State-run finance agency MassDevelopment has hired a new vice president of manufacturing initiatives to replace the outgoing staff member.

Veda Ferlazzo Clark will fill the role, which involves managing the agency’s Advanced Manufacturing Futures Program and directing MassDevelopment’s manufacturing policy.

Clark has served in executive positions for several manufacturing companies previously, including Litecontrol Corp. in Hanson, where she was president and CEO. Most recently, Clark founded a consulting firm, helping chief manufacturing executives and their senior teams develop strategies to grow their companies. As part of her work with the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, Clark chaired the Cost of Doing Business subcommittee and helped create the successful energy-purchasing consortium MassMEC.

Clark will be taking over for Lou Gaviglia.

“We’re thrilled to have Veda on board to drive our manufacturing efforts,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones. “She is well-respected on policy thanks to her many years in the sector, and I look forward to her further contributions to the Massachusetts manufacturing industry.”

Clark said that “manufacturing – an integral part of Massachusetts history – is undergoing a renaissance in the commonwealth and in the U.S.”

“It’s a whole new world in this innovation economy and a great time to recognize the sector, its contribution to the commonwealth and the many exciting career opportunities that are being created to make things in Massachusetts,” she added.