Automation Federation names Managing Director

July 24, 2006
The Automation Federation has named Bruno L. Kisala as its Managing Director.
Research Triangle Park, NC (24 July 2006) -- The Automation Federation has named Bruno L. Kisala as its Managing Director. A search committee, made up of representatives from each of the Federation's member organizations, announced the hire this morning after an intensive interview process.

"We are thrilled to have Mr. Kisala on board," said ISA President Ken Baker, chair of the search committee. "More than 250 qualified professionals applied for the position, and we all agreed that he was the best person for the job. He has an ability to identify needs, trends, and opportunities, and he has the tactical experience and dedication to bring our plans to fruition."

"The search committee was looking for a high-profile professional with proven business development, program management, and technical skills. We found exactly what we were looking for in Bruno Kisala," said WBF Chairman Maurice Wilkins.

Kisala comes to the Automation Federation with a distinguished 20-year military career and significant development and leadership experience in civil and commercial markets.

Most recently, Kisala served as Director of Business Development for the Test, Evaluation, & Analysis Operation (TEAO) of Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC). In this position, he led the identification, qualification, capture and awarding of new business opportunities within the Department of Defense and commercial market spaces. He also provided strategic planning and business development support for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Previously, he managed the Business Development Group of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). He directed business strategy, established technology initiatives, developed new programs, and captured new product lines.

Kisala has association experience assembling plans and managing staff in areas of quality assurance on all product and service lines. He also has first hand experience in directing growth strategies to meet the top line objectives of a non-profit organization in a rapidly expanding international marketplace.

"I was very impressed with Mr. Kisala's experience at AIAA. Under his direction, annual institute revenue grew, and the quality of their programs increased. I'm confident that the member organizations of the Federation will benefit greatly from his leadership," said OMAC Chairman of the Board Andy McDonald.

Kisala also has experience directing Systems Integration and Human Factors Engineering programs with Lockheed Martin Corporation. He supported several command and control initiatives, including work on an armored reconnaissance and cavalry vehicle under development for US and UK Armed Forces. He also led an independent research and development team in designing and implementing an interoperable command and control system for the Polish armed forces.

Over his 20-year military career, Kisala managed flight and ground operations, training, personnel, maintenance and logistics for a number of the Army's elite rapid deployment, airborne/air assault, and VIP organizations.

"Mr. Kisala brings a unique combination of strong leadership experience outside the association world and practical association experience to the position. His proven ability to establish meaningful partnerships and create win-win business strategies will lead the Federation into the future," said ISA Executive Director Patrick Gouhin.

Kisala holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics and an M.A.S in Aerospace Management/Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.