Day 2 Speaker

With more than thirty years of experience, Jody Howard is an accomplished and results-driven senior business management and product development leader with a consistent record of managing complex organizations, critical business areas, cost, and profitability. Since joining Caterpillar in 1994, Jody has fulfilled several key roles, including: Component Product Manager for Machine and Operator Stations, Director of Environmental, Health, Safety & Sustainability, Director of Social Responsibility, General Manager for Industrial and Waste, as well as segment Strategy Manager for Caterpillar’s Resource Industries. In Jody’s current role as Caterpillar’s Vice President of Innovation & Emerging Technology, Jody leads a team of global innovators with a wide range of expertise in materials, product, and process innovation. Jody received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa in Electrical Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Bradley University and she also attended the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. Additionally, Jody completed the Women’s Director Development Program at the Kellogg School of Management and has held several Board of Director positions in “for profit” companies. She volunteers her time to STEM education and early career development planning for aspiring engineers and technical talent. In April 2024, Jody was honored by the Women MAKE Awards for her work and dedication in and to the field of manufacturing.