Adds Depth on Challenges of U.S. Manufacturing Competitiveness
ANN ARBOR, MI – January 27, 2010. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) today announced two exemplary additions to its Board of Directors. Dr. Thomas Kurfess of Clemson University and Ramsen Betfarhad of Bridgewater Associates each bring unique qualifications to guide the nation’s leading cross-industry manufacturing R&D consortium.
“It’s a testament to our success that we continue to attract such talented people to our board,” said Rick Jarman, NCMS President & CEO. “Each of these men brings a unique perspective to U.S. Manufacturing, and their experience and vision will help the NCMS better serve U.S. Manufacturers through successful R&D collaborations, advocacy, program management, and knowledge transfer. This board expansion is part of our long-term commitment to keeping the U.S. in a leadership position in global manufacturing. Dr. Kurfess and Mr. Betfarhad bring real passion and vision. I am excited to work with them.”
Dr. Tom Kurfess is the BMW Chair of Manufacturing and Director of the International Center for Automotive Research, Clemson University (CUICAR). He received his S.B., S.M. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from M.I.T. where he also received an S.M. degree in electrical engineering and computer science.
Ramsen Betfarhad is a Senior Research Associate with Bridgewater Associates – a large investment management firm in Westport, Connecticut. Prior to joining Bridgewater, he served as the Deputy Assistant for Domestic and Economic Affairs to former Vice President Cheney. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics and International Relations from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service; J.D. from Tulane University School of Law; and an L.L.M in International and Comparative Law from the Georgetown University Law Center.
“Dr. Kurfess and Mr. Betfarhad will be phenomenal additions to our already impressive board of directors, said Chairman of the Board, Ralph Resnick, Vice President and CTO of NCDMM. “NCMS has guidance by some of manufacturing’s top minds, including representatives from GE and Cincinnati MAG. These two gentlemen will be in excellent company.”
The NCMS is the largest cross-industry collaborative research and development consortium in North America. Boasting over 300 members and 330 collaborative R&D projects since its inception in 1986, NCMS is also the administrative agent for the Robotics Technology Consortium (RTC), an organization with close to 200 members and millions of dollars in competitive project awards since 2007.
For more information, visit http://www.ncms.org
