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AIAM grows the michigan aerospace community

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Association board of directors

AIAM Board Member

Mirko Gamba

Associate Professor – College of Aerospace Engineering

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Chairman Emeritus

geororge kiefer

George Kiefer

Retired- VP/GM, Avonics- Computing & Networking GE Aviation

AIAM_Logo_Color_TM

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AIAM Treasurer

Jeff Simek

General Manager of Operations

 RCO Aerospace & Engineering

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AIAM Board Member

Larry Martin

Vice President and General Manager, Computing and Network

 GE Aviation

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AIAM Board Member

Trent-Urban

Trent Urban

General Manager, AutoAir 

Pratt & Whitney

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AIAM Board Member

Sara McMurray

VP of Sales and Marketing

 Autocam Medical

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AIAM Board Member

Rob cooke

Director of Engineering Services

 Calumet Electronics

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AIAM Chairman

Matt Eurich

Chief Operations Officer, 

Genuen

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AIAM Secretary

Mike Stratton

Product Line Manager, Combustion 

Woodward

woodward logo

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AIAM President/Founder

Tony Vernaci

President/Founder, 

Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan 

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AIAM Board Member

Stacy Paul

CEO and Aerospace Engineer

 Array of Engineers

Array of engineers logo

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AIAM Board Member

Mike Stengel

Principal

Aerodynamic Advisory

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AIAM Board Member

Will Dew

Managing Director Commercial

Liebherr

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AIAM Board Member

Tyler Ford

General Manager

Eaton

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AIAM Foundation Board

AIAM Board Member

TOM ALONGI

Partner, Audit, Advisory, Tax, Consulting

UHY

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WAIAM Co-Chair

Lissa Barron

LISSA BARRON

Director of Communications-

WAIAM Co-Chair

barron

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Board Member

MICHAEL DAVENPORT

 President and CEO of Jireh Metal Products, Inc.

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AIAM Board Member

Katie Frye

Vice President of Development and Marketing, Cherry Street Mission Ministries

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AIAM Board Member

Angela Kimber

ANGELA KIMBER​

Senior Mechanical Engineer in Product Design at Woodward Inc.

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AIAM Board Member

Stacy Paul

CEO and Aerospace Engineer, Array of Engineers

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Executive director

BRITTANY TELANDER​

Executive Director of the AIAM Foundation

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AIAM Co-Chair

Karen Arondoski

KAREN ARONDOSKI​

President/Owner, 
I. F. Metalworks
I.F. Metalworks logo

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Board Member

JESSICA SULLIVAN​

President, Legado Family Office Management

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Be a part of something bigger and help propel Michigan into the future of aerospace.

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AIAM is a collective of aerospace professionals working together.

Why we're here

mission

To further strengthen Michigan’s aerospace ecosystem by expanding talent, research and market access.

vision

For Michigan to be ranked the number one aerospace industry cluster in the nation.

values

DEDICATION
We are passionate, driven, focused, and committed to delivering value.

RELATIONSHIPS
We interact, communicate, and collaborate effectively within our board and with our constituents.

RESPONSIVENESS
We respond quickly and effectively to requests, questions, and concerns.

INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE
We leverage our collective aerospace knowledge and expertise for the benefit of our stakeholders.

Over 900 companies and organizations are conducting business in the global aerospace industry from their Michigan-based operations.

testimonials

Joseph Gustavus

Miller Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
Miller Canfield has found AIAM to be vital to galvanizing Michigan aerospace businesses and projecting their national presence to the key actors in the aerospace industry, governments, and the rest of the world.

James Gorman

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
We appreciate AIAM’s leadership and support with navigating Michigan’s growth in the aerospace sector. Together, we’re assisting manufacturers as they pivot into aerospace, as well as continuing our work helping established aerospace companies to grow and thrive.

