Speakers
As we plan for the 10th Annual Summit on October 29, 2025, we’re curating an exciting lineup of programming to drive innovation and collaboration.
If you have an idea for a workshop or speaker, please send an email to connect@sjvma.org with the following information, or complete this form.
The Summit Committee will review submissions and follow up if the session is selected. Stay tuned for updates on this year’s programming!
2025 Keynote Speaker:
Oren Cass
Executive Director, American Compass
Author, Thought Leader, Policy Strategist
As the 10th Annual Valley Made Manufacturing Summit celebrates a decade of industry growth and collaboration, we’re proud to welcome a bold national voice in economic and workforce strategy—Oren Cass.
Oren Cass is the Executive Director of American Compass, a think tank he founded to promote a healthy, resilient economy that serves workers, families, and communities. A former advisor to Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and a widely published author, Cass has earned national recognition for his insights on labor, education, and industrial policy.
His book, The Once and Future Worker, has shaped conversations on workforce development and economic renewal. His work is frequently cited by national media, and his policy ideas have influenced leaders across the political spectrum.
In his keynote address, Cass will explore the powerful opportunity we have to shape the future of American manufacturing—right here in regions like the Central Valley. His remarks will touch on:
- The strategic importance of domestic manufacturing to long-term economic stability
- The need for stronger partnerships between industry, education, and government
- How regional leadership and collaboration can serve as a model for national progress
- Why workforce development and alternative career pathways must be prioritized
- How business and civic leaders can play a pivotal role in reshaping the American economy
Whether you’re a manufacturer, educator, workforce developer, or policymaker, Cass’s perspective will challenge conventional thinking and inspire new ideas. His address will help us kick off the next decade of Valley Made by sparking meaningful dialogue—and action.
Oren Cass is the founder and chief economist of American Compass and author of The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America(2018). He is a contributing opinion writer for the Financial Times and the New York Times.
Oren Cass is the founder and chief economist of American Compass, a think tank established in 2020 to restore an economic consensus emphasizing the importance of family, community, and industry to the nation’s liberty and prosperity. Recognized as a leading figure in shaping conservative economic thought, Cass has been described as “the key figure in pushing Republicans toward a conservative vision of worker power” by The New York Times, and as the GOP’s “center of gravity” by David Brooks on PBS NewsHour.
Prior to founding American Compass, Cass served as a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute from 2015 to 2019, where he focused on strengthening the labor market and addressing issues ranging from the social safety net and environmental regulation to trade and immigration. He also held the role of domestic policy director for Governor Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign, developing the campaign’s domestic policy strategy and proposals. Earlier in his career, Cass worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company in the firm’s Boston and New Delhi offices.
Cass is the author of The Once and Future Worker: A Vision for the Renewal of Work in America (2018), a book that has been praised as “the essential policy book for our time” by National Affairs editor Yuval Levin. His writings have appeared in publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Affairs, and National Review. He holds a B.A. in political economy from Williams College and a J.D. magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he served as vice president and treasurer of the Harvard Law Review.
Cass’s extensive experience and thought leadership make him a compelling keynote speaker for the 10th Annual Valley Made Manufacturing Summit, offering valuable insights into the future of manufacturing, workforce development, and economic policy in America.
2024 Keynote: Optimal Output: Uniting Production, People, and Potential
The biggest determinant of success lies beyond any manufacturer’s plant, machinery, technology and processes. Human capital is the leading source of competitive advantage. Unfortunately, people are complex, and manufacturers are struggling to hire, deploy and retain them. The needs and expectations of the workforce have evolved. Are you keeping pace? In this inspiring yet pragmatic keynote session, Dr. Matt Poepsel shared the most common reasons manufacturers fail to realize their full potential and the shifts in mindset and execution required to unlock higher levels of value creation. After this energizing talk, participants walked away with fresh ideas and tangible actions to immediately implement.
