FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 22, 2026
ILLINOIS MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE CENTER NAMES MICHAEL M. CABONARGI PRESIDENT AND CEO
PEORIA, Ill. – The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) announced the appointment of Michael M. Cabonargi as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective October 12, 2026.
Cabonargi will lead IMEC as the organization enters its fourth decade of serving manufacturers across Illinois. Founded in 1996, IMEC is a statewide nonprofit and Illinois’ official center in the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In fiscal year 2025, IMEC partnered with 3,742 Illinois manufacturers, generating $905 million in aggregate economic impact.
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search led by a committee of IMEC Board members, including an extensive review of candidates, finalist interviews and due diligence.
“Michael brings extensive leadership experience and a strong record of building partnerships across government, business and civic institutions,” said Marcia Ayala, Chair of the IMEC Board of Directors and President of Aurora Specialty Textiles Group. “As IMEC enters its next chapter, the Board sought a leader who can build on the organization’s strong foundation, deepen relationships across the state and continue expanding the value IMEC delivers to Illinois manufacturers. Michael’s experience bringing people and organizations together will be an important asset as we move that work forward.”
Cabonargi brings more than three decades of experience spanning public service, government, law, economic development and organizational leadership. He currently serves as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Previously, he served as Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Great Lakes Region, overseeing federal program delivery across six states and 34 sovereign tribal nations.
Cabonargi also served for 11 years as a Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Review, including service as Chair, where he led a significant modernization of the organization. Earlier in his career, he held positions with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He holds a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law.
“Illinois manufacturing is essential to the strength of our state’s economy and communities,” said Cabonargi. “For 30 years, IMEC has earned the trust of manufacturers by working alongside them to solve challenges, strengthen their businesses and create opportunities to grow, innovate and compete. I am honored to lead IMEC and look forward to working with the team, Board, partners and manufacturers across Illinois to build on that legacy and strengthen our impact throughout the state.”
Daniel Hofmann, who has served as Interim President during the leadership transition, will continue in that role until Cabonargi assumes the presidency and will return as the Vice President of Finance and IT.
“Dan stepped into the Interim President role at an important time and provided steady leadership throughout this transition,” Ayala said. “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank him for his leadership, commitment and service. His work ensured continuity across the organization while keeping IMEC focused on serving Illinois manufacturers, and we are grateful for the leadership he provided during this period.”
About IMEC
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) helps Illinois manufacturers become stronger, more competitive, and prepared for long-term growth. Through tailored solutions, hands-on expertise, and strategic support, IMEC partners with small and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce performance, drive innovation, and build resilient businesses. With a statewide team of industry improvement specialists, IMEC works alongside manufacturers to help them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful change.
Contact:
Amanda Hawley, SPHR
Vice President of Talent, IMEC
ahawley@imec.org | (309) 360-2282