Lisa Barron

Barron Industries
As a manufacturer of investment castings for the aerospace industry, Barron Industries has greatly benefited from its AIAM membership. By attending the organization’s numerous networking events, we have connected with new customers and suppliers.
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AIAM Board Member

Mirko Gamba

Associate Professor – College of Aerospace Engineering

Education

The University of Texas at Austin
Mechanical Engineering
MSE 2002

Politecnico di Milano
Mechanical Engineering
Laurea 2003

The University of Texas at Austin
Aerospace Engineering
Ph.D. 2009

Professional Experience
2018 – Associate Professor, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan
2019 – Associate Direction, University of Michigan Space Institute
2012 – 2018 Assistant Professor, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan 2009 – 2012 Postdoctoral Scholar, Stanford University

Awards and Honors

  • AIAA High Speed Air Breathing Propulsion Best Paper, AIAA Scitech Forum, 2019
  • U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, 2015
  • U.S. Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship, 2014
  • AFOSR Young Investigator Award, 2014
  • AIAA Propellants and Combustion Best Paper, AIAA Scitech Forum, 2011
  • AIAA Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Best Paper, AIAA Scitech Forum, 2011
  • ENI Fellowship in Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy, 2000-2002

Chairman Emeritus

George Kiefer

Retired- VP/GM, Avonics- Computing & Networking GE Aviation

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George was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with a B.S. degree in operations research. He served 20 years between the academy, active duty and the navy reserves retiring in 1994 at the rank of Commander. During active duty and reserves he was a naval flight officer where his experience included tactical coordinator and mission commander of P-3 combat aircrews. George joined Lear Siegler in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1985 as a systems engineer where he obtained his master of business administration from Western Michigan University. Lear Siegler was later acquired by Smiths Aerospace and subsequently by General Electric in May 2007. His responsibilities with Lear Siegler and Smiths Aerospace included engineering line management positions through engineering director, programs director of large-scale integration programs, product line business director, vice president of the 787 common core system program, and vice president/general manager of 787 programs. He continued in this role after the GE Aviation acquisition of Smiths and assumed the position of VP/GM Avionics North America in 2009. He assumed his current position in November 2016. He has been the site leader for the Grand Rapids facility since 2009. George is married to Wilma and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling together, scuba diving, and maintaining his country home.

AIAM Treasurer

Jeff Simek

General Manager of Operations, RCO Aerospace & Engineering

Jeff Simek is the General Manager of Operations for RCO Aerospace and RCO Engineering. Mr. Simek has a passion for building teams that strive for quality and delivery performance, while reducing costs. Jeff began his career working for Tier 1 automotive suppliers where he held the roles of Program Manager, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Greenfield Site Launch Manager and Plant Manager. Following these positions, Jeff was hired as the Business Unit Manager at RCO Engineering – Automotive Plastics Division. After working for 15 years in the automotive industry, Jeff was promoted to the role of General Manager of RCO’s new Aerospace division. In this position for the last 8 years, Jeff has been responsible for developing and leading the operations offering VIP passenger seating and interior products for large cabin business class jets. He is now in charge of both the Aerospace and Automotive production operations at RCO. Jeff graduated from Ferris State University with a B.S. in Plastics Engineering and Technology.

AIAM Board Member

Larry Martin

Vice President and General Manager, Computing and Network, GE Aviation

Larry Martin is the Vice President and general manager for Computing and Networking with GE Aviation. Larry is responsible for program and product management while working across the organization to develop the strategy to grow and execute the computing and networking business. Previously, Larry was the product leader, Integrated Solutions for GE Aviation. Prior to this, Larry held several roles in program and product management for civil, military and new business pursuits. Larry joined Smiths Aerospace (now GE Aviation) in 2002. Prior to Smiths, Larry was a business team and operations leader at Eaton and spent 10 years at Amway, holding positions in Finance, Marketing, Business Development and Engineering. Larry began his career as an application engineer at Bohn Heat Transfer in Danville, Illinois. Larry holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and an MBA from Grand Valley State University.

Trent-Urban

AIAM Board Member

Trent Urban

General Manager, AutoAir Pratt & Whitney

Trent Urban is the General Manager of Pratt & Whitney AutoAir, an RTX business, located in Holt and Lansing, Michigan, a position he’s held since 2022. Pratt & Whitney, a global leader in the design, manufacturing, and servicing of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, employs 43,000 individuals across 40-plus countries. They serve 17,000 clients operating 85,000 engines in more than 200 countries and territories. Urban’s facility employs 600 workers who specialize in producing hybrid metallic fan blades and jet engine test equipment, as well as offering overhaul and repair services.

