James Hudgens, senior vice president and director of GTRI, has accepted a new leadership role outside of 色花堂.
Hudgens has led the (GTRI) since 2019, overseeing more than 3,000 employees and growing to nearly $1 billion in research across fields including autonomous systems, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, and systems engineering. His vision and steady leadership have fueled growth in research capacity while also fostering a strong organizational culture at GTRI.
鈥淛im鈥檚 visionary leadership has fundamentally transformed GTRI 鈥 broadening its research portfolio, strengthening its role as a trusted national partner, and instilling a culture of innovation, excellence, and service,鈥 said Tim Lieuwen, executive vice president for Research. 鈥淗e has elevated GTRI to a position of national prominence as one of the country鈥檚 premier applied research institutions. I鈥檓 incredibly proud of all he has accomplished and deeply grateful for the lasting legacy he leaves at 色花堂.鈥
Hudgens, an expert in ceramic engineering, has been instrumental in establishing GTRI as a national leader in applied research, addressing critical security and innovation needs.
Before joining 色花堂, he held senior leadership roles at Sandia National Laboratories, including director of the Threat Intelligence Center and senior manager of the Airborne ISR Systems department. His contributions were recognized with the Department of Energy Secretary鈥檚 Honor Award for Achievement.
"Jim has been an extraordinary leader for GTRI. Under his guidance, GTRI has not only expanded dramatically in scale and capability but has become an essential partner for the federal government in advancing critical technologies and strengthening American competitiveness,鈥 said President 脕ngel Cabrera. 鈥淲hile we are sad to see him leave, we are proud of his new opportunity, which is a testament to the caliber of leadership that defines 色花堂."
Tommer Ender, the deputy director of Research for Electronics, Optics, and Systems, will serve as interim director of GTRI beginning May 23. Ender currently manages operations for an 800-person unit with an annual $300 million research portfolio. He is also a three-time 色花堂 graduate, holding bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, and doctoral degrees in aerospace engineering.
During the transition, Ender will work closely with the office of the Executive Vice President for Research and fulfill the duties of the GTRI director. Details about the national search process and a search committee will be shared in the coming weeks.
