Volcsko to lead SME Media following retirement of Dave O’Neil as VP, Media

(SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Dec. 4, 2023) ― SME, the nonprofit committed to accelerating new manufacturing technology adoption and building North America's talent, announced the appointment of Jake Volcsko as vice president of integrated media, where he will lead a team responsible for creating dynamic and innovative media products that accelerate SME’s digital innovation. Volcsko will report to Steve Prahalis, chief operating officer, SME.

In a world where everyone is increasingly connected via smartphones, tablets and computers, it’s important that SME’s portfolio keeps pace with changing customer needs and innovations,” said Robert “Bob” Willig, SME executive director and CEO. “Under Jake’s leadership, our digital transformation will fundamentally shift the way SME operates and delivers value to the manufacturing ecosystem.

Volcsko comes to SME from DealNews Inc. where he served as general manager of SEO and digital. Overall, he has more than 20 years in media and has led significant digital transformation initiatives in roles ranging from digital media director at a small newspaper to chief digital officer at a public media organization. During his career, in addition to websites, mobile apps and other digital products, Volcsko has successfully launched several online subscription models and a digital services agency.

“Jake brings years of experience in leading organizations as they transition from traditional print media to building a strong digital presence,” said Prahalis. “I am confident that his expertise can guide SME’s extensive media portfolio into a cutting-edge, modern presentation that serves everyone in the manufacturing industry.”

Volcsko holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts/applied media arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. In his free time, he has been a high school football official since 2003 and a Division III NCAA football official since 2023.

“I am overjoyed to join an organization with such a rich history and a strong mission,” said Volcsko. “I am looking forward to working with the team at SME and finding ways to showcase our partners and members across the media landscape to further our mission.” The addition of Volcsko to SME’s leadership team comes following the retirement of Dave O’Neil as vice president of media, effective at the end of 2023.

“Dave’s leadership has been a tremendous asset to SME over his time here, and I want to thank him for his contributions and wish him a happy retirement,” said Willig. “We are well-positioned for future growth within our media arm as a result of his hard work.”

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. Together we share one common belief: Manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity. SME accelerates new technology adoption and inspires and builds North America’s talent and capabilities in order to advance manufacturing as a diverse, thriving and valued ecosystem that drives competitiveness, resiliency and national security. We believe in technology's power and humanity's innovation to advance our society and meet many national challenges. We design new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of innovation and growth.Learn more at SME.org, or follow SME on X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.