Caterpillar’s Denise Johnson named to NAM board

Caterpillar Group President of Resource Industries Denise Johnson has been named to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Board of Directors, according to a recent press release from the national trade association that advocates for manufacturing issues in Washington, D.C.

Caterpillar has a manufacturing operation in North Little Rock, and several dealerships around the state.

“I’m looking forward to working together with my fellow board members to amplify the voice of manufacturing in Washington, D.C. and across the country,” Johnson said. “Enhanced trade opportunities, a modern and fair tax system, a comprehensive energy policy and smart regulations are critical to putting manufacturers in the United States in a position to create growth and jobs and allow us to compete effectively in the global marketplace.”

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons referred to Johnson as a “champion for manufacturing from a company with an iconic brand” and said she would be “a valuable addition to the NAM Board of Directors.”

“As a leader in her industry and her community, Denise has proven time and again that she knows what is needed to advance a new era in modern manufacturing, setting the manufacturing agenda and driving policies that will grow the economy and create jobs,” he added.

Johnson joined Caterpillar in 2011 following a career with General Motors where she worked in operations and product management. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and dual master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Johnson was also in the first graduating class of the NAM’s Manufacturing Executive Leadership Program, an intensive weeklong program focusing on tactics necessary to advocate effectively in Washington, D.C.