Session Summaries

March 18, 2026

Drone Dominance Sustainment: Building North Carolina’s Industrial Base for Next-Generation Unmanned Systems. Drone Dominance is a national priority to surge U.S. production of low cost, attritable small UAS and the secure components that make them viable at scale. Using phased Gauntlet style evaluations and rapid contracting, the effort is designed to move proven systems into units quickly and support sustained readiness. This DISC workshop advances a whole-of-state collaboration model connecting warfighters, government partners, academia, and industry to strengthen North Carolina’s role in drone manufacturing, sustainment, and validation. Informed by current operational lessons where drones drive sensing, target acquisition, and effects in contested spectrum conditions while operating under constant counter UAS pressure, the session focuses on what must be tested, produced, repaired, and replenished to keep formations ready. Discussion will also address autonomous systems in support of contested logistics and sustainment.

Participants will review how North Carolina’s industrial base and test ecosystem can support scalable production of airframes, electronics, propulsion, batteries, and mission systems, along with the sustainment pathways that keep systems operational. The workshop will also address the expanding national emphasis on UAS test capacity and safety data needed to accelerate integration and validation.

Speakers include:

  • Moderator: Bob Burton, Director of Defense Technologies, North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Robert Braun, Chief Technology Officer, XVIII Airborne Corps
  • Pavlo Horiachev (Ukraine)
  • Klinton Snead, Staff Director, Army Research Office
  • Ben Provan, Hangar6 Director, First Flight Venture Center
  • David Whitmire, Ph.D., Senior Commercial Advisor, Wireless Research Center and RiOT Labs
  • Mihail Sichitiu, Professor ECE, Co-PI, Aerial Experimentation and Research Platform for Advanced Wireless (AERPAW), North Carolina State University
  • Sheeba Dawood, Founder and CEO of Minerva Lithium
  • Bob Skillen, Founder and Chief Engineer, VX Aerospace
  • Paul “Buck” Chambers, Owner and CEO, Heightened Senses, LLC
  • Jimmy Larsen, Business Development, Tough Stump Technologies, LLC
  • Nick Bogert, Raven Autonomous Technologies Operations Director, Raven Advisory, LLC
  • Marianeth Crockett, Director of Strategic Architecture & Operations, Osprey Global Solutions
  • William Stavanja, Drone Instructor, Wake Technical Community College
  • Probe Thompson, Lead Trainer, Vets to Drones
  • Ari Kozlow, Special Agent, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

March 19, 2026

The Partner’s Playbook: Navigating DoW Innovation, Investment, and Industrial Base Programs. In today’s strategic environment, competition is increasingly determined by industrial capacity. The ability of industry partners to effectively navigate and leverage department of war resources is therefore critical to national security. 

Yet many potential partners, from small businesses to cutting-edge technology firms, face persistent barriers. Identifying the right programs, accessing capital, and understanding the department’s contracting and procurement priorities remain complex and often opaque. This session cuts through that complexity and provides a direct line of sight to leaders driving the Department of War’s most consequential industrial and manufacturing initiatives.

This session demystifies that process with senior representatives from Industrial Based Policy (IBP), the Manufacturing Technology (MANTECH) Program, Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Initiative Technologies (APFIT), and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) for a comprehensive overview of the resources available to strengthen the industrial base. These panelists will outline program priorities, highly clear pathways for partnership, and deliver practical guidance on navigating the contracting process and securing resources.

Attendees will leave with an actionable playbook to align their capabilities with department priorities, accelerate innovation, and help build a resilient, modern, and scalable industrial base that delivers decisive advantage to the war fighter.

