MSED Dinner Meeting

"Michigan's Industry & Defense Collaboration"

Speaker:
Larry Rink
President
National Defense Industrial Association - Michigan
&
Director, Integrated Logistics Support
AM General

Presentation Summary:
Larry Rink will discuss the expanding business opportunities in the Detroit Area Defense Industry and the burgeoning partnerships with the local Department of Defense organizations. He will provide an overview of the collaboration between the Civilian and Military Sectors including methods that area suppliers can use to diversify into the Defense Industry. Mr. Rink brings insight to this subject from his position as President of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan Chapter and from his long career with one of the leading Defense OEMs, AM General, LLC, the manufacturer of the HMMWV Vehicle.

Speaker Bio:
Larry Rink currently serves as President of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Michigan Chapter. He joined the NDIA Michigan Chapter Board of Directors as an Advisor in 2004, and became a Director in 2005. He served as Chair for the 15^th TACOM LCMC Logistics Symposium in 2006, Sponsorship Chair for the Fall Business Conference in 2007, Exhibits Chair for the Robotics Conference in 2008 and as Chair for the 2009 Annual Dinner Meeting. He also serves on many of the planning committees for the NDIA Michigan Chapter conferences and symposiums.

Mr. Rink is the Director, Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) for AM General, LLC. He is responsible for the activities of a staff of 80 people encompassing the various disciplines of ILS for numerous DoD programs, including light/medium/heavy Tactical Wheeled Vehicles; bridging equipment, including Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB), Rapidly-Emplaced Bridge System (REBS), and Bridge Erection Boat (BEB); Petroleum & Water System (PAWS); the Husky MKII and MKIII Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection System (VMMD); and the JERRV/Cougar MRAP vehicles.

He has been with AM General since 1978, starting in the Technical Publications Department. He has held similar positions in the automotive industry with various companies beginning in 1974. He has held his current position since August of 2002. Under his leadership, his department has increased in size and scope from 17 people to the current level.

Mr. Rink is an accomplished theatrical actor and director, performing or directing in over 50 productions. He currently serves on the Board of Directors as Vice President for the Rosedale Community Players theatrical troupe.

Mr. Rink is married to Karen McHugh and has a son, Stephen, two daughters, Brandy and Dallas, and five granddaughters.