ERIE – Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) named Sara Hanks its new president/CEO as of July 1, 2025. Hanks joined NWIRC this past April as transitioning president/CEO to work alongside Bob Zaruta who retired at the end of June. Zaruta led the organization with dedication and vision for the past 10 years.
Hanks brings over 20 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, quality systems, and digital transformation to the NWIRC and is responsible for executive leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and advocacy, compliance oversight and driving innovation to support manufacturers throughout northwestern Pennsylvania.
Before joining NWIRC, Hanks held several senior leadership roles at GE Transportation, now a Wabtec Company, including senior director of Continuous Improvement and senior director of Data & Analytics, where she led large cross-functional teams, implemented lean transformations and drove multimillion-dollar impact through data-driven decision-making and process optimization. Previously, she served on NWIRC’s Board of Directors and contributed to workforce development efforts through teaching, mentoring and thought leadership. Hanks holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from SUNY Buffalo and is certified as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
“Sara brings tremendous vision to the leadership team, which when coupled with her strong analytical and planning skills – as well as her passion for manufacturing, uniquely positions her for this role,” said Matthew Lucco, NWIRC chairman of the Board and president at Precision Profiles. “Having previously served on the Board of Directors of the NWIRC, Sara has a deep understanding of the organization and the importance of manufacturing in northwestern PA.”
“I’m thrilled to be at NWIRC. This role allows me to align my passion for innovation and mentorship with NWIRC’s mission to enhance manufacturers’ competitiveness across our region. Together, with the NWIRC team, we’ll empower organizations to unlock their potential, solve real-world challenges, and drive sustainable growth that strengthens our regional economy,” said Hanks.
NWIRC is one of seven industrial resource centers in Pennsylvania that comprise the PA IRC Network and PA Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Their team assists manufacturers in northwestern PA to achieve and sustain top and bottom-line growth through world-class improvement methodologies and best practices, advanced manufacturing technologies, and customized workforce training and skill development programs.
For more information, visit nwirc.org.
