NCDMM Reports Leadership Transition for AM Center

The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM) reports that John Schmitt, founding executive director of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Integration Center (AMIIC), in Huntsville, AL, will transition to the role of executive consultant, effective immediately. The organization has appointed Jamie White, previously the director of Program Development for NCDMM, as the senior director of AMIIC.

Established in 2021 by NCDMM, AMIIC has helped bridge the workforce gap in Alabama and advocate for the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly to meet the modernization needs of the U.S. Army and small- to medium-sized manufacturers.

Schmitt has spearheaded AMIIC’s ability to advance regional technologies of interest through innovation, integration, and workforce development across government, industry, and academia. Under his direction, AMIIC has supported local and regional partners in process and supply chain enhancement, product development, technology adoption, skills gap analysis, workforce planning, and career pathway development.

AMIIC's impact, enabled through NCDMM’s Education and Workforce Development (EWD) programs, also includes internships, apprenticeships, workforce training, stackable credentials, K-12 engagement, and DEI-focused worker training. To date, AMIIC has trained over 1,600 students and professionals.

 “John’s leadership, unique understanding of the industrial base, and experience have been crucial in shaping AMIIC into the innovation hub it is today,” says NCDMM vice president and chief development officer Randy Gilmore. “As John passes the torch, we are confident that Jamie’s deep knowledge, expertise, and unwavering commitment will build upon the strong foundation he helped shape at AMIIC, further advancing our mission.” 

Before his 2021 AMIIC appointment as executive director, Schmitt retired from the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant Colonel with over 20 years of service, including two combat tours in Iraq. He remains active in the Huntsville community as a small business owner and entrepreneur, serving on the boards of institutions such as the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) College of Science. 

“It has been an incredible honor to lead the talented AMIIC team and serve our amazing community over the past three years. Together with our partners, we have built something truly transformative for Alabama and created a lasting impact across the broader national defense manufacturing landscape,” says Schmitt. “I am proud of what we’ve built together and deeply grateful for the support from NCDMM and our partners. While there is still much to accomplish, I’m confident that the powerful partnerships we’ve cultivated will enable the AMIIC team to make an even greater impact in the future.”

White officially joined NCDMM in 2023 after having served as a U.S. Army civilian since 2005 at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville. While at Redstone, he served as the aviation manufacturing technology (ManTech) branch chief at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC), and as Deputy Director of the Innovation Capability and Modernization (ICAM) Office under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S). He played a vital role in establishing AMIIC. With his knowledge of the Department of Defense (DoD) and manufacturing, White can identify, develop, and prioritize technology programs and business opportunities aligning with the capabilities of NCDMM, and the needs of the DoD.

“AMIIC has further enhanced NCDMM’s long-standing reputation as a local, and regional, trusted partner in manufacturing and workforce modernization, and I’m honored to take on the role of senior director,” says White. “With NCDMM’s strong legacy of driving innovation and meeting DoD needs, I’m excited to further expand our impact in North Alabama and beyond. Over the past three years, the team has built a solid foundation for NCDMM operations in Huntsville through collaboration, meeting customer needs, and serving as an unbiased partner. I’m confident we are poised for continued success and am extremely grateful to NCDMM leadership for their trust and support.” 

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