  • John Shultz, Acting Director, Warfighting Investments, Resourcing, and Execution (WIRE), Office of the Assistant Secretary of War (OASW) – Industrial Base Policy
  • Khalil Mack, Director, Defense Marketplace Readiness (DMR), OASW Industrial Base Policy
  • Aissa Tovar, Director, Defense Production Act Investments, OASW Industrial Base Policy
  • David James, OSW ManTech Strategist, Department of War, Manufacturing Technology Program
  • Charles Wallace, Execution Manager, Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT), Office of the Under Secretary of War – Research and Engineering (OUSW R&E)

Sustaining Ground Vehicles: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue. The sustainability of U.S. military ground vehicle programs relies on several key factors including funding, technological advancements, and strategic planning. This breakout session explores business opportunities and procurement challenges in sustaining military ground vehicles. Representatives from key defense agencies and industry partners will discuss current and future sustainment needs, highlighting areas for innovation, parts obsolescence solutions, and lifecycle support strategies. Attendees will gain insights into how small and large businesses can align with Department of War priorities, navigate procurement pathways, and respond to evolving requirements. The session will also address common contracting obstacles, data rights, and technical documentation hurdles that impact readiness. This is a valuable forum for suppliers, OEMs, and logistics providers seeking to support ground combat capabilities. 

  • Moderator: Rick Gilmore, Regional Program Manager (Greensboro), North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Jeffrey Mounts, Division Chief, Ground Combat Systems, Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
  • Michelle Maher, Deputy Director, Supply Chain, Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM)
  • Stephen Bowdren, Program Executive Officer Land Systems, PEO Land Systems
  • Juan Hernandez, Executive Director, International Business Development, AM General, LLC
  • Bruce Brown, Vice President, Defense Strategy, GM Defense
  • Mike Brown, Vice President, RCR (Richard Childress Racing) Manufacturing Solutions
  • Matti Saarikko, Chief Technology Officer, Patria

Innovation Architecture to Boost and Strengthen the Defense Industrial Base.

Modern conflict is compressing timelines and driving higher consumption of precision effects, unmanned systems, and critical components. At the same time, disruption risk in global transportation routes can quickly stress supply chains and surge capacity. This session focuses on how North Carolina is building practical pathways that move research into fieldable capability and strengthen the Defense Industrial Base, with a clear emphasis on how industry can plug in.

Part 1: Army Research Office (ARO) Innovation Primer. ARO will provide a brief primer on how the Army funds basic research in academia, which topic areas ARO is prioritizing, and how universities and industry can engage with ARO program managers and access funding opportunities. This segment is designed to help participants understand the front end of the pipeline and how to engage with ARO.

Part 2: North Carolina University Innovation Architecture. This session highlights how North Carolina is accelerating practical pathways that move research into fieldable capability and strengthen the defense industrial base. UNC Charlotte’s NDI3 will share how it connects defense-focused research, industry, and government sponsors while building talent pipelines for national security needs. NC State University will provide an update on its proposed Defense and Security Institute and how it will help organize and transition defense-relevant innovation.

  • Moderator: Bob Burton, Director of Defense Technologies, North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Part 1:
    • Klinton Snead, Staff Director, Army Research Office
  • Part 2:
    • Mesbah Uddin, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Defense & Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3) and Professor, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, UNC Charlotte
    • Jackie Selig-Gumtow, Deputy Executive Director, National Defense & Intelligence Innovation Institute (NDI3) 
    • Dr. Stephen Lee, Interim Executive Director, North Carolina State University Defense Innovation Initiative

Sustaining Maritime Systems: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue.  As global maritime dynamics shift, the US Department of War faces increasing pressure to modernize its naval capabilities in the face of rising strategic competition – particularly China, whose maritime defense expansion is outpacing the US both in scale and speed. This panel will explore how the U.S. can maintain maritime superiority through robust sustainment strategies, agile procurement, and innovative industry partnership. 

Join government, industry, and the acquisition community as they discuss the critical role of sustainment in ensuring fleet readiness, extending platform lifecycles, and supporting operational agility. This session will also highlight business opportunities across the sustainment enterprise and provide guidance on navigating DoW procurement pathways. 

