Marietta S. Lee is the third-generation leader of her family’s business, the Lee Company, which was founded in 1948.
The manufacturer, which has facilities in Westbrook and Essex, makes miniature precision fluid control components for the automotive, aerospace and medical device industries. It employs around 1,100 people.
Lee was also elected chair of the Connecticut Business & Industry Association’s board at the end of 2024. She sees CBIA continuing to focus on fundamental issues in the state that affect workforce development, including the availability of housing and child care, as well as pushing back on initiatives that may increase costs for businesses in the state.
Before becoming CEO in 2023, Lee had already worked at the company for some 20 years. Prior to joining the family business as a facilities manager, she also worked as a journalist.
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The Lee Co. traces its roots back to Space Race-era technology development, when it supplied parts that kept the oxygen supply of astronauts safe while they walked on the moon during missions between 1969 and 1972.
Lee believes, despite recent challenges, the fundamentals in commercial aerospace are still good for companies in Connecticut, and the space industry is booming.
To take advantage of those growing opportunities, in the past year the Lee Company has been doubling down on its product development efforts and also investing in new on-site testing facilities for its space components.