IACMI names new chief commercialization officer
On May 28,
IACMI – The Composites Institute
(Knoxville, Tenn., U.S.) announced that Jason Gibson, Ph.D., will join IACMI on June 2 as its chief commercialization officer (CCO). He will succeed Dale Brosius, who is retiring following 10 years as the institute’s founding CCO.
Jason Gibson, IACMI’s chief commercialization officer (CCO).
Gibson brings more than 20 years of leadership in composites innovation, technology commercialization and cross-sector collaboration to this pivotal role. As CCO, he will lead efforts to commercialize advanced composites technologies, guide strategic direction and coordinate high-impact collaborative projects aligned with IACMI’s mission to advance sustainable U.S. manufacturing. He will also serve as executive director of IACMI’s Consortium Council.
“Jason has a proven track record in the area of applied innovation, industry collaboration and a commitment to workforce development,” says IACMI CEO Chad Duty. “As a results-driven professional, he is the right leader at the right time to build on the strong foundation Dale has created and to take our commercialization strategy into the next decade.”
Gibson joins IACMI after more than two decades at Composites One, where he most recently served as chief applications engineer. There, he led the development and commercialization of technologies such as aerospace-certified thermoplastic composites, graphene-enhanced resins for hydrogen storage and next-generation lightweight defense materials. His work consistently bridged research and market readiness, often involving collaborations with OEMs, national laboratories and academic research institutions.
“I am thrilled to join IACMI and contribute to its mission of accelerating the development and adoption of advanced composites,” says Gibson. “IACMI is at the heart of our nation’s composites innovation ecosystem. I look forward to advancing technologies that can drive real impact across energy, defense and sustainability while fostering the workforce needed to support them.”
Gibson holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Central Florida, and Masters of Science degrees in both mechanical engineering and industrial and systems engineering, along with a Bachelor of Science in aeronautical and astronautical engineering — all from Ohio State University.
Gibson will follow Dale Brosius, who has served as CCO since 2015 and was named executive VP in 2023 following one year as IACMI’s interim CEO. Brosius was the first employee hired at IACMI following its establishment by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and his leadership has been foundational in shaping the institute’s commercialization vision, collaborative approach and national impact.
Over the past 10 years, Brosius has led more than 60 technical innovation projects involving over 90 IACMI member organizations. These projects, supported by DOE and cost-sharing partners, represented a combined $150-plus million in R&D investment and significantly advanced TRLs in key sectors such as additive manufacturing, automotive composites, wind energy and recycling. His leadership directly contributed to the commercialization of more than 25 new products and technologies.
“Dale has been instrumental in building IACMI into an internationally recognized institute for composites innovation,” adds Duty. “He has been a tireless advocate for innovation and collaboration and has played a pivotal role in creating the roadmap for composites commercialization in the U.S. We are grateful for his leadership and are honored to celebrate his legacy.”
Brosius will officially retire from his role as CCO at the end of June and will continue supporting IACMI during the leadership transition.
Thermwood announces executive leadership promotions
Thermwood Corp.
(Dale, Ind., U.S.) announces the promotion of two key executives as part of its continued focus on innovation, growth and long-term leadership development.
Jason Susnjara, president of Thermwood.
Jason Susnjara has been promoted to president of Thermwood, succeeding David Hildenbrand, who recently retired after 47 years of distinguished service. With more than 30 years at the company, Susnjara has held a wide range of leadership roles across multiple departments, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations.
Since 2019, he has served as executive VP, where he played a key role in guiding Thermwood’s strategic direction and growth. He also serves on the company’s board of directors.
Jennifer Watt, Thermwood executive VP.
Jennifer Watt has been promoted to executive VP. Since 2019, Watt has served as the company’s chief legal officer, where she has led Thermwood’s legal and corporate governance efforts with distinction.
Watts holds a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in business from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. She is a licensed attorney in both Indiana and Illinois and serves on Thermwood’s board of directors.
Ilium Composites welcomes business development manager
José María Rodríguez Ramírez, Ilium Composites business development manager.
Ilium Composites
(Hidd, Bahrain) announces the appointment of José María Rodríguez Ramírez as business development manager, strengthening the company’s strategic growth plans for its advanced composite material solutions across global markets.
based in Europe and reporting directly to managing director Luma Aljishi, Rodríguez Ramírez brings a combination of technical expertise, commercial acumen and international experience to Ilium. With more than 25 years of experience in the polymer and composite materials industries, he has held senior roles in R&D, technical sales, business development and project management at companies including Fiberline Composites, Owens Corning and DSM.
Rodríguez Ramírez has consistently delivered optimal results throughout his career, including driving significant sales growth, developing and implementing structured business strategies, managing complex customer relationships and leading cross-functional teams. His strong technical foundation in composites technologies, particularly in resin infusion, pultrusion and reinforcement manufacturing, matches his robust commercial focus, making him ideally suited to support Ilium’s expansion plans.
At Ilium,Rodríguez Ramírez will play a pivotal role in identifying and developing new business opportunities, enhancing customer relationships and supporting the launch of innovative products. His appointment aligns with Ilium’s commitment to delivering high-quality, customized composite solutions that meet customers’ evolving needs worldwide.
