MPMA: Built for What’s Next

In early April, I had the honor of stepping into the role of President of the Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA). For nearly 25 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to this industry—learning from the engineers, executives, and innovators who make it run. That experience, built on relationships forged across every corner of the power transmission supply chain, is what I bring to this role.

I want to begin by acknowledging the people who made this moment possible. A decade of leadership from Matt Croson left this organization stronger, sharper, and ready for what comes next—a clear direction, a strong culture, and a staff team that consistently delivers well beyond expectations. To our Board, Executive Committee, and volunteers: your vision and dedication to this industry are the engine behind everything MPMA does. And to the MPMA team itself—thank you for the way you show up, every day, for our members.

We are now a year into one of the most significant changes in our association’s history: the merger of AGMA and ABMA into MPMA. Founded just a year apart over a century ago, these two legacies are now united. And while any merger comes with its share of complexity, what I see most clearly is the promise MPMA holds in bringing supply chain—manufacturers, suppliers, customers—together in a seamless, powerful network.

At the center of everything we do is a simple, unwavering commitment: MPMA exists to serve its members. As the industry changes—and it is changing rapidly—so must we. From technology to workforce to policy, these aren’t abstract trends—they’re your daily reality. MPMA’s job is to keep pace, to anticipate, and to respond.

So what does MPMA stand for? I think about our brand as resting on four pillars, each one a doorway into this organization—and each one designed to meet you where you are.

Technical. Standards are the backbone of what we do. MPMA maintains and advances more than 145 standards and publications that keep our industry operating with precision, consistency, and credibility. Whether you’re a design engineer or a manufacturer navigating global markets at the ISO level, MPMA’s technical resources are built for you.

Education. From entry-level operators to seasoned professionals, there’s always more to learn—and MPMA has built a growing library of programs to support every career stage. In-plant training, online courses, and expanding on-demand programs mean that whether you’re building a team or building your own career, we have a program that fits.

Network. MPMA connects you with more than 400 member companies across the full power transmission supply chain. Whether you’re a CEO looking for market intelligence or a salesperson building relationships at Motion + Power Technology (MPT) Expo, MPMA is where the industry gathers.

Voice. This industry deserves to be heard, and MPMA is committed to amplifying that voice—in Washington, in global markets, and in the press. From federal advocacy to anti-counterfeiting efforts to industry media, we are building the platforms that make sure decision-makers know who we are and what we represent.

Operators, engineers, sales professionals, executives—every one of you has a home at MPMA. The doors into this organization are wide open, and we are actively building more of them.

I want to hear from you. The best associations are built by listening to the people on the floor, in the field, and at the helm of companies navigating real challenges. What’s keeping you up at night? What gaps do you see that MPMA could fill? What would make your membership feel indispensable?

Reach out. Tell me what you’re facing. This industry has given me 25 years of perspective, and now I have the platform to put it to work—for you.

MPMA is not a new chapter; it is a new book, and it’s just beginning. I couldn’t be more ready to write it together.

Jenny Blackford can be reached at blackford@motionpower.org