Mi-Light (Ypsilanti, MI), the Michigan photonics industry cluster, has appointed Ken Root to be its Executive Director. For the past 17 years Root has been working on business-to-business development and operations management, and has helped entrepreneurs build their business for prolonged sustainability and profitability throughout Michigan. In addition to his role at Mi-Light, he will continue as Director of Membership and Strategic Relations with the Small Business Association of Michigan.
At Mi-Light, he will work to build on the networking and talent development that the organization has become known for by increasing outreach and looking for new ways to enhance communications and partnerships. Michelle Stock, Mi-Light’s Board Chair noted, “Mi-Light will benefit from Ken’s connections across the state and we look forward to Ken’s energy and enthusiasm as he represents us at events as well as increases our social media presence.”
“I am very excited for the opportunity to continue the great work that has been happening with Mi-Light,” says Root. “The photonics industry is an important asset to Michigan’s infrastructure and I look forward to working with the many leaders, connecting them with the resources of Mi-Light and continuing the growth of the group.”
Related: NSF grant to Baker College fosters photonics education in Michigan
Mi-Light holds its next Quarterly Members Meeting on October 11, at Automation Alley in Troy, MI. Mi-Light will also participate in the inaugural Technology in Motion (TIM) Detroit event at Cobo Center in Detroit from September 6-8 during the STEM Careers Showcase.
Source: Mi-Light
Conard Holton | Editor at Large
Conard Holton has 25 years of science and technology editing and writing experience. He was formerly a staff member and consultant for government agencies such as the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and engineering companies such as Bechtel. He joined Laser Focus World in 1997 as senior editor, becoming editor in chief of WDM Solutions, which he founded in 1999. In 2003 he joined Vision Systems Design as editor in chief, while continuing as contributing editor at Laser Focus World. Conard became editor in chief of Laser Focus World in August 2011, a role in which he served through August 2018. He then served as Editor at Large for Laser Focus World and Co-Chair of the Lasers & Photonics Marketplace Seminar from August 2018 through January 2022. He received his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania, with additional studies at the Colorado School of Mines and Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.