training and consulting for hundreds of sheet metal stamping plants and die builders worldwide. His more than 200 clients serve numerous industries including the automotive, appliance, military, hardware, ATV, recreational, space exploration, aircraft and medical fields. Art also has received numerous training awards and held chair positions of stamping councils for industry trade associations.
Bill Hickey
Chairman, Lapham-Hickey Steel Corp
Molly Hopper
Global EHS&S Compliance Assurance Leader, GE Appliances
Melissa Mudd
Sales Representative, Mid-Park, Inc, Morgantown
Melissa Mudd is a stamping sales professional at Mid Park, Inc., responsible for sales across North America. With 8 years in the manufacturing industry, and 3 years in her current sales role, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the panel. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Campbellsville University, earned a Master of Science degree in Management with honors from Sullivan University, and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Operations Management from Strayer University.
Certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt in Lean Manufacturing, Melissa is also deeply involved in her community, serving on the Leitchfield Planning and Zoning Commission. Her past achievements include serving as an ISO and Document Control Coordinator, securing a $75,000 grant for a welding simulator, and leading the development of ISO-9001 programs. At Mid Park, Melissa has implemented strategic sales and marketing initiatives that have boosted sales with existing clients while successfully expanding the customer base. She has recently been recognized as a 2024 Woman of Excellence in Metal Forming and Fabricating by MetalForming magazine.
In addition to her professional work, Melissa is active in PMA, the local Chamber of Commerce, and her church. She resides in Leitchfield, KY, with her daughter Addison and her three beloved rescue dogs.