Leadership
Chair
NAME: Brian Rhodes
OCCUPATION: President/Owner Lean Consulting Network
ABOUT: I am Brian Rhodes, a seasoned manufacturing professional deeply committed to Continuous Improvement. My forte lies in identifying growth opportunities by fostering employee engagement to enhance a company’s financial performance. With a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, I’ve dedicated two decades to collaborating with businesses, yielding impressive results such as a 70% reduction in product cycle times, a 50% decrease in inventory levels, and a similar reduction in indirect labor.
Furthermore, I am honored to currently serve as the Chair of the DFW Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where I actively contribute to advancing our industry and promoting excellence.
LINKEDIN: Brian Rhodes
Chair elect - Treasurer
NAME: Tim Worlitz
OCCUPATION: Integrator/COO, Catco Catalytic Heater Company
ABOUT: I am a proven operations management executive who builds successful teams in new product development, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement. With a passion for problem solving, optimizing processes, and developing people, I am currently in a leadership role where my drive for strategic excellence is helping improve all levels of company performance, profit, and growth.
In addition, I am honored to serve as the Treasurer and Chair Elect for the DFW SME, actively contributing to the growth and advancement of our industry.
LINKEDIN: Tim Worlitz
Secretary
NAME: Liam Fortier
OCCUPATION: Advanced Manufacturing Engineer
ABOUT: I am Liam Fortier, an advanced manufacturing engineer at Peterbilt Motors Co. I have a passion for manufacturing and have been deeply involved with the Society of Manufacturing engineers since being a student at Texas A&M university, where I served as vice president of the student chapter S099 for two consecutive years.
I currently serve as the secretary for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers DFW chapter 51.
LINKEDIN: Liam Fortier
Event & OUTREACH Coordinator
NAME: Nicholas McDonald
OCCUPATION: Manufacturing Engineer, Epiroc Drilling Solutions LLC
ABOUT: Hello, I’m Nicholas McDonald, a proud Mechanical Engineering alumnus from the University of Texas at Arlington. Currently excelling as a Manufacturing Engineer at Epiroc, I delve deeply into optimizing manufacturing processes.
Beyond my role at Epiroc, I serve as the Event & Outreach Coordinator at DFW SME. My commitment to the industry dates back to my tenure as Treasurer of the UTA SME and as one of its founding members.
My overarching goal is to enhance the cohesion of the DFW manufacturing landscape. I strive to unite professionals and foster collaboration within the industry.
LINKEDIN: Nicholas McDonald
College Chapter Liaison
NAME: Thevnin Rumende
OCCUPATION: Associate Engineer, Oncor Electric Delivery
ABOUT:
I am Thevnin Rumende, a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. My journey began with this solid educational foundation, and it has since led me to a fulfilling career at Oncor Electric Delivery, where we empower our customers’ modern lives through safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity.
Alongside my professional role, I’m proud to have founded the UTA SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) college chapter, where I previously served as President.
Today I hold the position of College Chapter Liaison for the professional DFW SME, where my dedication lies in promoting manufacturing technology and fostering innovation among the next generation of manufacturers.
LINKEDIN: Thevnin Rumende
