Primary Responsibilities

Beatriz leads the creation and implementation of CONNSTEP’s strategic plan and advances the goals of the organization. She champions the business development, operational excellence and technology adoption efforts of Connecticut manufacturers such as Industry 4.0.

She applies her extensive knowledge and talent guiding the execution of industry best practices to improve the competitiveness and innovativeness of the state’s manufacturing community. Beatriz works closely with the organization’s Board of Directors to fulfill the company’s mission and vision and advocates for manufacturers on a state and national governmental level.

Notable Performances

An accomplished business and economic development executive for more than 30 years, Beatriz has a vast area of expertise including executive management, strategic planning, and continuous process improvement. She excels at building teams that maximize talent and technology to increase efficiency and productivity. As a bilingual executive, she has guided companies of all sizes, both domestically and internationally, in their product marketing and business growth efforts. 

Her background includes serving as the Executive Director of Business Development for the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD); as an Adjunct Professor at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU); in managerial roles at various manufacturers including General Electric and Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley); as well as leading her own consulting firm in the areas of business management and quality improvement both domestically and internationally.

Achievements

Beatriz brings significant experience to the manufacturing sector with her status as a Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, driving improvements in process, profitability, and growth including as a member of the CT Statewide Lean Steering Committee, helping rolled out Lean Process Methodology across state agencies.

Member of the team that helped negotiate a deal securing the worldwide headquarters of a large aerospace manufacturer in the state through at least 2032 while creating 8,000 direct jobs and pledging a spend of $350 million per year among in-state suppliers. Managed the delivery of programs to support the competitiveness of nearly 1,675 supply chain companies in Connecticut through the support of the Manufacturing Innovation Fund to name but a few of her accomplishments.

She is also a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) – National Development Council (NDC), has served as a board member on the CT Manufacturing Investment Fund, Bio Investment Fund, and Tech Talent Fund, CCSU Advisory Board and MakerSpaceCT among others. She’s an INROADS alumna and is fluent in Spanish.

Beatriz holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.