Rodríguez Ramírez holds an Master of Science in chemistry from the University of Barcelona, a Bachelor of Science in business from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, and a Master’s degree in Paint Technology. Fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan, with working proficiency in Dutch and French, he is well-positioned to support Ilium’s international client base.
Wrexham University appoints researchers for Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre project
Two researchers in hydrogen engineering and composite materials have been appointed at
Wrexham University
(Wales), as part of the institution’s Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre (EEOC) project.
Barry Johnston has joined Wrexham University as research associate in hydrogen engineering, while Dr. Meysam Anamagh has been appointed as research Fellow in composite materials engineering.
Their appointments will play a pivotal role in conducting cutting-edge research in the new EEOC, which is currently being built at the university’s Plas Coch campus. Green hydrogen will also be developed on-site as part of the EEOC project, thanks to the installation of a hydrogen electrolyzer as part of the build, which will contribute to sustainable practices in industry.
Barry Johnston and Dr. Meysam Anamagh.
“I’m delighted to have been appointed to the role, particularly at what is an optimistic time for green hydrogen production, here in North Wales,” says Johnston. “My areas of focus will be on seeking out opportunities in hydrogen research and collaborating with industry partners with an emphasis on decarbonation.”
Meanwhile, Anamagh will play a key role in carrying out research, collaborating with industry partners and securing funding to advance the field of composite structures.
“As a newly established entity within the university, my role presents a valuable opportunity to collaboratively build a versatile and forward-thinking composite research center,” Anamagh notes. “In my role, my focus will be on the design, manufacturing and evaluation of composite structures — specifically, my current research is centered on novel designs for hydrogen composite tanks used in automotive and aerospace applications. The overarching goal is to develop more sustainable hydrogen tanks for future applications, including aircraft and vehicles.”
According to Richard Day, professor of composites engineering and pro vice-chancellor for research at Wrexham University, both individuals bring with them extensive research experience in their fields.
Utah leaders join 47G board of directors
47G | Utah Aerospace & Defense
(Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.) has announced the appointment of Utah Senator Ann Millner and Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) executive director Jefferson Moss to its board of directors. With deep roots in higher education, public service and economic development, both individuals bring invaluable perspective to 47G’s work advancing Utah’s fast-growing aerospace and defense industries.
Utah Senator Ann Millner.
Millner is a longtime champion of Utah’s aerospace and defense ecosystem. As both president and vice president at Weber State University, she built critical relationships with Hill Air Force base and local defense contractors, supporting collaborative research, workforce development and regional economic alignment. Under her leadership, Weber State is reported to have contributed to one of the first statewide cluster reports quantifying the economic benefits of Utah’s defense sector.
“Utah’s defense and aerospace industries are central to our economic future and national security,” says Millner. “From advanced air mobility and AI to critical minerals, we are at a pivotal point where strategic partnerships and workforce alignment will determine our long-term success. 47G is doing the work to position Utah as a national leader in innovation and industry growth, and I am honored to support this mission as a member of the board.”
In her role as co-chair of the legislative aerospace and defense caucus, Millner has played a key part in shaping policy conversations around Utah’s emerging aviation technologies. She has also been actively engaged in 47G’s Project Alta, a statewide initiative exploring the feasibility and readiness of advanced air mobility in Utah ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
Millner currently serves as chair of Talent Ready Utah. In this capacity, she oversees efforts made by education and industry partnerships to build a highly skilled workforce while providing students with increased career and education opportunities. She continues to advocate for strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline and addressing gaps in engineering, production and maintenance roles that are critical to the needs of defense and aerospace companies.
“We need to think differently about how we build and support these industries,” Millner adds. “Employers want graduates who are ready to contribute from day one. That means aligning our educational institutions with workforce demands and ensuring we have a business environment that fosters innovation while protecting our national interests.”
Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) executive director Jefferson Moss.
Joining her on the board is former state representative Jefferson Moss, a leader in higher education, innovation and public-private partnerships. Moss was recently appointed by Utah Governor Spencer Cox as the executive director of the GOEO. In this capacity, Moss will oversee the state’s economic development strategy and initiatives.
“Utah has an opportunity to lead the nation in cutting-edge research, advanced manufacturing and defense technology,” says Moss. “From policy to capital to talent, 47G is helping connect the right partners to accelerate progress. I’m excited to help shape that future and drive meaningful outcomes for the industries and people of Utah.”
In his role as associate commissioner for innovation and commercialization at the Utah System of Higher Education, Moss mobilized Utah’s research institutions and capital networks to accelerate market-ready solutions. He also leads the Utah Innovation Fund, which supports early stage companies spun out of the state’s colleges and universities. His efforts have expanded access to venture capital, strengthened Utah’s commercialization infrastructure and driven forward-thinking public policy through the Nucleus Institute — an entity designed to address the pressing need for a more connected approach to workforce development, innovation and commercialization.
“Senator Millner and Jefferson Moss are visionary leaders who understand the long-term investments needed to ensure Utah continues to thrive as a national hub for aerospace and defense,” concludes Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G. “Their leadership will help strengthen our efforts to align policy, capital and talent with industry needs.”
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