13th Annual Manufacturers Symposium

October 8, 2026
8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Embassy Suites Washington Square
9000 SW Washington Square Rd.
Tigard, OR 97223

F.A.S.T. – Why It Matters for the Silicon Forest

The 2026 Manufacturers Symposium brought together industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and community partners to explore the evolving manufacturing landscape in Oregon.

This year’s theme, F.A.S.T. – Why It Matters for the Silicon Forest, focused on the impact of the Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) initiative and what this major investment means for Oregon’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. From innovation and collaborative research to workforce development and new business opportunities, the symposium highlighted how FAST can help shape the future of manufacturing in the Silicon Forest and across the state.

Thank you to our panelists, sponsors, and everyone who joined us for this important conversation! Your participation and collaboration help strengthen Oregon’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

Stay tuned for more information about the 2027 Manufacturers Symposium!

For questions about this event, please contact Sammi Schumacher at SammanthaS@wcchamber.org

Panelists

Julie Brandis
Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships
Oregon State University, College of Engineering

Julie Brandis serves as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships for Oregon State University’s College of Engineering. She leads strategic collaborations among industry, government, and academia to advance engineering education, research, workforce development, and innovation. Julie brings more than three decades of experience in higher education partnerships, fundraising, public affairs, and economic development.

Ken Christian
Business Development Liaison
City of Hillsboro

Ken Christian has served the City of Hillsboro since 2003, bringing over two decades of public service experience to his current role in the Economic Development Department. As the City’s Business Development Liaison, he focuses on business recruitment, retention, and expansion strategies that strengthen Hillsboro’s traded-sector industries. Ken also works closely with entrepreneurs and small businesses, supporting growth through partnerships with organizations contracted by the City to provide targeted resources and services to the small business community.

José García
Head of Autonomous & Net Zero Manufacturing Enablement
Analog Devices

José earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. Following completion of his Ph.D., José joined Intel’s Portland Technology Development organization, where he helped develop lithography processes across six technology generations. In 2009, José joined Maxim Integrated and played a key role in transforming the company’s Beaverton semiconductor fabrication facility into a best-in-class operation for safety, quality, output, and performance. Following Analog Devices’ acquisition of Maxim Integrated in 2021, José led efforts to increase output across ADI’s global internal manufacturing network. Today, José leads ADI’s Manufacturing 4.0 and Net Zero Manufacturing Enablement initiatives, driving advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainability efforts across the company’s global factory network.

Skip Newberry
President & CEO
Technology Association of Oregon

Skip is President & CEO of the Technology Association of Oregon (TAO), which works with over 500 technology companies and tech departments, ranging from startups to the largest companies in the world. Skip is the Vice Chair of the Oregon Workforce & Talent Development Board and serves on the Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and board of directors for Technology Councils of North America. He is a Co-PI and Co-Director of the FAST Engine, a National Science Foundation program focused on semiconductors and AI. In addition to his time as a nonprofit executive, Skip also worked as a lawyer, technology entrepreneur and CEO, and economic development official.

Moderated by:
Kyle Ritchey-Noll
Director of Education and Workforce Policy
Oregon Business Council

Kyle Ritchey-Noll is the director of education and workforce policy for the Oregon Business Council, a business roundtable dedicated to advancing Oregon’s economic health and prosperity. Kyle serves as the Co-Director of Workforce for Frontiers of Advanced Semiconductor Technology (FAST) and leads the Oregon Semiconductor Talent Consortium, a cross-sector coalition working to strengthen talent development and expand access to career pathways in the semiconductor industry. She is a founder and former Board President of Oregon STEM, serves on the Oregon MESA Advisory Board, the STEM Investment Council Advisory Board, the Statewide CTE Advisory Council, and the Future Ready Oregon Manufacturing and Technology Industry Consortia.