Rebecca R. Taylor is the executive vice president, business development and programs for The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, the largest nonprofit R&D consortium in North America focused on manufacturing. She is responsible for business development, government relations as well as program execution. Taylor is excited about stepping into the unknown, which is why she is in a leadership position at NCMS — where development of new and exciting manufacturing capabilities is done every day. She thrives leading these teams into the next generation of technology development. Taylor serves on the board for SME and Intelligent Manufacturing Systems International. She is also a board member for the International Women's Forum of Washington DC. Taylor is part of the Advisory Board for the World Manufacturing Report and the Scientific Committee of the World Manufacturing Foundation. She is the recipient of the national STEP Award, recognizing outstanding women in science, technology, engineering and production. Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree from the George Washington University, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and is planning to lead the next frontier in secure, productive manufacturing. SME Member Since 2014.