Paul S. Lavoie
VP Corporate Partnerships & Innovation at University of New Haven
Speaking at TFEST26: Wednesday, December 2 2026 at 16:25–16:45 on the Main Stage: “Forging the Future: Building What No Company Can Build Alone”. With Stephanie Wright (Agora Leadership).
About Paul
Paul S. Lavoie is Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Innovation and Executive Director of The Elevation Center at the University of New Haven. A nationally recognised manufacturing and workforce development leader, Paul has spent his career helping organisations strengthen supply chains, accelerate innovation, and develop the talent needed to compete in a rapidly changing global economy.
Prior to joining the University of New Haven, Paul served as Connecticut's Chief Manufacturing Officer and led a complete product catalogue reshoring initiative at Carey Manufacturing, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities facing modern supply chains. Today, he works at the intersection of industry, education, workforce development, and technology, helping companies address critical issues such as talent shortages, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and operational growth.
As Executive Director of The Elevation Center, Paul leads initiatives that connect employers with universities, workforce organisations, government agencies, and technology providers to solve complex business challenges. His practical, ecosystem-based approach has made him a sought-after speaker on supply chain strategy, workforce readiness, manufacturing competitiveness, and innovation-driven growth.
Session Overview
Featuring Paul Lavoie alongside public and private sector leaders. Global competitiveness is no longer determined solely by the strength of individual organisations but by the resilience of entire industrial ecosystems. As geopolitical uncertainty, advanced manufacturing, and industrial policy reshape global supply chains, collaboration between business, government, academia, and innovation partners has become a strategic imperative. This executive panel explores how cross-sector partnerships can accelerate manufacturing innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience, and build long-term economic competitiveness. Learn how leading organisations are moving beyond traditional collaboration to shape the future of industry together.
About TFEST26
TFEST26 is Europe's most senior supply chain conference, taking place December 1–2 2026 at Colosseum Berlin. It brings together 400+ Director-level and above leaders (Chief Supply Chain Officers, VPs, and senior directors from Cisco, Henkel, Estée Lauder, Diageo, Schneider Electric, Novartis, Mars, and others) for two days of peer benchmarking, candid practitioner firesides, themed roundtables, and pre-scheduled 1:1 meetings.