Deborah (Deb) Kopecky is the Executive Director of the Materials Sector at the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), where she leads over 320 scientists, engineers, and technical staff across four divisions: Materials Technologies and Transition, Structures and Materials Engineering, Fuels and Energetic Materials, and the Testing and Characterization Center. She oversees a wide range of research and development efforts including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, materials characterization, structures, sealants, failure analysis, fuels and combustion science, impact physics, thermal management, and more, and is responsible for all strategic direction, operational excellence, P&L, program execution, and advancement of UDRI’s mission of strategic research and technologies.
Deb has over 28 years of leadership experience related to national defense, aerospace, and intelligence operations. Prior to joining UDRI, she served in various leadership capacities across government, industry, and military sectors, including senior leader roles at AEVEX Aerospace and Sierra Nevada Corporation, and as Air Force Acquisition Program Manager at BIG SAFARI. A former U.S. Army Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Officer, she holds multiple degrees, executive certifications, and is a PMI-certified Project Management Professional.