SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) has named five new members to its Board of Directors as the association continues to build on its strong record of leadership on behalf of manufacturers across the state.
“These new members bring years of leadership and experience, adding vital expertise as we reinforce our advocacy efforts on behalf of our state’s manufacturing sector,” said Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the IMA. “Manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to our state’s Gross Domestic Product, and we look forward to continued collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders to create opportunities, grow jobs, and move makers forward.”
The new board members of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association are:
Austin Walker (Boeing): Walker is Senior Manager of State & Local Government Operations at The Boeing Company, managing government operations for Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, where he also supports operations at Boeing’s largest defense site located in the St. Louis region. Prior to joining Boeing, Walker served as Vice President of the St. Louis Regional Business Council, a nonprofit organization comprised of over 100 business leaders in the St. Louis area, following his role as Vice President of Public Policy at the St. Louis Regional Chamber and earlier work with the National Council on Independent Living in Washington, D.C., where he partnered with Congress and the White House on legislation advancing the rights of Americans with disabilities. Walker earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Kansas.
Craig Freedman (Freedman Seating Company): Freedman is the CEO of the Freedman Seating Company, an industry leader providing seating solutions for the bus, rail, marine and light truck industries based on Chicago’s West Side. After earning a BA in Economics from Northwestern University and an MBA from Harvard, he began his career as an analyst at Morgan Stanley. Returning to Freedman Seating in 1992, he focused on strategic planning and operations, eventually becoming CEO. Under his leadership, the company has become an industry leader and key player in Chicago’s manufacturing community. Freedman is committed to fostering opportunities for underserved communities and empowering young people through training in manufacturing disciplines. The company actively partners with organizations like Jane Addams Resource Corporation, Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and Manufacturing Connect, a career pathways program operated by Manufacturing Renaissance. Freedman has also served U.S. Department of Commerce’s Manufacturing Council and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Advisory Council for Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Small Business, and Labor.
John Cain (Scot Forge): Cain is the CEO and Chairman of Scot Forge, an employee-owned company that is the world’s leading provider of high-quality metal forging solutions based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Starting in an entry-level role, Cain embraced the company’s employee-owner culture, working his way up through apprentice to leadership roles in supervision and operations before becoming Vice President and COO. Cain takes pride in leading devoted teams focused on creating a better future for their stakeholders. His commitment to building strong, capable teams has helped position Scot Forge as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking metal shaping companies in the world.
Kristol W. Simms (Ameren Illinois Company): Simms serves as Vice President of Clean Energy Transition, Economic, Community, and Business Development for Ameren Illinois Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation. With nearly two decades of experience leading strategic initiatives in the utility sector, she has been at the forefront of developing innovative solutions that balance regulatory compliance, economic growth, and equitable access to clean energy. Simms currently oversees energy efficiency, beneficial electrification, economic development, clean energy strategy, and policy advocacy for Ameren Illinois. Previously, Simms served as Senior Director of Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Policy Implementation, where she oversaw Ameren Illinois’ energy efficiency programs and led the company’s implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Simms began her career in Ameren’s legal department and is a passionate advocate for people, customers, businesses, and communities ensuring the clean energy transition is innovative and inclusive. She earned her undergraduate degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, and her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law.
Nirel Inman (Chicago Glue & Machine): Inman is Co-President of Chicago Glue & Machine, a second-generation family business founded in 1984. Passionate about the business her father co-founded, she has held roles in accounting, sales and management, gaining a deep appreciation for every part of the company and the people who make it thrive. Inman has immersed herself in all things Chicago Glue, embracing lifelong learning and servant leadership. She is committed to the principles of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, accountability and ethical leadership, all while fostering a fun workplace.
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, visit https://ima-net.org/