Maura Smith

Maura Smith is general manager Production Control at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), the largest manufacturing operation in North America. In this role, she is responsible for improving current production key indicators across the campus, with a focus on creating a strong Toyota Production System (TPS) foundation through people development and cross check activity. In addition, she is supporting the launch of multi-model vehicles, including the new all battery electric model, which will allow for greater flexibility across the KY plant.
Previously, Smith served as Human Resources group manager, responsible for advancing HR initiatives and implementing a Regional Operating Model which allowed TMMK to fully integrate into One Toyota, while also managing weekly Covid testing for 10,000 to ensure continued employee safety during production.
Smith began her career with Toyota in 2002 as a Production Control productivity specialist and progressed through a series of positions in the Operations Management Development Division (OMDD) – Toyota’s internal TPS group, where she supported streamlining processes and strengthening TPS activities throughout North America.
Since that time, Smith has held a number of positions including management roles at the North American Production Support Center (NAPSC) where she supported Toyota’s fourteen North American plants through a train-the-trainer coaching methodology, and the Toyota Production System Support Center (TSSC), a not-for-profit corporation that teaches outside organizations to be more productive, maximize available resources and improve quality and safety through the philosophies of TPS.
Smith received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.