MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, today announced key leadership appointments for the Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI), its talent development engine dedicated to advancing manufacturing by connecting talent with industry-driven training to build a skilled workforce with strong pathways to high-impact careers.

The MTI Board of Directors appointed Michael Frame to the position of MTI Executive Director and Amy Stage to the position of MTI Deputy Director. The establishment of the MTI and appointment of its inaugural leadership team reflect MTI’s commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled talent to power the future of manufacturing, scaling proven workforce development models to meet the urgent and evolving needs of American manufacturers.

Michael Frame Named MTI Executive Director

Michael Frame will serve as MTI Executive Director while continuing in his role as Executive Vice President of MACNY. Michael will spearhead MTI’s strategic direction, oversee program expansion, and lead efforts to scale MTI’s talent development initiatives across New York State and beyond.

Frame has played a central role in advancing MACNY’s talent development portfolio, including career exploration, pre-apprenticeship, and Registered Apprenticeship programming. In this new role, he will advance MTI’s position as a national intermediary for Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship and a trusted partner for manufacturers seeking to build and sustain high-quality talent pipelines.

Frame brings over 20 years of experience in public education and non-profit leadership. Joining MACNY in 2022, he previously served as Chief Operating Officer of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, where he oversaw fiscal and organizational strategy during a transformational period at the institution. He had previous director-level positions at Florida State University, the State University of New York, and Binghamton University.

A Central New York Native, Frame has degrees from Cayuga Community College, Cornell University, and Syracuse University. He sits on numerous national and regional boards and advisory committees, including the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority, Mohawk Valley REDC, MOST, and Cayuga Community College Foundation. He was recently recognized for his professional work as 40 in their 40s by City & State Magazine and by OnPoint for College – OnPoint for Jobs Award.

Amy Stage Appointed MTI Deputy Director

Amy Stage, MACNY’s Director of Registered Apprenticeship, will also serve as MTI Deputy Director. As Deputy Director, Stage will support MTI’s growing program portfolio while driving organizational performance, efficiency, and innovation. She will play a central role in long-term planning, cross-departmental coordination, and executing organizational priorities.

Stage is an accomplished talent development leader with extensive experience advancing apprenticeship, workforce training, and employer-driven talent initiatives across New York State. Recognized as a respected voice in workforce development, Stage is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences, where she shares insights on apprenticeship, workforce readiness, talent pipeline development, and creating sustainable career pathways.

Prior to joining MACNY, Stage held leadership positions at CNY Works, Inc., where she managed adult, youth, and dislocated workforce programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). In these roles, she led cross-functional workforce teams, oversaw grant-funded workforce initiatives, strengthened partnerships with employers and community organizations, and helped develop policies and programs aimed at expanding access to career and training opportunities throughout Central New York.

Strengthening Leadership for a Growing Mission

MTI was established to expand MACNY’s nationally recognized workforce development models, including early career exploration through Partners for Education & Business, Inc. (PEB), direct-entry pre-apprenticeships such as Real Life Rosies® and Advance 2 Apprenticeship®, and Registered Apprenticeship. MTI focuses these efforts to build a unified framework to strengthen American manufacturing by growing the community of skilled talent necessary to remain strong and competitive.

“The appointment of Michael Frame as Executive Director and Amy Stage as Deputy Director marks an important step in strengthening MTI’s leadership as we scale our talent development efforts,” said Randy Wolken, MTI Chairman and MACNY President & CEO. “Their combined experience, vision, and deep commitment to manufacturing workforce development will ensure MTI continues to expand opportunity, support employers, and build the skilled talent pipeline manufacturers need to compete and grow.”