National Armaments Consortium Appoints James Miller as New Chairman to Drive Defense Innovation
On October 21, 2026, the National Armaments Consortium (NAC) announced James Miller's election as the new Chairman of its Executive Committee. This leadership change also includes the induction of three additional members, each bringing a wealth of experience from various sectors in the defense industry and academia. This strategic move aims to strengthen the consortium's collaborative efforts with the government, ensuring swift advancements in armaments technology for the U.S. military.
Miller, who currently serves as the Director of Business Development at Practical Energetics Research, Inc. (PER), takes on the role of Chairman after previously leading the Executive Committee from 2020 to 2024. With a background of over two decades in the defense sector, specifically at Dynetics, where he oversaw critical projects related to armaments, Miller's appointment epitomizes the NAC's commitment to fostering innovation in defense technologies.
Joining Miller on the committee are Garry Haase from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GDOTS), James Lackey from Davidson Technologies, Inc., and Dr. Mala Sharma from the Applied Research Laboratory at Pennsylvania State University. Each of these new members brings unique insights and a robust understanding of the dynamics within the defense industrial base.
Haase, as a former Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has 27 years of active duty experience, culminating in key leadership roles. He now leads advanced programs and business development at GDOTS, focusing on the strategic direction of Air Force weapons systems. In contrast, Lackey transitioned from a high-ranking position in the U.S. Army, where he managed extensive budgets and operational teams, to his current role as COO at Davidson Technologies, guiding the business unit's growth.
Dr. Sharma, an accomplished academic and researcher, leads the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering division at the Pennsylvania State University's Applied Research Laboratory. Her extensive experience in academia and government-sponsored research positions her to contribute significantly to the consortium's mission.
Miller expressed his enthusiasm about resuming his role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between defense innovators and governmental partners to tackle pressing challenges and enhance the capabilities available to warfighters. He highlighted the NAC's commitment to transitioning technology quickly and fostering an environment of innovation by encouraging participation from both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors.
In terms of membership, the NAC has expanded significantly, now counting over 1,370 organizations across various sectors. This diverse representation enables the consortium to navigate the complexities of defense technology development more effectively. The inclusion of small business representatives like Miller and Lackey showcases the NAC's recognition of the valuable contributions made by nimble, innovative entities in this space.
Ben Harris, the Executive Director of the NAC, praised the new committee members, noting their diverse backgrounds and perspectives as critical assets for the consortium's future initiatives. He emphasized the collective goal to amplify collaboration with governmental bodies and to expedite the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at bolstering national security.
As the NAC continues to work towards enhancing defense capabilities, the newly formed Executive Committee, led by Miller, is set to harness its extensive expertise to streamline processes, promote innovation, and support the evolving needs of America's armed forces. The consortium's focus on quickly transitioning technology to frontline operators underscores its foundational principle of supporting the defense industry while being adaptive to the changing landscape of warfare and technology.
For more information on the National Armaments Consortium and its initiatives, you can visit their official website at www.nacconsortium.org.