Introducing the Newest Members of the TLI Advisory Board

Collage of three TLI advisory board members, Melissa Boom, Annette Eckman, and Karthik Subramanian

TLI is excited to announce three exemplary additions to the TLI Advisory Board. These incoming members will succeed three outgoing board members who have recently completed their terms.

Outgoing Advisory Board Members

Collage of three exiting TLI advisory board members, Ambreen Athar, Mats Heimdahl, Wendy Foslien — Right to Left: Wendy Foslien, Ambreen Athar, Mats Heimdahl

Wendy Foslien, Ambreen Athar, and Mats Heimdahl are exiting the TLI Advisory Board after completing three years of service. TLI is grateful for their guidance as the institute expanded into new programs, and for their dedication to strengthening curricula and supporting public engagement activities.

Incoming Advisory Board Members

Stepping into the seats vacated by Wendy, Ambreen, and Mats is a trio of experienced professionals who will undoubtedly bring new perspectives and strategic insight to TLI. Please welcome Melissa Boom, Annette Eckman, and Karthik Subramanian to the TLI Advisory Board.

Melissa Boom

Melissa Boom is a Senior Director for the Manufacturing Leadership Council, the digital transformation division of the National Association of Manufacturers, where she is focused on events content bringing more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, operations and digital transformation. She has held executive roles including Vice President of Business Excellence and Director-level positions in Quality, Program Management Office and Enterprise Systems. Known for her people-centered approach to improvement, she has helped organizations strengthen systems, reduce risk and empower individuals.

Her background includes leading enterprise-wide initiatives in operational excellence, lean, structured problem solving, quality systems, process maturity, risk analysis and change management.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in Management of Technology from the University of Minnesota, along with certifications in lean, six sigma and communications. She is also a 2024 Women MAKE America honoree (now known as Step Ahead Awards) through the Manufacturing Institute.

She lives in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, with her family.

Annette Eckman

Annette Eckman is an experienced MedTech leader with a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence within the medical device laboratory services industry. As Director of Laboratories at STERIS, she leads the Americas laboratory business, overseeing a team of more than 100 associates and delivering business impact, including substantial revenue growth, margin expansion, and improved productivity.

Known for her strategic mindset and people-first leadership, Annette excels at building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and translating complex challenges into actionable solutions. She is deeply committed to developing talent, strengthening cross-functional partnerships, and advancing initiatives that enhance both business performance and Customer value.

With a diverse background spanning commercial leadership, technology transfer, and marketing, Annette brings a unique blend of technical and business expertise. She holds a Master’s degree in Medical Device Innovation from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Metropolitan State University.

In addition to her professional work, Annette is an active industry contributor and mentor. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, often supporting them at basketball and soccer games and gymnastics events

Karthik Subramanian

Karthik Subramanian is an AI and Data Science Leader at 3M based in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked at the intersection of AI, data science, and business transformation across industries such as materials science, manufacturing, and retail. Throughout his career, he has contributed to AI and generative AI initiatives that have delivered multimillion-dollar business impact and helped organizations translate emerging technologies into practical outcomes.

He holds a master’s degree in applied data science from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Anna University in India. Karthik also brings a strong background in technology consulting, with expertise in connecting strategy to execution and working closely with teams to turn ideas into measurable results.

Outside of work, Karthik is passionate about mentoring young professionals, supporting the next generation of talent, and playing tennis.

Continuing Advisory Board Service

We are also pleased to announce the term extension of Christopher Mairs. Christopher will continue to bring his extensive experience in information security, data analysis, and risk management to the TLI Advisory Board.