David Thomas

Director and CEO, ASU Research Enterprise (ASURE), January 2019 – July 2021

• Led the public-facing operations for ASU's COVID Response team, overseeing a team that deployed testing at 72 locations across Arizona and New Mexico. Designed and built Arizona’s first mass vaccination site in just six days. The site at State Farm Stadium was hailed by President Biden as a "model for the nation," showcasing operational excellence and agility in response to the public health crisis.
• Oversaw the vaccination operation that administered 1.3 million doses across six locations. This feat involved a personnel pipeline of over 2,000 clinicians and mission-critical functions, supported by over 27,000 volunteers.
• Developed an innovation challenge patterned after the grand challenge model, with 40% of the teams receiving follow-on funding. This initiative led to projects with government, national labs, and industry partners.
• Developed critical messaging and provided thought leadership for an innovative organization existing at the leading edge of transformation, highlighting the ability to mature technology to provide positive impact for customers.

Program Manager of Strategic Programs, Arizona State University, June 2018 – January 2019

• Created sustainable models for a diverse range of programs across the university. One of the notable programs he spearheaded was advancing operations for Arizona State University Research Enterprise (ASURE). In January 2019, he transitioned to ASURE to continue supporting and enhancing its operations.
• Demonstrated strategic vision and commitment to operational excellence, which played a pivotal role in establishing sustainable frameworks for various university programs.
• Leveraged experience and understanding of the university ecosystem to ensure program operations were streamlined, efficient, and aligned with the institution's long-term goals.

Director, CFD Research Corporation, April 2014 – 2018

• Increased annual contract awards by 300% and doubled the proposal win rate through a first principles approach to strategy, capture management, project execution, and customer engagement during the project.
• Launched and managed a Startup Accelerator program designed to commercialize technologies originating from government R&D funding; engaged engineers and scientists in Stage Gate, and Agile processes.
• Led multidisciplinary technical teams developing new battery technology, fuel cell, computational materials, energetics and semiconductors; responsible for catalyzing strategic innovation, technical leadership, project management, and business development.
• Developed Processes and Tools for project management and proposal development, implemented effective Change Management practices to bring cohesiveness and focus on increasing revenue.

Executive Manager / Director / Sr. Scientist, Aegis Technologies Group, 2005 – 2014

• Provided transformational research, development, and business leadership to catalyze business focused on nanotechnology and materials science.
• Launched a R&D division with P&L accountability, IP management, and implementing strategic innovation process.
• Awarded $10M+ in government contracts in the defense sector to develop innovative technology.
• Led a multi-disciplinary team of engineering and scientific staff working in materials science, energy, nanophotonic devices, and terahertz technologies.
• Forged partnerships with government, university, and industry.
• Led an R&D team achieving the 2014 International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA) Technical Achievement Award for novel measurement techniques in harsh environments.

NSF Industry/University Center for Biosurfaces (I/UCB) Research Associate, The University of Memphis, 2001 - 2004

• Guided research efforts for a biomaterials research laboratory focused on the analytical detection of biopolymer defects. Responsibilities included project coordination and research on the development of analytical methods.
• Successfully developed a fee-for-service analytical process that has become widely adopted within the orthopedic manufacturing community, demonstrating the ability to translate research into real-world impact.

Research Associate, The University of Tennessee Space Institute, 2002 – 2004

• Advanced a telemedicine tool designed to measure visual acuity in preverbal children, developed image processing algorithms and control systems to detect the need for follow-up eye care.
• Contributed to development of an automated device that addresses the challenges of assessing visual acuity in children who are not yet able to verbalize their experiences.

Manager of Research and Development, iScreen LLC, 1999 – 2002

• Managed research and development efforts for a small startup providing a telemedicine tool to measure visual acuity in preverbal children.
• Navigated the process of obtaining Class II device approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), providing technical support during clinical trials, technician training, and comprehensive documentation.

Manager of Research and Development, Federal Electro Optics, 1997 – 1999

• Led mechanical engineering and software development in support of a custom LASIK system for research.
• Created comprehensive software control system, integrating and subsystems, including UV laser, mechanical and optical components.
• Patented innovation that improved patient outcomes and advanced the field of vision correction technology.

Research Associate, Los Alamos National Laboratory, 1995

• Performed collaborative research focused on investigating the effects of radiation on fiber optics for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) program. This research initiative sought to advance the understanding of radiation-induced phenomena in optical fibers, a component of the ITER's diagnostic systems, which are essential for monitoring and controlling the complex fusion processes.
• Contributed to the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of radiation on fiber optic performance applying expertise in optics, materials science, and radiation effects.