UT Center for Industrial Services Names New Solutions Consultant for East Tennessee

Nashville, TN (April 14, 2015) - The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (CIS) has named Michael Taylor as its Solutions Consultant for the East Tennessee region. Before joining CIS earlier this year, Taylor served as Vice-President of Radio Systems Corporation, PetSafe Division since 2005. Prior to his work with PetSafe, he was General Manager for John Deere Power Products’ Greeneville and Loudon plants. Taylor is also a former U.S. Navy officer and Naval Academy graduate.

“We are extremely pleased that someone with Mike’s business experience and manufacturing background has joined CIS,” said Paul Jennings, CIS Executive Director. Mike’s role is to reach out to East Tennessee manufacturers, take the time to understand each customer’s challenges and opportunities, and work closely with them to develop and implement appropriate solutions. These solutions may include the range of CIS consulting and training services in performance improvement, regulatory compliance, growth and sustainability, as well as connections to University and other manufacturing expertise across the state and country.”

CIS’ East Tennessee region is one of nine regions across the state that mirror the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development regions, and include Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties. “The East Tennessee Solutions Consultant role is particularly important because of the region’s strong manufacturing base, outstanding economic development organizations, and world-class research and innovation assets, including the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory,” said Jennings.

Taylor replaces Jim Slizewski, who recently retired from UT after a successful career with CIS. He can be reached at mike.taylor[at]tennessee.edu, (eight six five -974-2249).

Written by: Dr. Paul Jennings, Executive Director, UT Center for Industrial Services

UT CIS announces new Solutions Consultant for East Tennessee by Tom Ballard