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Dale Brosius announcements retirement from IACMI

After a decade of dedicated service to the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI, Knoxville, Tenn., U.S.), Dale Brosius has announced he will retire from the organization July 1, 2025. He is currently executive VP and chief commercialization officer (CCO) for IACMI. A search for a new CCO is underway.

Brosius has worked in the chemicals and composites industries for more than 45 years, holding leadership positions across manufacturing, sales, R&D and senior management. Throughout his career, he has led multiple businesses and played a pivotal role in the commercialization of numerous products and technologies. Named the first employee of IACMI in 2015, shortly after its establishment by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Brosius has been instrumental in shaping the institute’s vision and forging its global presence.

“As employee #1 in the early days of IACMI, Dale was not only instrumental in defining IACMI’s identity over the years, but also in helping the organization overcome significant challenges to achieve meaningful and long-lasting success,” says Chad Duty, IACMI CEO. “His dedication to IACMI and the larger composites community is clear, and he is widely recognized as a champion for composites technology.”

For more than 10 years, Brosius has been a driving force behind 61 IACMI-led technical innovation projects, engaging more than 90 members. These initiatives, supported by the DOE and cost-sharing partners, represented a combined R&D investment of $150 million. His leadership has contributed to increased TRLs in key areas such as additive manufacturing, automotive composites, wind energy and recycling. Additionally, his efforts have enhanced composites manufacturing through advanced simulation and quality control processes, leading to the commercialization of 25 new products and technologies.

Reflecting on his tenure, including one year as interim CEO, Brosius cites two of his greatest challenges: steering the IACMI member consortium into a new model during the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the institute to become the first of the seven DOE-created Manufacturing USA Institutes to achieve funding renewal. Having successfully navigated both milestones, he believes the timing is right for a leadership transition.

“I have been quite fortunate during my career to engage with dedicated composites professionals around the world, and to leverage those experiences 11 years ago as we created IACMI,” Brosius says. “I believe IACMI is today one of the premier composites institutes globally, and well-positioned to continue to lead and innovate the next generation applications of composites across multiple markets.”

Following his retirement, Brosius will continue to provide part-time support and mentorship to ensure a smooth transition. He is also likely to move to a consulting role with IACMI to assist with ongoing projects. Beyond his professional commitments, he looks forward to spending more time with family and friends, serving in advisory or board roles for small companies, increasing his volunteer work, and enjoying hobbies such as golf, tennis and skiing.

IACMI has launched a search for its next CCO, aiming to transition responsibilities before the IACMI Members Meeting in late June. The CCO plays a vital role in driving commercial outcomes from R&D initiatives, leading business development and growing IACMI’s membership. The institute seeks a highly experienced leader with deep composites industry connections and a strong track record in commercializing new products and bringing them to market.

Aurora Material Solutions welcomes president of thermoplastics business

(Streetsboro, Ohio, U.S.) announces the appointment of Pratik Shah as president of its engineered thermoplastics (ETP) business segment. This segment was formed in 2024, when Aurora acquired Encom, which was grouped with previously acquired Enviroplas to further strengthen its engineered thermoplastics offering.

Pratik Shah, Aurora Material Solutions’ president of engineered thermoplastics (ETP)

Shah will be responsible for leading the ETP business segment, accelerating growth in ETP, both organically and through acquisition. He will also manage EBITDA growth, drive overall value creation, optimize operations and build a high-performing team to enhance Aurora’s market position and profitability.

Shah brings extensive experience in growing polymer-based materials businesses, including ETPs and performance elastomers, with a strong focus on solution selling, business development and new product introductions. Prior to joining Aurora Material Solutions, Shah worked at Teknor Apex Co., where he served as vice president and business manager of its engineering plastics and elastomers (EP&E) business unit. His career also includes key roles at Nycoa, LyondellBasell, Arkema Inc. and EMS Chemie, where he developed strategic growth and operational excellence in polymers and specialty materials. Shah also brings experience in private equity, having worked at Citadel Plastics, which was later acquired by A.Schulman/LyondellBasell.

Pratik holds a master’s degree in plastics engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering and technology from the University Department of Chemical Technology Mumbai, India.

Electra names aviation industry VP of government programs

Industry veteran Col. Donn Yates (USAF Ret.) has joined  (Electra, Manassas, Va., U.S.) as VP of government programs. In his new role, Yates will drive Electra’s efforts to develop and deliver cutting-edge adaptable capabilities for U.S. government customers. Yates will spearhead Electra’s business development efforts for additional development and procurement contracts focused on addressing the logistics mission for the last tactical leg to enhance the security and competitiveness of the U.S.’ warfighters.

Donn Yates, Electra VP of government programs.

“Whether in the cockpit of an F-15 or in the boardroom, Donn is a proven leader that has achieved meaningful results at the highest levels of commercial and military aviation,” saYS B. Marc Allen, CEO of Electra. “His experience and passion to deliver are a perfect fit for Electra as we develop the EL9’s next-generation capabilities.”

Yates joins Electra after a distinguished 30-year career across the aerospace industry, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army. Most recently, he served as VP of air dominance business development and strategy for Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security Division. Previously, Yates was chief operating officer for Fly Exclusive, where he developed and implemented strategies to increase revenue, efficiency and profitability for one of the nation’s largest private jet charter operators.

Before entering the private sector, Yates served in the military for 25 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and an Army infantryman, retiring with the rank of colonel. He is a graduate and former instructor of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and held leadership roles in various high-profile commands. Yates led the Joint Special Operations Aviation Detachment and the largest F-15E fighter wing in the Air Force, which received multiple awards for innovative approaches to achieving their mission.

“I am excited to join the team at Electra and chart a new course for military aviation through the development of the EL9,” says Yates. “This runway-independent aircraft has the power to provide transformational capabilities to ensure that people and cargo can reach the most remote, contested corners of the world. I look forward to working with the Electra team and our government customers to realize the EL9’s potential to give our warfighters the decisive edge.” 

Yates is a Harvard Kennedy School National Security Fellow and holds advanced degrees in strategy from the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies and the Air Command and Staff College.