INDIANAPOLIS – February 11, 2026 – Conexus Indiana, a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries, announced today four new members to its Board of Directors as well as three appointments to the Board’s Executive Committee.
Michael Daniel, Executive Vice President of Operations for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Kierstin Janik, Chief Talent Officer of Heritage Construction & Materials; Mike Wagner, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Jasper Group; and Dr. Ajay Malshe, R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, have joined the Conexus Indiana Board of Directors.

Executive Committee Appointments

The Conexus Indiana Board of Directors also announced three new appointments to its Executive Committee:
  • Kevin Trivett, Senior Vice President of Device Manufacturing and Packaging Operations, Eli Lilly and Company
  • Scott Meiner, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Lippert Components
  • Susan Carlock, Executive Vice President & Co-owner, Mursix Corporation

“These appointments bring valuable expertise and fresh perspectives to our board and executive committee at a critical time for Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics sectors,” said Jay Wirts, Conexus Indiana president and CEO. “Michael’s economic development expertise at the state level, Kierstin’s deep experience in talent strategy and workforce development, Mike’s proven track record in AI implementation and driving operational success in manufacturing, and Ajay’s groundbreaking work in advanced manufacturing and materials engineering represent the breadth of expertise needed to advance our industry. Kevin, Scott, and Susan bring exceptional operational and strategic leadership across pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain innovation and precision manufacturing. Their collective expertise will strengthen our efforts to drive digital adoption and workforce excellence across the state. I look forward to seeing how they work alongside our existing board members to help the industry achieve its goals.”

New Board Members

Michael Daniel serves as the Executive Vice President of Operations for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Chief Operating Officer for the Indiana Office of Commerce under Secretary David J. Adams. An experienced change management leader, Michael has developed and implemented strategy and lean principles in start-up, turnaround and Fortune 250 environments across several key industries including manufacturing, distribution and services.
Kierstin Janik is the VP of People for The Heritage Group. In her role, she partners with the executive leadership team to set business strategies and design people processes that are aligned to support business strategies.  Her responsibilities including leadership for Total Rewards, Talent Management, Learning and Development, Workforce Development and more.  Prior to her current role, she operated as the Chief Talent Officer for Heritage Construction + Materials portfolio of businesses, Director of People and Organizational Capabilities for the company’s Asphalt Materials business, and Director of Talent Development for The Heritage Group during her tenure with the Heritage.
Mike Wagner is Chair and CEO of Jasper Group, a furniture manufacturer comprised of two brands, JSI and Klem Hospitality. He leads the company with a focus on design excellence, innovation and advanced technologies, while maintaining a deep respect for craft and culture. Under his leadership, Jasper Group has undergone significant transformation and reinvention in a mature industry. Mike is actively involved in workforce development and industry leadership, including current board roles with Hub19 and BIFMA. He previously served as a Board Governor for the Sixers Innovation Lab and as Past President of Kimball.
Dr. Ajay “AJ” P. Malshe is an internationally recognized deep-tech inventor, innovator and executive leader in manufacturing, nanomaterials and advanced materials. He serves as the Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and President’s Fellow at Purdue University, where he is Executive Director of the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories and Director of the nation’s first Center for In-Space Manufacturing. With over 40 years spanning academia, entrepreneurship and industry, Dr. Malshe has successfully translated more than 70% of his patents into commercial impact across energy, defense, space, EVs and manufacturing. A National Academy of Engineering (NAE) member, he holds 28 patents, authored 250+ publications and has received 45+ global honors.
About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.