Meet Paul Hartgen, ReMA’s New Senior Vice President of Growth, Strategy & Operations

In November 2025, Paul Hartgen joined ReMA as the new Senior Vice President of Growth, Strategy & Operations. Hartgen will oversee strategic initiatives focused on enhancing member value and experience, while driving the operational excellence that supports ReMA's mission.

Hartgen joins ReMA after a distinguished tenure at the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), where he served as Vice President of Member Programs and Executive Director of the Innovation Research Interchange (IRI), an association acquired by NAM.

ReMA News had the chance to chat with Hartgen about his background, why he decided to take the job with ReMA, and what he's looking forward to about working at the association.

Can you tell me about your background and experience?

I came from the hotel industry with a background rooted in customer and employee experience. My first introduction to the world of associations was joining the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association's communications committee. One of our first initiatives was building the organization's first website, which was delivered through a firm engaged by the committee and well received by the board.

Over time, I got more involved in the association and eventually joined the board. The CEO of the association was let go and I was asked to be on the search committee. I did some research, interviewed a great list of candidates, but then I was invited to consider the role myself.

Since that first experience as CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, I went on to serve as President and CEO of several state restaurant and lodging associations, where I focused on delivering greater value and support for members.

Eventually I was approached by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) to lead a turnaround of their Council of Manufacturing Associations (CMA). In that role I worked with the CEOs of over 200 national manufacturing trade associations to advance industry collaboration, grow membership, and drive advocacy initiatives. I held several roles at the NAM including several leadership roles, including Vice President of Board and Strategic Initiatives and Corporate Secretary.

Most recently at the NAM I served as Vice President of Member Programs and Executive Director of the Innovation Research Interchange (IRI), an association acquired by NAM. At IRI, I worked with a membership base largely comprised of Fortune 500 companies, leading efforts that positioned the association at the forefront of industrial innovation. On the program side for the NAM, I spearheaded the development and launch of impactful products-such as the Manufacturers Retirement 401(k) & Savings Plan-designed to help small and midsized manufacturers attract and retain talent.

How did you decide to apply for the position at ReMA?

It's a funny story. Someone who used to work at the NAM asked if I would be his reference for the Senior Vice President of Growth, Strategy & Operations position at ReMA. I called Robin initially to serve as the reference but then she asked me if I had 15 minutes to chat more about the role.

We talked for an hour and a half, met again, and then met again at ReMA headquarters. After that I met ReMA Chair Colin Kelly and several ReMA staff members. Then I flew out to ReMA's Fall Meeting in Arizona. This was all happening over four weeks and then Robin offered me the job.

What are you looking forward to at ReMA?

Stepping into my role at ReMA has made me reflect on a family connection to American manufacturing that goes back generations. My grandfather, Frederick A. Hartgen, was the general manager of Nutmeg Steel Castings Co., a company that produced heavy steel components that quietly powered U.S. industry. Nutmeg didn't make finished products or seek the spotlight-it supplied the foundational parts others relied on to build, move, and manufacture.

In many ways, that same "upstream" role defines ReMA today. As the national trade association representing the recycled materials sector, ReMA supports the companies that supply essential inputs for modern manufacturing, infrastructure, and sustainability. Different era, different tools-but the same idea: strong industries depend on strong foundations.

I'm still learning about the recycled materials industry, but I bring deep experience in how associations deliver value for the sectors they represent. At the end of the day, it's all about member value. As I do research and continue visiting member operations, I'm looking forward to becoming as passionate about this industry as our members are.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I'm a big outdoors enthusiast, whether that's hiking, biking, kayaking, or skiing. I like to go on adventures and explore new locations. Currently one of the items on my bucket list is to kayak the fjords in Norway.

I also have an awesome wife, two awesome girls, and a great dog. And I love to be present for them.