SCRA’s Robert G. Kiggans Honored with International Leadership Award
August 16, 2010
CHARLESTON, SC – August 16, 2010 – SCRA, a South Carolina-based global leader in applied research and commercialization, announces today that Robert G. Kiggans has been selected as the 2010 ASME Computers and Information in Engineering Leadership Award winner. Kiggans is the Vice Chair of Advanced Technology International (ATI), an affiliate of SCRA.
“Bob has earned recognition by his peers with his outstanding leadership in furthering the discipline of computers and information in engineering,” said Frederick M. Proctor, Chair of the ASME Computers and Information in Engineering Division. “The mechanical engineering profession is grateful that leaders such as Bob help make engineering such a vital part of the world today,” he said. The award is being presented today during the 2010 ASME International Design Engineering Technical & Computers and Information in Engineering Conference in Montreal.
“Our Executive Committee reviewed a strong pool of candidates and decided that Bob exemplifies the criteria for the award,” said Proctor. Previous, distinguished recipients of this award include its first winner in 1987, former Apple Inc. CEO John Sculley; and the 2009 winner, Dr. Rodney Dreisbach, Senior Technical Fellow of The Boeing Company.
Kiggans’ remarkable career includes his current post as Vice Chairman of the ATI Board of Directors. He has more than 30 years of experience in advanced computer and product data technologies, program and technical management, manufacturing technologies and command and control systems. Most recently, Kiggans was Chief Operating Officer of SCRA and President of its Federal Sector. Appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, he serves as Head of the U.S. Delegation to the international Intelligent Manufacturing Systems Steering Committee.
Kiggans served as President and CEO of ATI and General Manager of PDES, Inc., an international standards collaboration. Prior to that, he was Vice President of SCRA and Director of the Advanced Technology Group. Kiggans was also Director for C3I Advanced Systems at Cincinnati Electronics. Previously, he was Deputy Director, Information Science and Technology Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). As Assistant for Program Integration with the Department of Defense Joint Program Management Office, he supported the development of a multi-billion dollar computer/communications upgrade program. While with the Air Force Strategic Air Command, he directed advanced computer technology initiatives, including development of a multi-million dollar automated executive information system. Earlier in his career, he completed the Electronic Data Systems (EDS) System Engineering Development Program and became a software systems engineer for EDS.
Kiggans received a B.S. degree from The Citadel and an M.S. degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He was a Research Fellow with the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a former senior member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, and a Tau Beta Pi Eminent Engineer. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Enterprise Integration; International TechneGroup, Inc., PDES, Inc.; the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing and the Silver Crescent Foundation. He is also on the Intelligent Manufacturing Systems Foundation Council.
Kiggans has been with SCRA for more than 23 years. SCRA–led teams develop and deliver innovative technology solutions to solve complex client challenges. Its Applied Research and Commercialization Programs, Innovation Centers and Research Parks have generated a cumulative economic contribution of more than $13.7B to South Carolina since its inception in 1983.
About SCRA
SCRA is a global leader in applied research and commercialization services with its headquarters in South Carolina. SCRA collaborates to advance technology, providing knowledge-based solutions with assured outcomes to industry and government, with the help of research universities in SC, the US and around the world.
About Advanced Technology International
The Advanced Technology Institute builds global consortia to develop and implement innovative solutions for manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, maritime, metals, and healthcare industries. ATI-led collaborations attract world-class talent from premier companies, universities, and government agencies, to define technology roadmaps and research portfolios matched to business demands that provide the requisite resources to solve shared challenges.
ATI’s partners report improved market transition and return on investment with reduced risk. These practical business benefits enable the downstream economic and social benefits of the new technologies – such as safety, affordability, manufacturing competitiveness, environmental protection, and energy conservation. A private, non-profit research corporation with principal operations in Charleston, SC, ATI is an affiliate of SCRA.
About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.
