Manufacturing Industry Veteran Ron Hawkins Joins Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership As Account Manager

MD MEP’s New Employee to Lead Client Development and Retention Strategies in Eastern Shore Region

Columbia, Md. – The Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP), an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing and strengthening manufacturing in the State of Maryland, announced today that the organization has expanded its team with the addition of a new Account Manager, Ron Hawkins.  In this role, Ron will be responsible for the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel County areas.

Ron will serve as a steward for all client relationships and sales of MD MEP products and services to potential customers, and is responsible for providing quality solutions to Maryland manufacturers to improve competitiveness, while fostering employee retention and job growth for client companies.  Ron will also develop and leverage relationships with existing and new potential clients, partners and sponsors, in addition to various governmental agencies. 

“I am excited to join the Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership team and lead the organization’s efforts in the Eastern Shore and Anne Arundel County regions,” said Ron Hawkins, Account Manager of Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership. “I look forward to growing MD MEP’s client base while raising awareness of our services and benefits throughout manufacturers in the Eastern Shore areas.”

Prior to joining MD MEP, Hawkins served as President, CEO and owner of RWHawk, LLC for six years where he provided an array of consulting services at the United Stated Coast Guard (USCG) Yard in Baltimore City, Maryland. 

“MD MEP is thrilled to add a seasoned manufacturing engineer such as Ron to our team during this critical phase of our expansive growth,” said Brian Sweeney, Executive Director of Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership. “Ron’s diverse and successful experience in the manufacturing industry will support our business objectives, and will be an integral part to our continued success in maximizing operational excellence and creating opportunities for growth for manufacturers in the state of Maryland.” 

Ron brings over 40 years of industry experience in manufacturing.  Prior to his work with RWHawk, LLC, he filled various manufacturing, engineering, project management and managerial roles with Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute, Kop Flex, Koppers Corporation, Mack Trucks, and the USCG Yard.  Ron also has extensive experience at the University of Maryland – College Park (UMCP) with various Federal Labs in Maryland, where he developed and ran the Technology Transfer program.  His clients included the Navy, Army, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and National Security Agency, using Corporate Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) and other similar agreements.

Before beginning his career as a manufacturing engineer, Ron served in the U.S. Army as a Helicopter and Fixed Wing Inspector during Vietnam.  Ron graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Design.  He is also a member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland. 

About Maryland Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MD MEP):

Founded in 2004 to respond to the needs of manufacturers nationwide, in 2013 the MD MEP redirected its focus solely on the State of Maryland.  The MD MEP strives to make manufacturing a growing and profitable industry in the State of Maryland by providing resources and services to manufacturers statewide.  Through collaborative efforts and strategic partnerships, MD MEP helps its clients expand their business, educate their workforce, and create mutually beneficial connections with other Maryland businesses.  For more information, please visit www.mdmep.org.