Board Members

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 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

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 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

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 Member

Board Member

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).
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