Movers and Shakers highlights the career advancements and accomplishments of high-level trailblazers working professionally in diverse areas of standardization, contributing every day to the strength and success of the U.S. standards and conformance community.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has appointed Melissa Midzor as the director of the agency’s Communications Technology Laboratory (CTL), one of NIST’s six research laboratories.
Midzor will lead efforts at CTL, which aims to enhance measurement capabilities and support the commercialization of emerging wireless technologies through the creation of standards, precision instrumentation, and simulation tools.
She has served as the program manager for NIST’s National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network (NASCTN) for eight years. In 2021, she was named the chief of the agency’s Spectrum Technology and Research Division, where she led the development of innovation methods and tools to enhance spectrum access, sharing, and atmospheric sensing.
Prior to NIST, Midzor was the division director for Electronic Warfare Integrated Laboratories at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she supported electronic warfare and radio frequency compatibility across the joint services for over 15 years. At NAVAIR, she was named the first senior scientific technology manager for electromagnetic warfare (EW), directing collaborative research efforts to enable the next generation of EW. She also worked at the Assistant Secretary of Defense Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures Office at the Pentagon.
“Melissa's academic expertise and practical background makes her an invaluable asset to NIST as we continue to push the boundaries of communications technology,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology and NIST director Laurie E. Locascio. “She’s been instrumental in spearheading important initiatives like the National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network and the Advanced Wireless Test Platform. Her experience is crucial as we promote innovation in advanced communications while working to ensure that our communications systems are reliable, private, and secure.”
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named Andy Jenks as its new chief operating officer. In his role, Jenks will oversee all operational aspects of NFPA.
Prior to his new role, Jenks managed the association’s IT division since 2020, and has led efforts in strengthening the association’s IT systems and supporting its customer experience. He joined the association as vice president of marketing and digital experience in 2018. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing traditional print marketing efforts, in addition to social media, website development, email marketing, search engine marketing, and creative services. He helped spearhead the launch of NFPA Link, the flagship product for digital access to NFPA codes and standards.
Prior to NFPA, Jenks built and led efforts for Benjamin Moore & Co., where he led two development teams. He is also the co-founder of Swatchbox Technologies.
“Andy is passionate about NFPA’s mission, our stakeholders, and our people, and will play an invaluable role driving meaningful progress for NFPA and our diverse audiences,” said NFPA president and CEO Jim Pauley. “In this new leadership position, he will work to advance our goals and strategies, ensuring that we continue to grow and deliver value to the customers we serve. I’m confident he’ll continue to bring exceptional dedication and impact to NFPA.”
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