Join the Committees Driving the Alliance

The Annual Meeting Planning Committee plans MPMA’s flagship annual event.

Leadership: 

• Chair: Kika Young, Forest City Gear 
• Staff Liaison: Leah Lewis

The Education Committee provides strategic oversight for MPMA’s educational programs, focusing on engineers and other professionals in the bearings and power transmission industry.

Through their work, the committees: 

• Oversees curricula and development of new programs for continuing education. 
• Builds ongoing education programs for global professionals. 
• Develops educational materials and interactive experiences for real-world application. 
• Guides a Development Team working with staff, including: 
  • Les Miller, VP Engineering, Kaydon (Committee Chair) 
  • Dan Snyder, Former Director of Application Engineering, SKF USA Inc. (Lead Instructor) 
  • Michael Kotzalas, Chief Engineer Product Design – Global TRB, Timken (Instructor) 
• Led initiatives such as the re-imagined Advanced and Essential Concepts Course (2010) and the Basics of Bearings online course. 

Leadership:

• Chair: John Byers, The Timken Company
• Staff Liaison: Stephanie Smialek

The Membership Committee strengthens the MPMA community through engagement, recruitment, and retention.

Through their work, the committees: 

• Serves as ambassadors, modeling active and engaged membership. 
• Promotes the value of membership to prospective companies and professionals. 
• Encourages participation among existing members. 
• Supports initiatives to enhance member experience and connection. 

Leadership:

• Chair: Kerry Klein, FLENDER
• Staff Liaison: Rebecca Brinkley

The SNL Forum Committee develops peer-focused programs for emerging leaders across the industry.

Through their work, the committees: 

• Delivers the SNL Forum, supporting leadership development and engagement. 
• Provides networking opportunities for mid-level managers and next-generation executives. 
• Offers access to business training, leadership resources, and emerging technology insights. 
• Organizes hands-on learning experiences, including tours of industry facilities. 

Leadership:

• Chair: Chris Porsch, Blaser Swisslub, Inc. 
• Vice Chair: Jason Spitzer, Helios Gear Products 
• Staff Liaison: Leah Lewis

The Trade Show Advisory Committee provides strategic guidance for MPMA’s biennial trade show, Gear Expo.

Through their work, the committees: 

• Serves as a liaison between the Board, exhibitors, and staff. 
• Guides planning and production to maximize value for attendees. 
• Aligns trade show strategy with industry priorities. 

Leadership:

• Chair: Steve Janke, Brelie Gear Company, Inc. 
• Vice Chair: Shane Hollingsworth, Kapp Niles 
• Staff Liaison: Leah Lewis