Board Members
Marcie Washburn
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CEO and Owner of Nycote Laboratories Corporation
Marcie Washburn is the CEO and President at Nycote Laboratories Corporation, a global leader in advanced surface protection technology for aerospace, automotive, and railway industries. With over 22 years of experience in the chemical and manufacturing sectors, she is a C-level executive and a champion of women in aerospace. She is also a Board Member of Aerochemicals Alliance and an Executive Board Member of Mid-Mountain Materials. Dynamic and personable executive with exceptional business practices, driving record business growth while maintaining the highest manufacturing standards. She has successfully broadened global partnerships, diversified product lines, and launched the Nysafe brand of products to combat COVID-19 and other pathogens. Marcie is deeply committed to fostering broader partnerships that support the continued education and growth of the industrial chemical sector.
Founder/Board Member
Pennie Burnham
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Pennie Burnham serves as Vice President of North America at Nycote Laboratories Corporation, leading customer engagement, strategic partnerships, and technical innovation across aerospace and defense markets. With more than 30 years of industry experience, including a decade focused on aerospace coatings and surface protection technologies, she is recognized for aligning commercial, technical, and operational priorities to deliver qualified solutions that meet stringent industry specifications.
She brings a practical organizational management style, with a strong track record in building high-performing teams, guiding cross-functional initiatives, and collaborating directly with end users and channel partners to solve real-world challenges. Pennie is also actively involved in the aerospace and defense community through nonprofit board service and advocacy for workforce development, diversity, and sustainable growth.
CEO/Board Member
Calvin D. Hedman
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With over 40 years as a Certified Public Accountant and Managing Partner at Hedman Partners LLP, Calvin Hedman is uniquely positioned to help aerospace and defense companies navigate today’s complex landscape. Calvin’s extensive background serving manufacturers, MROs, support services, distributors, and high-tech A&D companies equips him to address the specific operational and financial challenges facing the sector. Calvin is also skilled in guiding ownership transitions, M&A, and strategic growth planning, ensuring business continuity and value maximization for closely held A&D entities. As a Certified Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor, Calvin provides trusted counsel to owners considering growth, succession, sale, or restructuring. Calvin also serves as co-chair of the Board of Directors of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation.
Board member
Chris Grapsas
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Chris Grapsas is Vice President of Business Development at Thaler Defense Systems, where he leads Program Management, Estimating, Sales, Marketing, and Contracts. He brings more than 15 years of experience spanning engineering, precision manufacturing, surface treatments & coatings, sales, and marketing within the aerospace and defense industry, with a strong focus on driving sustainable growth and strategic customer partnerships.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Colorado State University and is deeply engaged in advancing high-reliability manufacturing processes, surface treatment technologies, and resilient supply chains critical to the aerospace markets and the defense industrial base.
Board member
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Mrs. Sims is a seasoned aerospace and defense leader with a distinguished background in research, development, and flight test, having collaborated with DARPA and the U.S. Air Force Test Center on advanced autonomous flight initiatives. A certified Airworthiness Subject Matter Expert, she has provided critical support to the Air Force Test Pilot School and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Julie brings a disciplined, mission-focused perspective that blends deep technical expertise with executive leadership, recently completing her Executive MBA to further strengthen her strategic and governance impact.
Board MemberJulie Sims
Michele Starrs
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Michele Starrs is the President of TA Aerospace. She brings more than 30 years of experience in various industries including Automotive, Aerospace, and Defense. As a leader she is focused on operational excellence and growth. Her career has included functional roles in Supply Chain, Quality, Lean Systems, and Operations.
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science from Kettering University and an MBA from the University of Detroit-Mercy.
Board Member
Eric Grupp
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Eric Grupp is Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crissair, Inc., a leading provider of precision fluid control components for the aerospace and defense industry. With more than 25 years of experience, he has held key roles in engineering, business development, and executive leadership, driving innovation and growth across complex product lines for military and commercial platforms. Mr. Grupp began his career as a Design Engineer with the company in 2000 and has since guided the organization through significant expansion and strategic transitions. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Northridge; an M.S. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California; and an Executive MBA from Washington State University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California, a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and an active member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Board member
Stephanie English
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Stephanie English is an experienced civic and organizational leader with more than 20 years of service in the public policy arena with Los Angeles County, collaborating closely with state and federal agencies on complex, multi-jurisdictional initiatives. She currently serves as a policy advisor to Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, providing guidance across a broad portfolio that includes land use, homelessness, public safety, public health, crisis communication, and intergovernmental coordination.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has worked at the intersection of local government, industry, and nonprofit organizations to advance initiatives that strengthen communities, support workforce development, and promote long-term regional resilience. She brings a strategic, collaborative approach to nonprofit governance, grounded in public policy expertise and a strong commitment to mission-driven leadership.
Stephanie holds an undergraduate degree in communication with an emphasis in crisis communication and a master’s degree in public administration. In addition to her professional role, she serves on the SPADA Board, represents Supervisor Barger on the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, and is a governing board member of the Santa Clarita Boys & Girls Club.
Board member
Osei Appiagyei
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Osei Appiagyei is the CEO of Aerospace Technical Metal Finishing (Aero TMF), a Southern California–based aerospace and defense surface treatment company specializing in NADCAP-accredited chemical processing, anodizing, conversion coating, painting, and dry film lubrication services. Aero TMF supports Tier 1–3 manufacturers across commercial aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
Osei brings over a decade of experience in finance and operations within the aerospace and industrial sectors. Prior to Aero TMF, he was an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, where he advised industrial and aerospace clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital formation strategies. Earlier in his career, he held operational and commercial roles within major U.S. airlines, gaining experience in large-scale operations, strategic planning, and revenue management.
In addition to leading Aero TMF, Osei has held leadership roles across multiple aerospace and industrial sub-sectors, including precision manufacturing and advanced surface treatments. His work has focused on strengthening operational performance, improving capital discipline, and building resilient industrial platforms within highly regulated environments.
Osei holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Belmont Abbey College.
Board member
Bill Kirshenbaum
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Bill’s diverse legal background and practical business experience help him to be proactive in providing solutions to avoid potential problems. Clients not only value Bill’s ability to understand their operations in depth and create tailored, cost-effective strategies that support their continued growth but also his skill at remaining solely focused on the client’s goals even when dealing with difficult situations and personalities.
Bill's extensive aviation industry experience, gained through roles as both inside and outside counsel, allows him to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and negotiate myriad agreements for airlines, repair stations, fixed-based operators, and manufacturers. Bill also has many years of experience in aircraft and engine transactions.
Beyond the U.S., Bill negotiates cross-border agreements with deal constituents from around the world. Across his practice, he takes the time to grasp how each client, ranging from entrepreneurs and family businesses to Fortune 500 companies, came to be and to empower them to continuously evolve and succeed.
Board member