Prior to his current role, Urban demonstrated his leadership, growth mindset, and commitment to quality production at various Pratt & Whitney facilities in Hartford, Connecticut; Lansing, Michigan; Patuxent River, Maryland; and Oklahoma City. Earlier in his career, he held various operations, quality, and supply chain leadership roles with Chromalloy, Aftermarket Technology Corporation, ClimateMaster, and Coachmen Industries.

Urban’s educational background includes an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Aviation Technology with a minor in supervision from Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus. He obtained his airframe and powerplant license while pursuing an associate degree in aviation technology from Vincennes University. As a lifelong learner, Urban prides himself on continual improvement and staying current with management and leadership trends. He leads with a sense of empowerment and belonging, guided by core values.

Outside of work, Urban and his wife Sharon enjoy exploring the outdoors regionally via their RV and playing golf. Their travels—many of which include their siblings, parents, and four adult children—often extend beyond the state to national parks and international destinations.

AIAM Board Member

Sara McMurray

VP of Sales and Marketing, Autocam Medical

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Sara McMurray, VP of Sales and Marketing for Autocam Medical – a global contract manufacturer of precision-machined components – is an accomplished executive with 23 years of experience in manufacturing. Sara is responsible for developing strategies to support the company’s strategic growth objective and plans geared towards existing and new international markets. She is an accessible leader, managing a global sales and marketing team to drive best in class business development and account management performance. Prior to joining Autocam Medical, Ms. McMurray was Director of Sales & Marketing for Premier Thermal. At Premier Thermal she was instrumental in forming the direction of the company by managing the sales and marketing organization, leading expansion into new markets (industries and geography) and assessing strategic M&A opportunities. Her manufacturing industry experience is vast and includes, aerospace, agriculture, automotive, defense, material handling, and medical. Sara began her career as an Executive Recruiter specializing in the recruitment of engineering and IT professionals. She joined Bodycote as an Account Manager in 2003 and moved to Specialty Heat Treating as Sales Manager in 2007. After a 5-year period in the plastics industry as a Global Sales and Customer Service Director for Flow-Rite Controls and Director of Medical Sales for Custom Profile, she returned to the heat treating industry and joined the Premier Thermal Sr. Leadership team in 2018. Ms. McMurray is known for being a high-achieving sales, customer service, and marketing leader finding solutions for customers and employees. She thrives in executing market strategy and change culture. In 2021, Sara was appointed to the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan’s Board of Directors. Sara is a proud graduate of Western Michigan University, where she earned her B.A. in Organizational Communication and a minor in Women’s Studies.

AIAM Board Member

Rob Cooke

Director of Engineering Services, Calumet Electronics

Rob Cooke is the Director of Engineering Services for Calumet Electronics where he heads the tooling, hardware design, and software design teams.  He is a Michigan native and has lived in Michigan for his whole life.  He started his career in avionics design working for GE Aviation and has been part of the fixed wing and rotorcraft community throughout his career.  He has his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering where he also serves as the Chair of the External Advisory Board for the Electrical and Computer Engineering department.  He also has his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Grand Valley State University. Rob lives in the Upper Peninsula with his wife and 4 children where in his spare time he enjoys waterskiing, cross country skiing, and biking. 

AIAM Chairman

Matt Eurich

Chief Operations Officer, Genuen

Matt is the Chief Operations Officer at Genuen, and oversees a staff of over 100 engineers and Skilled Trades team members that focus on improving the safety and reliability of technology deployed by some of the world’s largest manufacturers and innovators. He graduated from Michigan Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and has thirty years of experience in the field of engineering and engineering management, focusing his efforts on a wide variety of test systems and custom equipment for a diverse set of clientele. The key element of these systems has been a commitment to developing test systems that simulate real-world conditions using open architecture systems featuring non-propriety, off-the-shelf technology. These principles provide many benefits to Genuen’s growing customer base. He has been involved in systems touching almost every industry including Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer Products, Telecom, Industrial and medical devices. Over the last 20 years, he has focused on developing a strong foothold in the aerospace industry by developing unique, custom test equipment for hydraulic, actuation and electronics systems including safety/mission critical systems. The aerospace team at Genuen has strong, systems level experience with aerospace standards including DO-178C, DO254, DO-160, and DO330. During his career, he has participated in every aspect of test system development including system assembly, LabVIEW programming, electrical design, project management, sales, marketing and corporate management. He has also been involved in First Robotics serving as a Mentor and Coach for several teams.

