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Keynote Speaker Information
Jd Marhevko
Keynote Presentation:
In an era defined by rapid technological disruption, global supply chain volatility, and rising expectations for transparency, auditors stand at a pivotal moment. We will explore how auditors can evolve from compliance stewards into strategic catalysts—professionals who not only assess quality but actively shape organizational resilience and innovation.
Attendees will gain insight into the emerging capabilities, mindsets, and tools required to thrive in a future where data, automation, and cross-functional collaboration redefine what “good” looks like. We will challenge you to embrace new competencies in order to elevate your influence, and lead organizations toward smarter, more adaptive quality systems.
Bio:
Jd is a VP of Quality for ZF Groups Electronics & ADAS Division. Jd has been a senior executive in several companies including Borg Warner, Delphi, Accuride, Eaton, etc. in roles of Operations, Quality, and Lean. She has helped companies transform from bankruptcy to best in class with 3rd Party recognition from the AME (Association of Manufacturing Excellence) and Industry Week. In 2020, Jd was inducted into the inaugural USA’s Women in Manufacturing (WiM) Hall of Fame. Jd is an ASQ Fellow, Shainin Medalist, CMQ/OE, CQE, CSSBB and MBB. In 2018, she was recognized by Crain’s as a notable Woman in Manufacturing. She holds a BSE and MSA. Jd has co-authored several books and articles on Lean and Quality Systems; most notably, Accuride Corporation’s Lean Management 50-50-20, as well as a small vignette depicting their family’s journey with autism, A Sample Size of One.
Michael Fank
Keynote Presentation:
Riding the Next Wave: How Auditors Can Lead Through Disruption
Every major leap in history created fear… until people learned to ride the wave. From the steam engine to 3D animation, Mike Fank shares surprising stories of how technology has always pushed professionals to grow, not disappear.
Today’s wave is AI. Instead of resisting it, Mike shows quality professionals how to harness it. Auditors will walk away with three simple AI tools they can use immediately, plus a clear mindset shift for leading their organizations through the next decade of change.
Bio:
Mike Fank is an Operational Excellence Leader and consultant who helps organizations align quality with business strategy to achieve lasting results. With more than a decade of experience in quality and process improvement, Mike has guided teams across manufacturing and service industries to simplify systems, eliminate inefficiencies, and strengthen performance.
As the founder of Upside Down Excellence, Mike focuses on bridging quality and business so that quality becomes a natural part of how organizations operate and grow. His approach helps quality make meaningful improvements, and business leaders understand
the value of their quality team. He blends Lean, Six Sigma, and human-centered problem-solving, with a strong emphasis on building systems people want to use.
Mike is a Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a long-standing ASQ Senior Member and Mentor. He has developed corporate audit standards, designed training programs, and advised leadership teams on how to build efficient, sustainable systems that free people to focus on what they do best—solving problems and driving innovation.
Driven by the belief that “a bad system can be held together by good people, and vice versa,” Mike’s work centers on creating simplicity, accountability, and alignment between people, processes, and strategy. His vision is a world where quality and business practices are one and the same.
Michael D. Ford
Keynote Presentation:
A Life of Abundance: Yes, You Can!
Many people see their work, their lives and the entire world as viewed from both ends of the following spectrum:
SCARCITY <--------------> ABUNDANCE
This is not just a glass-half-full or half-empty approach, but rather, recognition that there is more than enough available. There's an awesome array of possibilities for all of us—so much that there's no reason to ever use language which negates those possibilities. What would happen if, when we expressed our vision of the future, we consistently used the word "AND" followed by the ways we'll make it happen, instead of the word "BUT" connected to the idea's unlikely success?
The facilitator is a devout disciple of the power of positive thinking, engaging life’s challenges with a “can do” attitude. Quoting Henry Ford, “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Let’s believe we can! Living life with this kind of enthusiasm needs references, resources, and tools, which we can all carry with us 24/7. Come and see how simple (yet profound) they are and the amazing amount of power to choose your own direction that each of us holds within us!
Bio:
Michael D. Ford, M.S.I.S.E., CFPIM, CSCP, CLTD, CTSC, CMQ/OE, CQA, CRE, CQE, ACPF, CPSM, CSSGB, is an Earth-to-Earth Sustainable Supply Network Expert with TQM Works Consulting. He provides innovative solutions based on forty years of experience in retail, distribution, manufacturing, training, and consulting. His work history includes software implementation, business planning, inventory control, distribution planning, and corporate training. This includes a broad range of experience in manufacturing from engineer-to-order to make-to-stock, as well as distribution, non-profits, service, and Department of Defense.
Ford has presented at over 400 industry events throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan, Nigeria, South Africa, Australia, Saudi Arabia, The Netherlands, and United Arab Emirates. He has provided over 7,500 hours of classroom training, averaging 4.5/5.0 on evaluations. He has taught accredited and continuing education courses for multiple Penn State and State University of NY campuses. He has delivered on-site training at BAE, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Raymond Corp, Universal, Pfizer and many others.
Ford has created online content using learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Angel, Canvas and Brightspace. He has facilitated live virtual training (LVT), asynchronous, and hybrid formats. He has authored scripts for online courses, journal articles, newsletters, and blogs.
Ford combines his technical expertise with personal skills, to develop a unique “outside the box” approach to life’s challenges. He is a charismatic speaker who specializes in delivering training that is edutaining.
Pre-Conference Tutorials
Pre-Conference Tutorials will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.