America Makes hires Kimberly Gibson as Ecosystem Director

America Makes expanded its team with the hiring of Kimberly Gibson as the Institute’s first Ecosystem Director. Heading into its tenth year of operation, America Makes is prioritizing a focus on maturing the additive ecosystem through continued engagement of its membership community and developing strategic partnerships across the industry. In this newly created role, Kimberly will spearhead these efforts and actively engage with the community to advance America Makes mission to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing.

“We are thrilled to have someone of Kimberly’s background and experience join the America Makes team,” said America Makes Executive Director John Wilczynski. “Her unique blend of experience as an innovator in the additive industry, staff member at a DoD innovation institute, and in public-private partnerships, will bring tremendous value to the entire America Makes community and help us advance our mission to accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing.”

Kimberly is no stranger to America Makes, having been an active member and participant in the Institute’s advisory groups. In 2020, she was recognized as an America Makes Ambassador for her role in bringing forth 3D printed personal protective equipment (PPE) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since my first encounter with 3D printing, I have been a strong advocate for the importance of this technology to the future of American manufacturing,” said Gibson. “The new role as Ecosystem Director at America Makes provides an ideal platform to transfer the benefits of additive technologies broadly to small and large businesses across urban and rural America.”

Prior to joining NCDMM, Kimberly Gibson served as the Chief Mischief Officer for IC3D, a vertically integrated additive manufacturing/3D printing company, and America Makes member based out of Columbus, OH. During her 6-year tenure with IC3D, Kimberly was responsible for leading Business Development and Marketing for IC3D since its inception. Kimberly previously served as Communications Manager of LIFT (the national manufacturing institute for lightweighting of land, air, and sea transportation), as well as both Director – Workforce Technology & Community Partnership and Director – Advanced Energy Manufacturing Center at the Edison Welding Institute (EWI) in Columbus, OH. She has an extensive background in Economic Development, Government Affairs, Regional Planning, and has authored numerous publications. Kimberly spends her free time on a charter school board for four high school dropout recovery programs in inner-city Columbus, incorporating career tech education into the curriculum, and through the IC3D initiated 3D printed Toys for Tots drive with the US. Marine Corps Reserve, delivering 18,000 3D printed toys to needy children in 2020