This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), aimed at growing the state’s defense and aerospace industries.
Key Points:
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- ODAI will build on the Michigan Defense Center, increasing awareness of Michigan’s capabilities, supporting attraction and expansion of businesses, and enhancing commercial and defense-related aerospace segments poised for growth.
- The office will also work to increase federal Department of Defense spending and industry-related R&D in the state.
- It will support growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation, testing, and attraction in both defense and commercial-related applications.
- The defense industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for Michigan, supporting more than 116,000 jobs.
Leadership:
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- John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), will serve as executive director.
- He began his military service in 1990, serving most recently as the portfolio manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command.
- Gutierrez holds a B.S. in biology from Arizona State University, an M.S. in management from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, an M.A. in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College, and a Master of Military Studies from the U.S. Marine Corps University.
