NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka has been named Chair of the Conference of State Manufacturers Associations (COSMA), a network of 50 state-based manufacturing partners working closely with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to advance smart policies.
Siekerka will serve a two-year term as COSMA chair, after working as its vice chair in 2023-2024.
“Michele’s leadership as COSMA chair is instrumental to ensuring the manufacturing community can speak with a strong and unified voice,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.
“We will continue to rely on Michele’s counsel as we work with a new Congress and administration to enact pro-growth tax and regulatory reforms that will help improve the quality of life for all Americans.”
“New Jersey manufacturers share the same challenges their counterparts in other states face – workforce shortages, high interest rates that limit access to capital, global supply chain disruptions, overregulation, and government red tape that strangles growth,” Siekerka said.
“It has been, and continues to be, an honor and a mission to work with COSMA to address these challenges to affect change both individually and collectively.”
Siekerka, who also joined NAM’s board of directors last year, spearheaded COSMA’s efforts to bring its annual conference to New Jersey last summer.
The national event, held July 28-31 at the Seaview in Atlantic County, brought together U.S. manufacturing industry leaders to share bold ideas and strategies for advancing manufacturing priorities.
This year’s annual COSMA gathering will take place in Portland, Oregon in late July of 2025.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of the COSMA representatives around the country to continue the steps of advancing a competitive manufacturing agenda that promotes prosperity for the industry and beyond,” Siekerka said.
The Conference of State Manufacturers Associations (COSMA) recently announced the appointment of Michele Siekerka as its new Chair. Siekerka, who currently serves as the President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role.
As Chair of COSMA, Siekerka will be responsible for leading the organization in its mission to advocate for policies that support the manufacturing industry at the state level. This is a crucial role, as manufacturing plays a vital role in the economy of the United States, providing jobs and driving innovation.
Siekerka’s appointment comes at a time when the manufacturing industry is facing numerous challenges, including global competition, technological advancements, and changing regulatory environments. In her new role, she will work closely with state manufacturers associations across the country to address these challenges and ensure that the industry remains competitive and vibrant.
In a statement following her appointment, Siekerka expressed her excitement about the opportunity to lead COSMA and work with state manufacturers associations to promote policies that support the industry. She emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and expressed her commitment to advocating for policies that will help manufacturers thrive.
Siekerka’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from industry leaders and policymakers alike. In a statement, Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), praised Siekerka’s leadership and vision, stating that she is “exactly the right person to lead COSMA at this critical time.”
Overall, Siekerka’s appointment as Chair of COSMA represents a significant development for the manufacturing industry. With her leadership and expertise, she is well-positioned to drive positive change and advocate for policies that will support the growth and success of manufacturers across the country.