We look forward to working with you in 2011 in celebration of GEM's 35th Anniversary. The GEM 35th Anniversary Conference and Gala will take place on August 3-5, 2011 at the Gaylord National Harbor Hotel and Resort (National Harbor, MD) located along the Potomac River just outside of Washington, DC. STAY TUNED for more information about this grand event!

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Michael D. Smith as Deputy Executive Director, Internal Operations to the GEM staff. Michael, known by many as "Dr. Mike", will be responsible for directing the day-to-day operational, administrative, fellowship administration and financial accounting of the organization in our Corporate Headquarters office in Alexandria, VA. As Deputy Executive Director, Internal Operations, Michael will report to the Executive Director.

Dr. Mike brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role. Michael comes to GEM from the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), where he served in the positions of Director of Programs and former Interim Deputy Executive Director. While at NSBE, he managed a budget in excess of $1.4 million for the strategic developmentof all academic, technical, leadership, graduate and pre-college programs. Dr. Mike also has past technical experience with organizations such as Phillips 66 Natural Gas Company and E. I. DuPont Specialty Chemicals. Michael holds a B.S. and M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla (now Missouri University of Science & Technology) and an engineering doctorate in chemical engineering and engineering management from Texas A&M University.

Dr. Mike can be reached at msmith@gemfellowship.org.

Dr. Mike replaces Albert "Chip" Payne as we work to centralize operations in Alexandria, VA. Please join us in thanking Chip for his dedication to GEM during his tenure by sending him a message to apayne@gemfellowship.org before January 7, 2011.