Manufacturing Pathways: How Collaboration is Building Central Ohio’s Workforce
Manufacturing offers high-paying, high-growth career opportunities, but many are unaware of the pathways into these careers. The Central Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (COMP) serves as the region’s manufacturing Industry Sector Partnership (ISP)—bringing together businesses, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to develop strong talent strategies. This session will explore how COMP, and Ohio’s network of manufacturing ISPs, help connect students and job seekers to hands-on learning experiences, build employer-driven training programs, and create partnerships that strengthen Central Ohio’s economy and community of practice.
"As the Founder and CEO of REDsearch, a certified Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Women’s Business Enterprise (WBENC), Rae Ellen works with businesses, Industry Sector Partnerships (ISPs), workforce organizations, educators, and state agencies to develop strategies, build sustainable solutions, scale initiatives to their full potential, and drive collaboration to support economic growth. As a Hub Manager for the Ohio Auto and Advanced Mobility (A&AM) Workforce Strategy, led by the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association and the Governor’s Office for Workforce Transformation, she serves as the primary point of contact for Central and Western Ohio’s manufacturing ISPs. In this role, she works to strengthen strategic outreach and coordination efforts between educational institutions, industry advisors, and regional employers with the goal of advancing key workforce initiatives and more closely aligning education and training programs with industry needs. With over 25 years of experience, Rae Ellen has built her career around helping businesses and organizations tackle complex challenges. As a C-suite executive for nationally recognized organizations and firms, she has led multi-million-dollar initiatives, built and scaled high-performing teams, and guided organizations through transformational growth—cementing her reputation as a trusted leader in driving impact and sustainability. A resident of Bexley, an alumna of Denison University, an investor in economic initiatives like One Columbus, and an active participant on executive boards such as the Columbus Literacy Council, Rae Ellen believes in the power of Ohio and is dedicated to helping its businesses, organizations, schools, and communities thrive. "