AIAM Secretary

Mike Stratton

Product Line Manager, Combustion Woodward

Mike Stratton has been the Product Line Manager for ATS combustion products since 2014 and the Strategic Account Manager since 2018. For the 10 years before that, he was a combustion design engineer, module leader, process engineer, and quality manager all for GE Aviation in Boston and GE Global Research Center near Detroit. Mike is Six Sigma Greenbelt certified. Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aerospace from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Fluid Dynamics from WPI, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University.

AIAM President/Founder

Tony Vernaci

President/Founder, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM)

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For Tony Vernaci, the opportunity to establish the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) is a culmination of more than 30 years of experience and passion for aerospace. Tony joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in 2014, as Vice President for Global Business Development. As he stepped into his new position Tony noticed aerospace was not a target industry causing him to probe deeper. He recognized the potential synergies of the automotive and aerospace industries and soon the team discovered there were nearly 600 companies and organizations in Michigan conducting aerospace business. In 2015, Price Waterhouse Cooper (PwC) concluded their annual aerospace manufacturing attractiveness study and ranked Michigan as #2 in the nation. This generated a great deal of excitement from the Governor’s office and economic development organizations throughout the state, setting off a chain of events over the next 2 years raising global awareness for Michigan’s aerospace industry. In an effort to draw more attention to Michigan’s strength in aerospace, Tony led the effort to attract an aerospace conference to the state. As a result, SpeedNews and Aviation Week held their annual aerospace manufacturing conference in Dearborn in May 2017 and in June, Michigan had its first booth at the Paris air show. It is because of these great accomplishments, a vision for the future aerospace opportunities and a conversation with Governor Snyder, Tony decided to launch AIAM to advance Michigan’s place in the industry. Prior to joining the MEDC Tony held executive positions at Global Advantages, Doncasters, and Textron. He held positions as Senior Vice President of International, Director of Global Integrated Supply Chain, Director of Six Sigma, General Manager of Manufacturing, and Regional Director of Distribution. Before joining Textron, Tony spent 10 years in the automotive industry at both an OEM and a Tier-one supplier. Accentuating his automotive and aerospace experience is Tony’s 12 years in International Business where he further developed his networking abilities, interpersonal influence, resilience and adaptability, not to mention his proficiency in cultural diversity. His unique experiences have provided him with an opportunity to lead organizations, develop strategic plans and implement global projects across multiple industries and countries. He is a results-focused leader driven by challenge and diversity of responsibilities. He has a proven record of accomplishment in achieving financial and operational performance by leading and engaging diverse teams. It is with these skills and experience, Tony will lead AIAM to further strengthen and grow Michigan’s aerospace industry.

AIAM Board Member

Stacy Paul

CEO and Aerospace Engineer, Array of Engineers

Array of engineers logo
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Stacy Paul is an aerospace engineer and the CEO of Array of Engineers. Since 2000, Stacy has worked in the aerospace industry supporting various projects ranging from the manned space program at NASA to modern commercial aircraft to planetary exploration programs. Stacy grew up in a small town in Northern Michigan where she found her love of exploring, creativity and the night sky. She graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1999 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. After graduating she worked on the Space Shuttle and Space Station program for the United Space Alliance at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Stacy supported technical Day of Launch activities in the Mission Control Room and worked on Space Shuttle enhancements outside of launch operations. Missing Michigan, Stacy moved back in 2005 and supported numerous commercial aircraft projects which included software development, verification activities, and project management. Following a long held personal dream, Stacy sought to create a company to help bring more high technology and creative engineering jobs to Michigan. A company that would promote innovation, personal and professional growth, and STEM for younger generations. In early 2018, Stacy helped form Array of Engineers, a company dedicated to advancing these core values. Array of Engineers specializes in automated testing, embedded software, and custom hardware design. In addition to its core values, the company differentiates itself by empowering their customers and partners with self-sustaining automation capabilities and maximum design flexibility. Array of Engineers has supported a variety of satellite, space vehicle, and planetary exploration programs at NASA, numerous commercial aerospace projects, and multiple defense programs. Outside of work, you can likely find Stacy enjoying outdoor activities with her family and many pets, reading a good book, or supporting STEM activities for younger generations.

