SME executives Jeannine Kunz and Brett Conner receive America Makes awards
Building on nearly forty years of involvement in Additive Manufacturing, two executives from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) have been recognised by America Makes for their contributions to advancing the technology and strengthening US manufacturing.
SME Executive Director and CEO Jeannine Kunz received the America Makes Ambassador Award, recognising her dedication to the organisation and its mission since its formation in 2012. SME Chief Manufacturing Officer Dr Brett Conner received the Distinguished Collaborator Award for his contributions to advancing Additive Manufacturing technology and collaboration across the AM industry.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honour, and a reflection of the longstanding, strong partnership between SME and America Makes,” stated Kunz. “America Makes plays a vital role in ensuring the United States remains at the forefront of Additive Manufacturing while building a skilled workforce prepared to leverage its full potential. That mission closely aligns with SME’s commitment to advancing manufacturing technology and developing the talent needed to drive the industry forward.”
SME and America Makes have partnered on a number of initiatives, including the development of the first Additive Manufacturing certification. More recently, SME’s RAPID + TCT event hosted the America Makes Spring Technology Readiness Exchange (TRX) conference in Detroit in 2025 and Boston in 2026, providing attendees with opportunities to network and build relationships across the industry.
“The opportunities and challenges Additive Manufacturing presents have been a driving focus throughout my career, both at SME and across the manufacturing sector,” Conner said. “The progress our industry has made is a testament to the power of collaboration, and organisations like America Makes have played a vital role in bringing innovators, manufacturers, researchers, and government partners together to address shared challenges. Collaboration is a value deeply embedded in both America Makes and SME, which is why our partnership continues to be so impactful. I’m honoured to be recognised by such a respected organisation.”
“Additive Manufacturing has become an integral part of the manufacturing industry,” Kunz said. “One of my first initiatives at SME nearly twenty-five years ago was to work with a small community of additive leaders who were passionate about advancing AM to form what is now our SME AM community. Receiving this award from such a valued partner as America Makes is particularly meaningful because of our longstanding relationship.”
Kunz and Conner received their awards during America Makes’ Members Meeting & Exchange in Youngstown. The two-day event brings together representatives from the AM industry for presentations, panels and discussions focused on increasing the adoption of Additive Manufacturing by US manufacturers.
