On May 7, 2025, Joanne Ruiz and Amy Clary, officially earned the designation of TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager, joining a national network of professionals working to solve workforce challenges through employer-led strategies.
This accomplishment follows their successful completion of an intensive, multi-month training through the TPM Academy — a program developed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Running from February through April, the TPM Academy delivered a project-based learning experience that culminated in the presentation of real-world workforce solutions and the awarding of a credential.
Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) is a demand-driven, employer-led approach that uses proven supply chain management strategies to develop talent pipelines aligned with dynamic business needs. The approach is built around six core strategies — from organizing employer leadership to analyzing performance — and is designed to address gaps in recruitment, retention, upskilling, and job quality across sectors.
Joanne and Amy are excited to apply what they’ve learned to help strengthen career pathway opportunities in Illinois’ manufacturing sector.
“TPM gave us a strong framework to better listen to and work with employers,” said Joanne Ruiz, IMEC Technical Specialist. “In my project, we focused on the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Entry-level talent is available, but there’s a major gap in specialized skills. By identifying essential credentials and aligning training providers, we can more effectively grow the talent pool that manufacturers need.”
While Joanne tackled the growing need for cybersecurity talent, Amy turned her attention to another critical area in manufacturing. Her project focused on the talent gap for CNC skills, a challenge many employers are facing as experienced workers retire and new hires require more specialized training.
“The Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) approach helped us identify the gap between the skills CNC operators truly need and traditional resume criteria,” said Amy Clary, IMEC Regional Manager. “Employers shared their concerns about workforce shortages due to retirements and retention challenges. Through TPM, we are co-developing solutions like apprenticeship training programs, aligning curriculum with industry needs, and using the DMAIC model with risk assessments to refine talent strategies. These efforts ensure a sustainable workforce and highlight the value of modern manufacturing careers.”
By earning the TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager credential, Amy and Joanne are equipped to lead collaborative efforts that enhance the manufacturing workforce pipeline across Illinois. Their work will help align employer needs with education and training systems to create shared value for businesses, workers, and communities.
Learn more about Talent Pipeline Management at uschamberfoundation.org/TPM.
Pictured at the TPM Graduation: Dave Boulay, Ph. D., IMEC President, Mary Hallock, IMEC Vice President of Operations, Amy Clary, IMEC Regional Manager, Kim Kichenbrod, WBL and TPM Manager, Julio Rodriguez, Deputy Director DCEO OET Division, Joanne Ruiz, IMEC Technical Specialist, Amanda Hawley, SPHR, IMEC Vice President of Talent