AeroDynamic Advisory

Mike Stengel

Principal

Mike Stengel is a Senior Associate at AeroDynamic Advisory, where he is responsible for project management, intellectual property development, & analysis of aerospace markets. Mike’s project experience has spanned multiple disciplines, including market analysis & forecasting, business strategy, and transaction advisory across the aerospace industry. In addition, Mike has been an invited guest speaker to industry conferences, associations, company events, and universities to provide industry outlooks and insights. Previously, Mike was an Associate at ICF International’s Aerospace & MRO consulting practice from 2014-2016. Prior to that, he interned at United Airlines in their San Francisco, CA engine maintenance facility, as well as at AeroStrategy in 2011. In addition, Mike is an FAA-certified commercial pilot with an instrument rating and lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, Inc.

Will Dew

Managing Director Commercial

Will’s aerospace experience spans over 30 years with military, commercial airline, and OEM aftermarket assignments. From 2006, progressed in various capacities with Liebherr-Aerospace Saline, a FAR145 Service Center providing support for Liebherr customers domiciled in the Americas. Presently serves as managing director commercial, responsible for the domains of Customer and Field Service, Sales, Quality Assurance, and Finance.

Eaton Aerospace

Tyler Ford

General Manager

Tyler Ford is the General Manager for Eaton Aerospace’s Engine Solutions and Electrification (ESE) business, a part of Eaton’s Industrial Sector. Tyler’s business is responsible for 14 product lines spanning a range of systems including pneumatic ducting, fuel connection, static/dynamic sealing, debris monitoring, pressure sensing, power conversion and electrical distribution for both commercial and military Aerospace applications. Overall, the product lines represent $430M in revenue across nine manufacturing plants with sites in the United States, Mexico, India, France, China, and Indonesia. Prior to this role, Tyler served as Director of Engineering for Eaton Aerospace’s Fluid and Electrical Distribution (FED) division, providing fluid, pneumatic, and electrical conveyance products for a variety of Aerospace customers. The FED Engineering team numbers some 350 engineers globally, and provides engineering leadership for new product introduction, researched/development, and product sustainment efforts for all product lines within the FED portfolio, including the ESE business. The team spans 13 design centers and supports 19 manufacturing facilities around the world, with presences in the US, UK, Germany, France, Indonesia, India, Mexico, and China. Before transitioning to the Director Role, he was a Senior Engineering Manager with Eaton’s Fuel and Motion Control business, responsible for the development of Fuel systems and components related to fuel distribution, gauging, and inerting. Before that, he held several engineering leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including leading the electromechanical actuation and ground fueling teams. He started his career with Eaton in 2008 as a participant in the Engineering and Technology Leadership Program. Tyler considers himself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see such a breadth of products across the Eaton portfolio, and has worked with many incredible individuals at each point along the way. He’s looking forward to expanding the awareness to Eaton capabilities with customers, suppliers, and academia, pursuing technology partnerships that will enable a more sustainable future for the Aerospace industry. Tyler graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a BSE, Aerospace in April 2008. In his spare time, he participates in the Corporate Advisory board for Wayne State University, and volunteers as Coach for AYSO.

