Ranae Stewart Named Senior Executive Director of Purdue MEP

Ranae Stewart Named Senior Executive Director
of Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership

CARMEL, Ind. - Ranae Stewart has been named Senior Executive Director of Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) as L. David Snow, Senior Executive Director (Emeritus), nears retirement on February 29, 2024.

For over a decade, Ranae has been an integral member of the Center bringing exceptional leadership and dedication to the organization’s success as one of the highest-performing MEP Centers in the nation. Since joining Purdue MEP, Ranae has held several roles in the organization, allowing her to play a pivotal role in driving major milestones, particularly in the areas of workforce development, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and marketing. 

“Under Ranae’s guidance, I am confident Purdue MEP will not only maintain its current momentum but will be propelled to new heights,” stated David. “Her ability to align strategic objectives with operational execution has been instrumental in driving our Center’s success.”

“I am fortunate to be a part of the phenomenal team at Purdue MEP. Our staff has an unwavering commitment to serving manufacturers throughout Indiana and advancing the industry,” said Ranae. “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to lead Purdue MEP and continue its history of success.”

Ranae has over 20 years of experience in the areas of marketing and business development. For the past three years, she has led Purdue MEP’s Center Operations, where she was responsible for all Center administrative functions, including operations, events, marketing, finance, grant oversight, sales support, purchasing, and the cultivation of Purdue MEP's partnerships. Within the Center’s workforce development initiatives, she was responsible for the launch of the organization’s Manufacturing Skills for Success program which has trained over 1,600 individuals since 2018.

Ranae is an active member of the MEP National Network, serving on the Board of the Foundation for Manufacturing Excellence. She also serves on the Board of the Indiana Small Business Development Corporation and as an Ambassador for the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation.

 

About Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Purdue MEP, part of the MEP National Network, provides high-value, affordable, personalized consulting and training services that enable Indiana manufacturers to work smarter, compete, and prosper. We develop more effective business leaders, drive product and process innovation, promote company-wide operational excellence, and foster creative strategies for business growth, workforce development, economic competitiveness, and greater profitability. To learn more, visit www.mep.purdue.edu

Writer: Julie Warner, 765-496-1200, jawarner@purdue.edu