I’m a passionate advocate for collaborative leadership and trusted governance in the employee benefits and labor-management space. With over 30 years of experience—ranging from my early days as a journeyman wireman to serving as Executive Director of NECA’s Southeastern Michigan Chapter and now as Principal of T3 Advisory & Facilitation—I’ve dedicated my career to building sustainable benefit programs, supporting skilled trades, and fostering strong partnerships between labor and management. I’m proud to continue serving as an advisor, board member, and facilitator helping organizations navigate complex challenges with integrity and purpose.

I’ve had the privilege of serving in leadership roles across some of the world’s most complex and dynamic operational environments. From global aviation to innovative travel tech, I’ve spent 46 years solving problems, building teams, and leading transformation. I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned with others and contributing to the growth of forward-thinking organizations. Here is my biography.

James Raffaele is a transformational manufacturing leader with a proven track record of building world-class operations and driving performance across global facilities. Known for his hands-on leadership style and strategic mindset, James has led multimillion-dollar projects from concept to completion, including award-winning Greenfield developments recognized as industry benchmarks. With deep expertise in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and end-to-end operational management, he has consistently delivered measurable results in productivity, cost reduction, and quality improvement. His ability to lead interdisciplinary teams, implement standardized systems, and cultivate strong relationships with both executive leadership and union partners makes him a trusted force in driving sustainable operational excellence.

Scott Keys is a seasoned manufacturing executive with over 41 years of leadership experience in the automotive industry. Known for his expertise in lean manufacturing, six sigma, and operational excellence, he has successfully led large-scale production initiatives, optimized global manufacturing footprints, and navigated complex contract negotiations. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership roles at Cooper Standard, Nisco LLC, and NSK Corporation, where he drove efficiency, process improvement, and workforce development. With extensive international experience across Japan, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and India, Scott brings a global perspective to manufacturing strategy and operations. Now retired, he seeks to leverage his wealth of industry knowledge in board and advisory roles, offering strategic insights and leadership to organizations aiming for operational excellence and sustainable growth.