America Makes Appoints New Leaders for RMAG, Executive Committee

America Makes, The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, announces the new chairpersons of the Roadmap Advisory Group (RMAG) and the Institute’s Executive Committee.

Andrew Thompson, deputy chief engineer, Additive Manufacturing (AM), at Northrop Grumman Space Systems, has been appointed chair of the RMAG. In this role, he will lead the group’s strategic direction, drive key initiatives, recruit new members, engage working groups, and organize meetings. He will also oversee the strategic-level roadmap, collaborating with America Makes to maintain data, align priorities, brief the Executive Committee on project call topics, and ensure the roadmap advances the Institute’s mission, America Makes reports.

At Northrop Grumman, Thompson is responsible for the development and implementation of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. He has experience in designing, developing, and utilizing aerospace components and systems, as well as expertise in AM techniques for manufacturing these components. Thompson’s previous career roles have led to his knowledge of managing assembly integration, test operations, and additive processes. 

“Andrew’s expertise in additive manufacturing and his leadership within the industry make him an excellent choice to chair the Roadmap Advisory Group,” says Brandon Ribic, Ph.D., America Makes technology director. “His strategic vision and commitment to collaboration will be instrumental in guiding the group’s efforts, ensuring that our roadmap remains aligned with the evolving needs of the AM ecosystem.”

Executive Committee

Rick Russell has been named the chairperson of the America Makes Executive Committee. He will lead a group of industry experts across academia, government, workforce and economic development organizations, ensuring strategies, policies, and advocacy efforts are in place to advance the Institute’s mission. This committee helps guide America Makes as it works to accelerate AM adoption and strengthen U.S. manufacturing competitiveness globally.

Russell is a principal ADDvisor with The Barnes Global Advisors and specializes in metal AM certification and qualification. His journey in AM began nearly 15 years ago at NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, where he helped develop pathways to certify critical AM hardware for human spaceflight applications. Later at NASA, he led the team that authored NASA-STD-6030 “Additive Manufacturing Requirements for Spaceflight Systems.” Russell also has a long history of engagement with America Makes, having previously served on the RMAG.

Alongside Russell’s leadership, Sandra DeVincent Wolf, Ph.D., will serve as secretary of the Executive Committee. Dr. Wolf is executive director of the Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) Manufacturing Futures Institute, where she helps identify, connect, leverage, and accelerate manufacturing research at CMU. She is also executive director of the CMU NextManufacturing Center, a hub for AM research. She leads the center’s activities, partnerships, and industry consortiums and serves as director of the metals AM laboratories.

Before joining CMU in 2015, Dr. Wolf spent 15 years in research, development, engineering, and management in advanced materials and manufacturing. She also has over a decade of experience in executive management within professional materials associations.

“Rick and Sandra are both highly respected leaders in the additive community, and we are excited to have them in these key roles,” says John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes. “Rick’s extensive experience in AM certification and qualification, along with his strong grasp of industry needs, will be crucial in guiding the Executive Committee, while Sandra’s leadership in manufacturing research and her ability to foster collaboration will further enhance our strategic initiatives.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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