AIAM Board Member

tom Alongi

Partner

UHY

Tom is a leader of the audit and assurance department, where he has been advising both public and private clients in regard to their finances and operations for over 25 years. His extensive background in costing separates him from the typical auditor. Tom is the leader of the firm’s national manufacturing practice. He is also a member of the national transaction services group, where he performs financial and operational due diligence, and has led a significant number of transactions over the past several years.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

•Primary focus on companies looking to maximize shareholder value through acquisitions, profit enhancement, restructuring, and ultimately exiting or passing investment on to the next generation
•Lead partner overseeing audits of public and private companies
•Experience extending from deal negotiation to implementation of post transaction strategic planning
•Provides consultation, evaluation and implementation of part and product line costing models
•Developed and implemented computer costing models that enable companies to better understand their cost structure and price their products for profitability
•Responsibilities include all stages of the costing process starting with an in depth understanding of operational and financial issues followed by a recommendations report and business model for improving the bottom line
•Special interests include strategic cost management  and special consulting engagements; product and part profitability, business profitability modeling, and cash flow forecasting
 

BACKGROUND:

•Licensed CPA in the state of Michigan
•Licensed CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
•Provisional Lead Assessor Certification from EXCEL Partnership
•Joined the firm in 1995
•B.S. in Accounting, Walsh College
 

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:

•Host and Chairperson, UHY LLP Annual Manufacturing Outlook
•Host and Chairperson, UHY LLP Annual Automotive Outlook
•Co-Chairperson, UHY LLP Annual Accounting and Business Conference
•Executive Editor and Contributor, UHY LLP Manufacturing Insider Quarterly Newsletter
•“Restart Michigan: The Latest on Financial Relief Programs: PPP, ERC, and More”, Detroit Regional Chamber, 2021
•“Economic Forecast”, Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, 2021, 2020
•“Commercial Lending in a Turbulent Market”, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan, 2020
•“The State of Mergers & Acquisitions”, The Pure Michigan Business Connect 2020 Aerospace Supply Chain Roundtable
Lissa Barron

Co-Chair

Lissa Barron

Director of Communications

Linkedin

WAIAM Co-Chair | Lissa Barron is Director of Communications for Barron Industries – a family-owned manufacturer of cast and machined engineered metal components and assembled systems. With its beginnings in 1923, Barron is celebrating 100 years in the metal casting industry. The company started as a Detroit foundry, mostly serving the exploding automotive industry. Fast forward to today – Barron Industries is now a global turnkey manufacturer offering everything from design for manufacturing to complete supply chain management. Lissa joined the family business after a 30-year career in journalism working as a news reporter and producer for print and broadcast media outlets in the United States and Canada, her native land. She earned a BA in Journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Lissa became a U.S. citizen and resides with her husband Bruce Barron, the 3rd generation owner of the family business. They have four children and one grandchild. Lissa is a Co-Chair of the Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) and a founding member of the women’s water basketball team at the Detroit Athletic Club. She enjoys travelling, especially to visit her extended family in northern Italy.

Board Member

Michael Davenport

President/CEO

Michael Davenport was born in Grand Rapids and attended Ottawa Hills High School. He graduated from Xavier University, where he is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame (Men’s Basketball 1987- 1991), and the University of Cincinnati College of Law. Michael is married and has 2 sons.

Michael is currently the President and CEO of Jireh Metal Products, Inc. Jireh Metal Products, Inc. is anISO9001 certified manufacturer of progressive metal stampings and assemblies. Jireh partners with leadingcompanies in the Office Furniture, Commercial Hardware and Automotive industries. A perennial winner ofSupplier Excellence Awards, Jireh focuses on satisfying the needs of customers through quality, continuous improvement, competitive pricing and on- time delivery. Additionally, Michael serves on the Board of Directors for The Right Place, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, Xavier University President’s Advisory Council, Xavier University Athletic Leadership Advisory Council, Grand   Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and TheRight Place Manufacturing Council.

Davenport brings his proven track record of leadership, team building and strategy implementation to JirehMetal. Michael formerly served as the Director of Community Development for First Financial Bank in Cincinnati, OH where he led the Bank’s Community Development strategy. Prior to that, Davenport served as a Regulatory Attorney for First Financial, Fifth Third and U.S. Bank where he managed the implementationand review of consumer  lending legislation.

Board Member

Katie Frye

Vice President of Development and Marketing,
Cherry Street Mission Ministries

Katie Frye is a dedicated and driven fundraising professional with 25+ years of strategic and tactical fundraising experiences and leadership with a demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, secure, and steward major gifts while maintaining strong relationships with donors, businesses, foundations, government officials, and board members.

