President, NDIA Michigan Chapter

"It is my distinct pleasure to have been selected to represent this chapter as president.

I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the Chapter membership, both corporate and individual in taking an outstanding organization to the next level and expanding to new programs that fall within our charter. I could not be more proud than to serve with this Chapter, as we serve our constituency and work as a conduit between industry, government, and our community to fulfill the mission of NDIA. In addition to the quality forum the Chapter is known for, I particularly look forward to your ideas and your support in the expansion of our Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The STEM effort is aimed at ensuring perpetuation of one of our Nation's key strategic resources; its intellectual capital, by fostering excitement, interest, involvement and careers in those fields for our youth. If you would like to speak with me regarding getting involved with this initiative, please feel free to contact me at kotchmad@excite.com or by contacting David Rohall our STEM Committee Chair.

During the months of August and September, NDIA Michigan hosts its two signature events. August is our Ground Vehicle Systems Engineering and Technology Symposium (GVSETS) conference which is strongly supported by the US Army Tank Automotive, Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) and is chaired by Chuck Prikopa. September brings our Fall Business Event (FBE), which caters to the small business community and assists them in understanding how to work in the defense community, with the 2010 FBE being co-chaired by Beth Cryderman-Moss and Barbara Motala. Details for both events are available on the Chapter web site.

In a few short months, we will start working on some exciting future events and educational outreach programs, including the ROTC Awards Banquet to be held at the Dearborn Inn on 15 April 2011.