MANUFACTURE ALABAMA ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO BOARD LEADERSHIP 

MONTGOMERY —Manufacture Alabama is pleased to announce several updates to its Board of Directors, including the election of two new members, Donna Jackson (International Paper) and Craig Savage (Airbus). The Board of Directors has also approved the nomination of Karen Johnston (Toyota North America) to the role of Vice Chairman. 

Karen Johnston - Regional Director, Toyota North America’s Government Affairs 

Karen is responsible for monitoring and influencing state legislative policy issues that impact Toyota and its operations in the Midwest and Southeast. Throughout her 22-year career at Toyota, she has held various roles in Government Affairs, Corporate Communications, and Human Resources. 

 “I am honored to serve as the Vice Chairman of the Board for an outstanding organization – one that is committed to its members, enhancing opportunities for Alabama manufacturers, and making the state a place where manufacturing thrives,” said Karen Johnston. “I look forward to the ongoing collaboration with Jon, his team, and the entire Board of Directors.” 

Donna Jackson – Regional Communications Manager, International Paper - Prattville 

Donna has been a key member of the Prattville mill’s Lead Team since 2015, providing strategic communications leadership and overseeing community relations strategies. Donna is an active member of the local community, serving on various boards, and she assumed the role of Chair of the Manufacture Alabama Communications Committee in 2023. 

“I have enjoyed participating in Manufacture Alabama member activities as part of my role at IP since 2015,” said Donna Jackson. “I am honored to be asked to join the board, and look forward to continuing to support the great work this organization leads on behalf of manufacturers across our state.” 

Craig Savage - Head of State and Local Affairs, Airbus 

In his role at Airbus, Craig focuses on business strategy, government relations, community engagement, and economic development in the southeast U.S. region. Over his 25-year career, Craig has worked for companies in the defense, energy, and entertainment sectors. He also serves as a Reserve Public Affairs Officer for Air Force Special Operations Command. 

"Manufacture Alabama has been a critical resource for me and the companies I've represented during my time in aerospace and defense,” said Craig Savage. “I'm looking forward to joining the extraordinary leadership team that has helped make Manufacture Alabama one of the leading advocacy organizations in our state." 

“These exceptional individuals bring diverse expertise and invaluable perspectives to the leadership of our association,” said Jon Barganier, President and CEO of Manufacture Alabama. “Their contributions will further strengthen our ability to serve the interests of our members across the state. We are confident that Karen, Craig and Donna will bring the necessary leadership to enhance our mission to make Alabama the best state in the country for a thriving manufacturing industry.” 

Other existing board members include Chairman Paul Vercher (United States Steel), David Carroll (Hunt Refining), Marty Parker (Packaging Corp of America), Chuck Green (AM/NS Calvert), Andy Bramstedt (SSAB), Steven Smith (Specification Rubber Products) and David Hendrixson (Daikin). 

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Manufacture Alabama is the only trade association in the state dedicated exclusively to the competitive, legislative, regulatory and operational interests and needs of manufacturers and their partner industries and businesses. MA represents hundreds of companies – from the most recognized international corporations to small, family-owned operations – that share common interests and face similar competitive challenges. Each one is a vital component of Alabama’s economy and job base. To learn more, visit: https://www.manufacturealabama.org