Katie is currently the Vice President of Development and Marketing for Cherry Street Mission Ministries located in Toledo, OH. Her fundraising background includes work in healthcare, the arts, youth services, education at both the K-12 level and higher education, and social determinants of health. One of her more recent, notable projects that she led fundraising efforts for was an $18M capital campaign (for a $143M project) in Adrian, MI that resulted in a new hospital, YMCA, and barrier free playground facility. Health and wellness has always been a personal and professional passion for Katie.

Her qualifications include, but are not limited to, donor and community relations, foundation and corporate relations, government relations, marketing, social media, public relations, media relations, grant writing, special event coordination, copy writing, donor database management, strategic planning, and board development.

Angela Kimber

Co-Chair

Angela Kimber

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Linkedin

Angela Kimber Ehlich is a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Product Design at Woodward Inc., where she focuses on design of fuel nozzles for gas turbine engines, with a passion for novel materials engineering, sustainable aviation fuels, and advanced combustion technologies. Outside of her multidisciplinary approach to engineering, she enjoys influencing public policy by active participation in local, state, and federal government advocacy. Mentorship and outreach are cornerstones of her career in science and engineering, and she is passionate about supporting and mentoring students in STEM fields across the country as an active, professional member of the Society of Women Engineers. As a board member for the non-profit Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) Foundation, she is able to further develop supportive networks and pipelines for younger generations interested in STEM and aerospace careers locally within Michigan state. Long-term career goals include corporate leadership and service in legislative positions, bridging science and public policy through industry, academia, and advocacy. When at home, she can be found reading (science or historical fiction), riding her bike, or enjoying the beautiful West Michigan outdoors with her husband and their three daughters.

Brittany Telander

Executive Director

Brittany Telander serves as the Executive Director of the AIAM Foundation, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in senior fundraising roles across higher education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.

In her previous role as Director of Donor Relations at Lourdes University in Sylvania, OH, Brittany led a dedicated team in achieving remarkable results. Under her leadership, annual charitable revenue increased by an impressive 29% over three years. Additionally, she initiated a leadership speaking series featuring prominent business figures from the Northwest Ohio region, including individuals such as Pat Bowe, CEO of The Andersons.

Throughout her career, Brittany has demonstrated her adeptness at managing substantial revenue pipelines, having overseen an annual revenue pipeline of $1.7 million in corporate and foundation giving. She notably catalyzed significant growth in foundation giving, increasing it from $30,000 to over $400,000 in just three years.

With a master’s degree in special education from Lourdes University, a master’s degree of fine arts in creative writing from Roosevelt University, and dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and international business, and English from Loyola University Chicago, Brittany possesses a diverse educational background that enriches her professional endeavors.

Driven by her resourcefulness, creativity, and unwavering commitment to relationship building, Brittany is dedicated to making a positive impact and driving transformative change in the nonprofit sector and beyond.

Karen Arondoski

Karen Arondoski

President/Owner

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Karen Arondoski is the founder of I. F. Metalworks, a design and fabrication company that was started in April 2002. The company started in an 8,000 square foot facility and is now in a 40,000 square foot facility. It was started due to a need for paint tool parts for General Motors and has grown to include automotive, industrial, architectural, aerospace and signs for all industries. The company started with 3 employees and currently has 25 employees and still adding. Before opening I.F.Metalworks, Karen worked in the medical field for 25 years and also worked in Public Relations for a school district where she was asked to be involved and sit on the Board of a non-profit organization called Cruisin’ Gratiot in Eastpointe, MI where she later was asked to serve as the President until her husband became ill where she stepped down to devote time to taking care of him. Karen also served on the committee of USA Cares, another non-profit assisting military families. Karen and her late husband Mike have two children, Michael, and Michela and all four of them devoted a lot of their time as volunteers in the community. Karen and Mike felt it was important to teach their children to give back. I.F. Metalworks also became a sponsor of an organization called CSI, an organization to advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance. Karen also sits on the Manufacturing Growth Alliance Board as well as the St. Clair/Macomb County Workforce Development Board. Karen started the company with the need for welding and fabrication and has increased the companies’ capabilities through the years adding CNC Machining, Waterjet, flat and tube laser, Hexagon Metrology for Dimensional Measurements, Inspection room and full CAD capabilities. A few of their clients and projects they worked on include: Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Detroit Train Station Brookside Condominiums Detroit Institute of Arts Detroit Science Center Cranbrook Schools (tennis courts and Museum) St. Paul’s Church in Grosse Pointe Macomb County Library Ivy Farms in Bloomfield Hills, MI National Park in Alaska Detroit Recreational Facilities Several School District remodels/additions Oakland University (several items as well as work for Meadowbrook) DTE DTE VIP Lounge railings Wayne State University Karen and I F Metalworks received several awards/recognitions as well. They include: 2004 Best Small Business of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration, 2006 Woman of Distinction from the Girl Scouts, 2009 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch and 2011 WID Business Development Team I.F.Metalworks has several certifications including: AS-9100 Certified ISO 9001:2015 Certified ITAR Compliant WBENC Certified Woman-Owned Small Business AWS Certified Welding Inspector on staff AWS Certified Welding Educator on staff Karen enjoys family, traveling, photography and business development.