Attendees will gain actionable insights into how their organizations can contribute to strengthening US maritime dominance through lifecycle support, digital transformation, and resilient supply chain 

  • Moderator: Erin Ananian-Gentile, Regional Program Manager (New Bern), North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Anne Bannister, Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
  • James Pettway, Deputy of Small Business Programs, Norfolk Naval Shipyard
  • Whitney Lester, Vice President of Talent Development, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
  • James McCoy, Armor Technical Services Manager, Nucor Plate Group

Empowering the Future: Enhancing the DoW Industrial Workforce.  As global supply chains become more complex and contested, the DoW and industry must strengthen their logistics and supply chain workforce. This panel brings together leaders from government, industry, and academia to share innovative workforce development strategies. Panelists will address challenges in talent acquisition and retention, the effects of onshoring, and the value of cross-sector collaboration. Attendees will learn about impactful training programs, credentialing efforts, and tools shaping the future supply chain workforce. 

Whether you’re an educator, logistics expert, or industry partner, this session offers practical ideas and collaboration opportunities to help maintain the DoW’s workforce as a strategic edge. 

  • Moderator: Erin Ananian-Gentile, Regional Program Manager (New Bern), North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Carrie Hasbrouck, Maritime Industrial Base, Workforce Development, Carolinas Lead
  • Rachel Rapp, Network Coach, US Navy Talent Pipeline Program
  • Chris Harrington, State Director, ApprenticeshipNC, North Carolina Community College System 
  • Brandi Bragg, Workforce Connector, NE NC Pathways
  • Lindsey Crisp, President & CEO, Carver Machine Works
  • Jonah Forystek, GM Defense Program Director, Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions

Sustaining Aerospace Systems: Business Opportunities & Procurement Dialogue. Session presenters will share sustainment priorities and evolving acquisition strategies in military aviation. Panelists will discuss aerospace system needs, supply chain challenges, and how industry can support readiness through MRO and parts procurement. 

Attendees will gain insight into procurement processes, sourcing priorities, and initiatives addressing obsolescence, digital transformation, and supply chain resilience. This session offers a valuable chance for businesses to connect with decision-makers and learn how to compete as agile, trusted partners in aerospace sustainment. 

  • Moderator: Joe Tew, Regional Program Manager (Flat Rock/Asheville), North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Cynthia McCrary, Deputy Executive Director, US Army Aviation and Missile Command Logistics Center 
  • Heather Carlson, Strategic Operations Planning, Fleet Readiness Center East
  • Josh Waller, Deputy Director, DLA Weapons Support Cherry Point
  • Jim Catteau, Site Operations Manager, TCOM
  • Pukar Pudasaini, Manager, Product Line, Government and Defense Distribution, VSE Aviation

Technology and Innovation Showcase. Four select businesses will present their cutting-edge technologies to participating government representatives. Select businesses will have 10 minutes for presentation, followed by 5 minutes for feedback and Q&A from the government panel. The briefs aim to bridge the gap between innovative solutions and federal technology needs.  This session is a crucial opportunity for innovators to connect with federal technology needs and gain visibility among prime manufacturers and stakeholders in the defense sector. Click here for more information.

Domestic & Global Sustainment Opportunities. This session will convene the Army Field Support Battalion – Bragg, North Carolina National Guard and US Commercial Service to highlight how military sustainment requirements align with North Carolina’s industrial capabilities. The session will highlight domestic and international contracting pathways, export readiness, and supply chain resilience while addressing modernization, compliance and workforce needs. Through focused dialogue and collaboration, participants will explore strategies to strengthen readiness, expand global market access and reinforce North Carolina’s role in supporting sustained military operations.

  • Moderator: Jimmy Hendrix, Strategic Industry Professional (Organic Industrial Base), North Carolina Military Business Center
  • Colonel Thomas Petzold, Deputy Property and Fiscal Officer, North Carolina National Guard
  • Colonel Dave Walliser, Director of Logistics, North Carolina National Guard
  • Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Elliott, Chief of Contracting, North Carolina National Guard
  • Lieutenant Colonel Sean Nice, Commander, Army Field Support Battalion – Bragg
  • Shannon Christenbury, Global Transportation + Smart Mobility Team Leader (Acting), Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, Charlotte, NC
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