Media Contacts: Nicole Kampe, Automation Alley, kampen@automationalley.com, 248.457.3301; Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications, barbara@eafocus.com, 248.260.8466

TROY, Mich.— Aug. 10, 2018 — Automation Alley, Michigan’s leading technology and manufacturing business association, announces that Maryann Daddow has been promoted to senior director of finance and Cynthia Hutchison has been promoted to senior director, Automation Alley.

Hutchison had been director of business development and government affairs at Automation Alley and will continue in that role. Additional responsibilities as senior director include oversight of marketing and facilities management.  Daddow had been director of finance and will continue with the elevated financial responsibilities that have emerged from Automation Alley’s transition to Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center.

Daddow, who joined Automation Alley in 2009, is responsible for accounting and financial management for Automation Alley, as well as the lead interface with outside auditors. She has more than 25 years of experience in finance and accounting, previously working in the automotive industry with Chrysler Group LLC. Her work experience has encompassed technical accounting, financial analysis and controllership responsibilities across a wide range of functions.

Daddow holds an MBA from Michigan State University. She is a resident of Rochester.  

Hutchison initially worked for Automation Alley as director of member relations from October 2013 to April 2015. She returned to Automation Alley in August 2016 as director of business development and government affairs. Since rejoining Automation Alley, she has expanded membership at the Foundation level (the highest level of membership) and has sought out new opportunities to maximize Automation Alley’s reach nationally and globally. Additionally, she introduced such popular new member programs as the Tech Takeover, which provides members an opportunity to showcase their expertise on smart technologies for Industry 4.0 to those in the manufacturing and technology fields, and brought in major sponsors and partners for Automation Alley’s 2018 Technology in Industry Report and inaugural, sold-out global Integr8™ Industry 4.0 conference.

In 2006, Hutchison was named one of 14 “Michiganians of the Year” by the Detroit News for her efforts on behalf of Band of Angels, an international advocacy and support organization she founded for educating, employing and providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome, autism and other cognitive impairments. Hutchison started Band of Angels following the birth of her son, Jordan, in 1989, who has Down syndrome. In addition to Hutchison, honorees that year included Dan Gilbert, Matt Cullen and Maggie Allesee. among others.

Hutchison holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Allegheny College. She is a resident of Rochester Hills.

“Cynthia Hutchison brings multi-faceted strategic business marketing and sales skills to Automation Alley,” Tom Kelly, Automation Alley executive director and CEO, said. “She’s a senior leader and outstanding connector. As we transition Automation Alley to Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, Cynthia has done an outstanding job of educating our members and partners on the value of being actively involved with Automation Alley. On the operations side, she brings creativity and a strong business approach to finding efficiencies that help us best serve our members and our day-to-day operations. Leading our finance area, Maryann Daddow has been an upstanding, trusted leader and has stepped up to embrace the new financial opportunities presented by Automation Alley’s involvement in Industry 4.0. On behalf of our entire team, I congratulate them on their promotions.”

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley  is a nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association and Michigan’s Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. We connect industry, academia and government to fuel Michigan’s economy and accelerate innovation. We offer programs and services in business growth, entrepreneurship, talent development, defense and international business, providing resources and knowledge to help our members grow and prosper in the digital age.

Our Mission

The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping our members increase revenue, reduce costs and think strategically during a time of rapid technological change.

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