UNM Rainforest Innovations is supported and guided by the diverse, entrepreneurial, and innovative members of the Board of Directors. Members of the Board are researchers, inventors, academics, administrators, business executives, lawyers, and community leaders. The board guides UNM Rainforest Innovations in its mission to support the University of New Mexico and its partners as the source for innovation management and commercial development.
The featured board member this month is Dr. John Stichman who currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer. “In terms of what I hope to accomplish as Secretary/Treasurer is to be sure, on behalf of the Board, that UNM Rainforest Innovations’ financial status and systems are well-functioning and that they fully support the organization’s mission. In turn, I make certain that the Board is well-informed on financial matters, so that it can fulfill its due diligence responsibilities. As a member of the Executive Committee, I aid in formulating policies and procedures.”
Dr. Stichman first joined the Board in 2007 and has served as the Secretary and Treasurer since 2011. In addition, he serves on various board committees. “It has been particularly rewarding to serve on the committees that seek out and recognize UNM innovators, which not only recognizes them, but also facilitates UNM’s reputation as an innovating force in the state and national economy.”
Dr. Stichman began his career at Sandia National Laboratories in 1972 and was the former Executive Vice President & Deputy Laboratory Director at Sandia National Laboratories where he was responsible for lab operations, staff and facilities and for developing and implementing policy. He was also responsible for the overall stewardship of the technical capabilities at Sandia and for setting, promulgating, and maintaining standards for technical activities.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Vice President, Dr. Stichman was Vice President of the Weapon System Division at Sandia, Director of the New Mexico Weapon Systems Engineering Center, Director of the Surety Components and Instrumentation Center, and a member of the technical staff in the Data Systems Division of Hughes Aircraft Company. His responsibilities have included directing the development of telemetry systems, electronic/electromechanical components, safety/security subsystems in nuclear weapons and other defense-related systems. He has also managed development of electronic systems for weapon arming and firing, flight computers, real-time imaging radars and automatic target recognition. He participated in the development and commercialization of the first implantable, programmable insulin-delivery system for treatment of diabetes.
Currently, Dr. Stichman is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and is registered as a professional engineer in the state of New Mexico. He has been a member of the Industrial Advisory Board of the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He is the recipient of the “Award for Exemplary Civilian Service” from the Department of the Air Force and the Gold Medal for service to the National Nuclear Security Administration. His published papers and conference presentations include the subjects of instrumentation and control, implantable medical electronics, and real-time optical computing. He holds two U.S. patents. Dr. Stichman serves on several governing and advisory boards for nonprofit agencies.
Dr. Stichman holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin.