Chandra Brown

Chandra Brown serves as the Executive Director of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII). In this role, she is responsible for overseeing the DMDII’s research and development portfolio and fostering relationships with government and businesses to put newly-demonstrated capabilities into practice.

Chandra’s expertise includes manufacturing, international trade, and gender issues. With over 25 years of experience, she is a sought after speaker who lectures around the world. Before joining DMDII, Brown was the CEO and founder of Brown Executive Strategies, a strategic consulting firm focused on helping small businesses worldwide increase their competitiveness. She was previously president of Green Endeavor, Inc., a startup that helped industries replace harmful chemicals with more effective, affordable, and greener alternatives.

Before Green Endeavor, she was appointed by President Obama to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing in the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she promoted U.S. businesses worldwide and worked to remove trade barriers. Chandra oversaw a broad portfolio of programs aimed at increasing the international competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers and led numerous international trade specialists. She was responsible for boosting American exports, supporting the U.S. Manufacturing and other advisory councils, and helping create and support living-wage jobs for workers.

Prior to her federal government appointment, Brown worked for 19 years at Oregon Iron Works, most recently as vice president and then CEO of its subsidiary, United Streetcar. United Streetcar was the first U.S. manufacturer to create a modern streetcar in more than 60 years.

Chandra obtained both her BS and MBA from Miami University. Chandra loves international travel, wine, and all kinds of ethnic food. She relishes hosting various parties for beloved friends and family, as well as curling up with her cats and a few good books.