CONNSTEP Announces the Election of New Board Members

(Hartford, CT, July 16, 2025) – CONNSTEP, Connecticut’s leading manufacturing consulting firm, is pleased to announce the election of three new members to its board of directors, whose diverse insights will help further the organization’s mission as a trusted advisor and resource to Connecticut’s small and medium-sized manufacturers. 

Meredith Young, Vice President, Commercial Banker at JP Morgan Chase, brings robust financial leadership expertise to the board. 

Through various roles within the banking industry, she has strategically guided numerous small and mid-sized businesses on lending relationships, growth financing, and risk assessment. 

Meredith’s dedication to fostering innovation in manufacturing is underscored by her active membership in Women in Manufacturing, making her an invaluable asset to CONNSTEP’s mission. 

Nikola Delic joins the board as President & CEO of New England Airfoil Products. 

With more than 15 years in senior leadership roles within the aerospace industry, including tenures at Arrowhead Products and Howmet Aerospace, Nik brings extensive experience in business development, program management, and operational improvement across commercial, defense, industrial, and space sectors. 

His proven track record of driving significant revenue growth and organizational transformation at NEAP, along with his deep understanding of the manufacturing landscape, will significantly benefit CONNSTEP’s strategic initiatives. 

Craig Cunningham is a human resources consultant with over two and a half decades of HR leadership and management experience. 

Most recently with Thayer Mahan, Inc., Craig has dedicated his career to the manufacturing, consumer products, and pharmaceutical sectors. 

He has successfully navigated human resource challenges within various company structures, including entrepreneurial ventures, private equity-owned firms, and publicly traded enterprises. 

With his expertise in talent management, compliance, and strategic advising, Craig’s addition to the board will be instrumental in fostering business growth. 

“As CONNSTEP continues to support the growth and evolution of Connecticut manufacturers, we are thrilled to have Meredith, Nik, and Craig join our Board of Directors,” said Beatriz N. Gutierrez, CONNSTEP President & CEO. 

“Their diverse and powerful backgrounds in financial guidance, advanced manufacturing leadership, and strategic HR will be pivotal in shaping our future initiatives and driving even greater impact for our state’s vital manufacturing community.” 

“The board is excited to welcome our newest members,” said  Erin Dumonski, board chair and Production Chief – Military Development Programs at Pratt & Whitney. 

“We look forward to their expertise in championing CONNSTEP’s mission and vision as trusted advisors to Connecticut manufacturers.” 

Along with Erin Dumonski, Meredith, Nic, and Craig join current board members, Vice Chair Alfredo Fernandez, Treasurer Shantelle Varrs-Patrick, Secretary Anna McGovern, Alison Carey-Lynch, Chris DiPentima, Jeffrey Granath, Brittany Isherwood, Christoper Levesque, and Pedro Soto. 

About CONNSTEP: For 25 years, our client-focused mission has been centered on identifying growth opportunities, improving productivity, and ensuring the success of our clients in today’s evolving manufacturing landscape. 

Our multi-disciplinary team of experts takes a holistic approach by leveraging industry knowledge to offer tailored services for success. CONNSTEP’s technical expertise and workforce strategies combine to generate bottom-line improvements and produce innovative, results-driven growth for your organization.

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CONNSTEP'S Board of Directors