National Tooling and Machining Association appoints Dean Bartles

CLEVELAND, OH—August 28, 2018—The National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA) announced today the appointment of Dean Bartles, PhD as its new President.

Bartles brings to NTMA almost four decades of experience in the manufacturing sector, most recently as the Director of the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the University of New Hampshire.  Previously, he served as a President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, President of the North American Research Institute, Founding Executive Director of the Digital Manufacturing & Design Innovation Institute and Founding Chairman of the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition.

Bartles also has extensive corporate experience and began his career working at various major manufacturing companies.  For 13 years, he was Vice President and General Manager of the Ordnance and Tactical Systems Division at General Dynamics General, and earlier in his career held positions at Primex Technologies, Olin Ordnance, General Defense Corporation and Fairchild Republic Company. 

“Dean Bartles brings to NTMA a deep understanding of our industry and its importance to the economy,” said NTMA Chairman Mark Vaughn.  “NTMA was established in part to help fill the manufacturing industry skills gap by tapping talented people for careers in our industry, and Dean’s years of experience at both manufacturing associations and companies gives him a unique perspective on this important issue.  He is an excellent leader to continue to strengthen our workforce development programs.”

“NTMA is composed of some of the most knowledgeable, experienced and competitive companies in the manufacturing sector,” said Bartles.  “I’m excited to join the association at this critical time for manufacturing.  There is no more important issue today than addressing the shortage of skilled labor that our members and all manufacturers are experiencing.  I’m looking forward to growing NTMA-U, our fully online program of courses developed for precision machining and related occupations, and our new National Apprentice Program, NTMA’s best-practices program that offers webinars on technology and techniques.  These programs can provide critical tools for companies to attract and educate the next generation of workers.”

Bartles succeeds Dave Tilstone, who is retiring after serving as NTMA president since 2010.

“The board, members and staff thank Dave Tilstone for his leadership,” said Vaughn.  “We know that Dean will continue to build on the tremendous work done by Dave.”

Bartles graduated from Shepherd College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and holds an MBA from Shippensburg University and a master’s degree in international business from Tampa College.  He has also earned a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Nova Southeastern University and a Ph. D. in Technology Management with a concentration in advanced manufacturing systems from Indiana State University.