INDIANAPOLIS (April 7, 2022) – Conexus Indiana has added three new director-level staff to support its expanding regional and strategic work to strengthen Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries. To help further its mission, Conexus has added Leighton Johnson as director of innovation and digital transformation, Sonya Snellenberger as director of industry engagement and Molly Zentz as director of communications.
“As Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics industries continue to grow and innovate to meet Industry 4.0 challenges, we are growing our organization’s footprint, programs and initiatives,” said Fred Cartwright, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “As a catalyst for positive change for the industries, we are fortifying our team with new talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.”
Johnson comes to Conexus from South Bend –Elkhart Regional Partnership where he served as senior director of workforce solutions. In that role, he led program design and sustainability planning for applied learning, workforce development and degree/non-degree credentialing programs tied to efforts within the Labs for Industry Futures & Transformation (LIFT) Network. In his new role at Conexus, Johnson will help execute and optimize the organization’s Industry 4.0 programs, events and research. He is a graduate of Indiana University, with a bachelor’s degree in history and African American studies.
Snellenberger joins Conexus Indiana after eight years with the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, most recently serving as director of talent initiatives where she worked to ensure that local educational opportunities matched the workforce needs of the community. In her new role, Snellenberger helps lead project development and execution in support of the organization’s industry councils and working groups, also supporting public sector professional services agreements and the organization’s research efforts. She holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree in communication from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
Prior to joining Conexus Indiana, Zentz served as head of marketing for agriculture technology company, Solinftec, where she led an international team of marketing and communications professionals to increase the company’s brand awareness and build trust with key stakeholders. In her new role with Conexus, she will support the organization’s objectives by executing strategic marketing and communications strategies and tactics. Zentz has a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Indianapolis.
To learn more about the Conexus Indiana team and the work they do to position Indiana as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics, visit www.conexusindiana.com/about/team.
About Conexus Indiana
For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana, one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) non-profit initiatives, has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to innovate, invest, employ and succeed. By collaborating with industry, academic and public sector partners on a shared vision for an innovative, skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana has helped to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepare Hoosiers to succeed in the state’s largest industry sectors and maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage. For more information, visit conexusindiana.com.