Board Member

Jessica Sullivan

Founder & President

Jessica is the Founder and President of Legado Family Office Management which offers family office management services that grow, protects and preserves a family’s wealth.

Jessica has over 20 years of financial services experience, 10 of which she served as the director of a single-family office. She is passionate about the Grand Traverse Region to ensure it is a thriving economy to live, work and play for future generations. She served as a six-year member of the Grand Traverse Economic Development Corporation, serving as board Chair. She is the current board Chair of The Children’s House an Independent Montessori School, is a board director for the Regional Economic Development Organization, TraverseConnect and is the Executive Director of Boundless Futures Foundation, a non-profit that provides financial and leadership resources for aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses to solve today’s biggest social issues.     

Jessica is a graduate of Michigan State University holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance. In addition, she has her Master’s in Business Administration in Strategic Management and she is a four-time recipient of Traverse City’s 40 Under 40 award. Jessica, with her husband Ryan and children Shamus, Padraig, Kathryn and Siobhan, live in Traverse City, Michigan. In her free time, she loves to run, spend time with her family and watch NCAA football and basketball.

Angela Kimber

Board Member

Angela Kimber

Senior Mechanical Engineer

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Angela Kimber Ehlich is a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Product Design at Woodward Inc., where she focuses on design of fuel nozzles for gas turbine engines, with a passion for novel materials engineering, sustainable aviation fuels, and advanced combustion technologies. Outside of her multidisciplinary approach to engineering, she enjoys influencing public policy by active participation in local, state, and federal government advocacy. Mentorship and outreach are cornerstones of her career in science and engineering, and she is passionate about supporting and mentoring students in STEM fields across the country as an active, professional member of the Society of Women Engineers. As a board member for the non-profit Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (AIAM) Foundation, she is able to further develop supportive networks and pipelines for younger generations interested in STEM and aerospace careers locally within Michigan state. Long-term career goals include corporate leadership and service in legislative positions, bridging science and public policy through industry, academia, and advocacy. When at home, she can be found reading (science or historical fiction), riding her bike, or enjoying the beautiful West Michigan outdoors with her husband and their three daughters.

Lissa Barron

Board Member

Lissa Barron

Director of Communications

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WAIAM Co-Chair | Lissa Barron is Director of Communications for Barron Industries – a family-owned manufacturer of cast and machined engineered metal components and assembled systems. With its beginnings in 1923, Barron is celebrating 100 years in the metal casting industry. The company started as a Detroit foundry, mostly serving the exploding automotive industry. Fast forward to today – Barron Industries is now a global turnkey manufacturer offering everything from design for manufacturing to complete supply chain management. Lissa joined the family business after a 30-year career in journalism working as a news reporter and producer for print and broadcast media outlets in the United States and Canada, her native land. She earned a BA in Journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Lissa became a U.S. citizen and resides with her husband Bruce Barron, the 3rd generation owner of the family business. They have four children and one grandchild. Lissa is a Co-Chair of the Women of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan (WAIAM) and a founding member of the women’s water basketball team at the Detroit Athletic Club. She enjoys travelling, especially to visit her extended family in northern Italy.

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