Committees, Councils and Networks
The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) is only as strong as its members. Member committees drive the work of the VMA on critical manufacturing issues as well as create the foundation of our “grass roots” advocacy. Committees are central to the government affairs function of the VMA, but they also drive our professional development, networking, regulatory and outreach services. Involvement in VMA committees is the best avenue to directly affect change, get involved and stay informed.
All Full and Associate Members are encouraged to participate in committees of interest. For more information about any of the following committees, please contact Kimberly Noonan, Director of Member Services, at knoonan@vamanufacturers.com or 804-528-4482.
A list of committee meeting dates and locations are listed on our Events Calendar.
VMA Standing Committees:
ENERGY RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Chair: Keith Tonga, Honeywell
Vice Chair: David Hudgins, ODEC
Board Liaison: Becky Merritt, Dominion
VMA Staff: Brett Vassey, Kimberly Noonan
This committee evaluates and develops legislation, regulation and administrative rulings related to energy conservation, generation, distribution, development and pricing in the Commonwealth.
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY COMMITTEE (EHS&S)
Chair: Jim Thornton, Newport News Shipbuilding
Vice-Chair: Chuck Stiff, Altria
Air Regulation Subcommittee Co-Chairs: Jim Taylor, MeadWestvaco
Water/Waste Regulation Subcommittee Co-chairs: Andrew Parker, AdvanSix
Safety Regulation Subcommittee Chair: Dawn Kriz, General Dynamics
Legal Counsel: Air – Dr. Tom Knauer; Water/Waste – Brooks Smith and Andrea Wortzel; Safety- Courtney Malveaux
Board Liaison: TBD
VMA Staff: Kimberly Noonan
This committee is concerned with state and federal policies and programs, including legislative proposals, regulations and administrative rulings on environmental as well as occupational health and safety matters. It evaluates proposed programs and public policies and makes draft recommendations. Technical expertise is required for the preparation of testimony and comments for state and federal government organizations, with the advice of world-class scientific and legal counsel.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNCIL
Board Liaison: Scott Tilley
VMA Staff: Brett Vassey
The Government Affairs Council is made up of VMA members as well as lobbyists representing member companies advocating for pro-manufacturing public policies to local, state and federal elected officials to accomplish legislative and regulatory agenda items driven by the work of the other VMA committees and Board.
TAXATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Jed King, MeadWestvaco
Vice Chair: TBA
Board Liaison: TBA
VMA Staff: Brett Vassey, Kimberly Noonan
This committee is concerned with state, local and federal tax policies and programs, including legislative proposals and administrative rulings on subjects of taxation directly applicable to manufacturers. It reviews proposed changes and makes position recommendations. It assists in the preparation of testimony and comments for state, local, and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies as well as assists in drafting legislation and regulations. It further initiates studies and surveys detailing the dynamic effects of tax policy on manufacturers.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Chair: Gary Forget, Volvo
Vice Chair: Nat Marshall, B&W
Board Liaison: Tanya Cook, Philip Morris USA
VMA Staff: Vanessa Rastberger
The purpose of the Workforce Development Committee is to serve as the industry’s voice on issues impacting the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of a skilled workforce and competitive workplace. Its three areas of focus are: (1) education and workforce policy, (2) partnership development, and (3) workplace affairs. The committee also oversees the Dream it. Do it. Virginia (DIDIVA) Network and Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) with a particular focus on industry credentials that are competency-based, independently assessed and industry-endorsed. Committee members are invited to participate in best practice sharing and benchmarking.
Ad Hoc Committees:
RETIRED MANUFACTURERS COUNCIL
Chair: Dr. Reinhold Brand (retired from Evonik)
Vice Chair: Dan Williams (retired from Richmond Corrugated)
Board Liaison: Dr. Reinhold Brand
VMA Staff: Kimberly Noonan
The mission of the Retired Manufacturers Council is to promote the general well-being of industrial organizations in Virginia by advocating for pro-manufacturing public policies to local, state and federal elected officials. Its purpose is to: 1) Organize retired manufacturers into a grassroots political action group for advocating for pro-manufacturing legislation, supporting select candidates for public office, and supporting other issues involving retiree pensions or their livelihood; 2) Expand messaging of Dream it. Do it. Virginia to students, transitioning military, dislocated workers, parents, educators and community leaders; and 3) Grow the VMAPAC and increase its effectiveness.
COMMERCE COMMITTEE
Co-Chair: Cornelia Steinert, Canon
Vice Chair: Michael Newman, Optical Cable Corp.
Board Liaison: TBA
VMA Staff: Ian Ginger
In development, this committee will focus on supply chain opportunities and barriers for Virginia manufacturers and their suppliers, including any state, local or federal procurement regulations as well as exporting opportunities and barriers to global markets. The image of manufacturing as well as marketing locally manufactured goods and professional development may also be explored.
SUSTAINING VIRGINIA™
Chair: Larry Cummings, Trane
Co-Chair: Yolanda Pagano, O’Brien & Gere
Board Liaison: TBA
VMA Staff: Kimberly Noonan
Sustaining Virginia™ is program for manufacturers in support of their sustainable business practices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sustaining Virginia™ has a voluntary web-based assessment that member companies (and others) can use to self-assess their sustainability performance. This ten- category sustainability index is the first statewide recognition program of its kind designed to honor manufacturers for their commitment to sustainability and improving the environment, communities, and economic future of Virginia.
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Chair: Open
Vice Chair: Open
Board Liaison: TBA
VMA Staff: Kimberly Noonan
This committee reviews major legislative and administrative proposals related to freight-based transportation systems, services, rates, and taxes, and makes position recommendations. It assists in the preparation of statements on freight-based transportation proposals under consideration by state and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies