Joyce La Padula, DBED's Manufacturing Program Manager, has been named to the Maryland World Class Consortia (MWCC) Board of Directors.

In her current DBED role, Joyce collaborates with industry stakeholders, trade associations and educational institutions, while facilitating the growth and creation of partnerships throughout the state.

"Congratulations to Joyce on being named to the Maryland World Class Consortia Board," said DBED Secretary Mike Gill. "Joyce's years of experience and industry knowledge will be a tremendous asset to the Board."

Launched in 1996 under DBED, the MWCC is today a 501c3 non-profit that helps organizations understand and apply the tools and principles of Continuous Improvement to increase the competitive capacities of Maryland businesses, and to strengthen and grow the state and regional economies.

Specifically, the Consortia specializes in "lean thinking"a process improvement approach with origins in manufacturing, but most recently used in the all private sector fields, as well as government agencies.

The Consortia's Board of Directors consists of economic development professionals, business leaders, and seasoned lean practitioners who advise the MWCC staff.

Joyce joined the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development team 19 years ago and soon began managing Consortia operations as the Program Director, where she worked with Maryland companies and MWCC members in search of sustainable lean business practices. Throughout her years at the department, Joyce also served on the executive staff for four cabinet secretaries.

"Joyce brings vision and leadership skills to the Board as well as significant manufacturing experience," said Carl Livesay, Manufacturing Director for DBED. "This is great news for the MWCC, the State of Maryland and for Maryland manufacturers."