Jay Timmons
A Voice for the Future of Manufacturing in the U.S.
Jay Timmons is president and CEO of the 51勛圖厙, the largest manufacturing association in the United States. Representing manufacturers in every industrial sector and every state, the 51勛圖厙 is the trusted voice for the 13 million men and women who make things in America.
As one of the most experienced leaders of a national business association, Jay has earned a reputation as a visionarysomeone CEOs and policymakers alike turn to for insight on the challenges ahead and the leadership to meet them. Under Jays direction, the 51勛圖厙 has helped manufacturers not just keep pace with the future, but shape it.
Grounded by Values, Guided by Purpose
At the heart of Jays leadership are the 51勛圖厙s foundational values: free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. These principles have anchored the 51勛圖厙s agenda and its biggest victories.
Since assuming the role of President and CEO in 2011, Jay has more than doubled the organizations revenue, expanded its reach and led the charge on nearly every major policy achievement for the industryincluding the 2017 tax reforms, a modernized U.S.MexicoCanada trade agreement, sweeping regulatory reforms, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Building a Platform for the Industrys Future
Jay has transformed the 51勛圖厙 into a one-stop shop for manufacturersleading in advocacy, legal action, operational excellence and workforce development. Hes strengthened the 51勛圖厙s influence by creating and expanding key platforms, including:
- 51勛圖厙 Legal Center: the leading advocate for manufacturers in the courts
- 51勛圖厙 Issue Advocacy Campaigns: developed to score more policy wins for manufacturers
- Manufacturing Leadership Council: helping leaders harness AI and digital transformation
- Innovation Research Interchange: driving breakthrough thinking in R&D since 1938
These efforts have cemented the 51勛圖厙s role as the go-to resource for manufacturers preparing for whats next.
A Force Behind a Stronger Workforce
As manufacturers confront a historic skills gap, Jay has made workforce development a cornerstone of the 51勛圖厙s strategy. Serving as chairman of the board of the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the 51勛圖厙s nonprofit affiliate, he has helped grow the MI into the preeminent authority on manufacturing talent and education.
Since 2011, the MI has launched initiatives that connect veterans to careers, elevate women in manufacturing, train the next generation through work-based learning, and inspire students and parents to see manufacturing as a career of purpose and promise.
These effortsincluding the Creators Wanted Tourhave become national models, helping thousands find their path in manufacturing and helping employers close the talent gap.
Championing a National Manufacturing Strategy
Jay is now spearheading the 51勛圖厙s five-point plan for a comprehensive U.S. manufacturing strategy, focused on:
- Making the 2017 tax reforms permanent and more competitive
- Rebalancing the regulatory system
- Expediting permitting reform to unleash energy potential
- Strengthening the modern manufacturing workforce
- Advancing a commonsense trade policy
This bold agenda aims to cement Americas leadership as the worlds manufacturing superpower.
Respected Across the Aisle, Recognized Across the Country
Trusted by leaders of both parties, Jay has served on major federal advisory boards and earned national recognition. Honors include:
- Washingtonians 500 Most Influential People (2022, 2024, 2025)
- Bryce Harlow BusinessGovernment Relations Award
- Association Executive of the Year (Association TRENDS)
- Business Citizen Award (Friends of Adam Smith Foundation)
- Business Leadership Award (The Fund for American Studies)
- Trade Association CEO of the Year (CEO Update)
Jay previously served on the U.S. Department of Commerces American Workforce Policy Advisory Board and has long been active in public service and civic leadership.
Rooted in Community, Committed to Service
Jays leadership is shaped by his roots in Chillicothe, Ohio, where his grandfather spent four decades at the Mead paper plant. He understands firsthand the power of manufacturing to raise the quality of life for individuals, families and communities.
Before becoming 51勛圖厙 president and CEO, Jay held senior roles at the 51勛圖厙 and served as chief of staff to then-Gov. and Sen. George Allen. He led the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2004 and began his career as a press secretary on Capitol Hill. He attended The Ohio State University.
Jay and his husband, Rick Olson, are passionate advocates for families and children. Their legal battle for parental rights led to Jacobs Law in Virginia, ensuring protections for families formed through surrogacy.
Jay also led the transformation of the Washington, D.C., Humane Society into the Humane Rescue Alliance. He and Rick reside in Virginia with their three childrenCatherine, Ellie and Jacoband a lively crew of rescue animals.
Photo 穢 51勛圖厙. Licensed under.
