MI2 Welcomes Jerilyn Bristow as Manager, Member Relations

[Image: JERILYN BRISTOW]

MI2 welcomes Jerilyn Bristow as one of the newest additions to our growing team. With a professional background rooted in business-to-business sales and education, Jerilyn brings an exceptional combination of strategic thinking, relationship building, and storytelling to her role—one that is perfectly aligned with MI2’s mission to advance innovation and collaboration across Kentucky’s metals industry.

Throughout her career, Jerilyn has gravitated toward roles that demand effective communication and the ability to translate complex, nuanced topics into compelling narratives. As one of MI2’s newest team members focused on expanding our membership base and amplifying our value across the Commonwealth, Jerilyn’s work will center on engaging both current and potential partners. 

She sees her first few months as a vital listening and learning phase: “My first goal is learning everything I can, participate in everything I can, and seek out opportunities to share the story of Mi2.  I'll spend time getting to know the team and current partners.  During all of this, I will be absorbing everything I can to be able to communicate it to new and potential partners.  Then my goal will be to create connections where potential partners see the value of Mi2 and become part of the tapestry we are weaving of metals industry support locally, nationally, and globally.” 

Jerilyn's strategic mindset and people-first approach will be key in helping MI2 grow its impact and visibility. Her passion for storytelling and education is a natural fit with MI2’s efforts to reframe how the metals industry is perceived and to inspire new generations of innovators and collaborators. 

When asked what drew her to MI2, Jerilyn pointed to her familiarity with the work of MI2’s leadership and the strong alignment between the organization’s goals and her own. “I was familiar with Sam Ford and Vijay Kamineni and MI2’s work in the past.  I have a great deal of respect for both of them. When this position came open, I realized that this could be an excellent fit between my skills and the current needs of MI2.  Making a difference is important to me and this role holds a great deal of potential toward that goal.  Plus, I get to work with an amazing team,” she stated.  

At MI2, we’re building a coalition that leverages Kentucky’s legacy in metals toward a high-tech, high-opportunity future. Welcome to the team, Jerilyn! We’re excited for what’s ahead.