Governor Whitmer Announces New Office of Defense and Space Innovation to Strengthen the State’s Defense and Space Ecosystem

Col. John Gutierrez, USMC (retired) announced as Executive Director with decades of military expertise

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in announcing the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI), which will help grow the state’s defense and aerospace industries.

ODAI will build on the storied legacy of the Michigan Defense Center, raising awareness of Michigan’s capabilities, supporting the attraction and expansion of companies championing Department of Defense-related activities, and supporting commercial and defense-related aviation and aerospace segments primed for growth are strengthened.

“Michigan is all in on defense,” he said Governor Whitmer. “With our new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and the new director, we are positioning Michigan to build on its long, proud legacy of leadership in these sectors. We will compete with other states and nations to grow our defense and space economies, leveraging our strong talent base and building on our powerful ecosystem of companies in this space. Let us continue to grow and diversify our economy, while supporting our service workers and strengthening our industry partners.”

The office also announced Col. John Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) as its new executive director. Colonel Gutierrez has more than thirty years of experience in acquisition, operational and joint assignments. He began his military service in 1990, enlisting in the US Naval Reserve as a Hospital Corpsman and serving until 1995. In 1996, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Marine Corps and served until 2024. Most recently, he served as Portfolio Manager for Logistics Combat Element Systems, U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command.

Colonel Gutierrez holds a BS in Biology from Arizona State University, an MS in Management from the US Naval Postgraduate School, an MA in National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College, and a Masters in Military Studies from the US Marine Corps University. He also completed post-doctoral studies in project management at George Washington University and advanced project management at Stanford University. He is also a graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College.

In addition, Col. Gutierrez holds multiple personal, unit, campaign and foreign awards, is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps, and holds top-level certifications in program management and contracting.

“I am deeply honored and excited to serve as executive director of the newly created Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” the spokesperson said Colonel Gutierrez. “I feel privileged to participate in this vital effort at such a pivotal time in our country’s history. Democracy is under threat on a global scale unlike anything seen since the Cold War. Recent events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s attempt to disrupt freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait, along with ongoing conflict in the Middle East, underscore the challenges facing the United States and its allied countries confronted. Known as the Arsenal of Democracy and a beacon of industrial prowess, Michigan has enormous potential. I look forward to working with government officials, business leaders, stakeholders and partners to leverage Michigan’s defense and space capabilities to meet the evolving needs of our nation and its allies during this decisive time.”

“Michigan has a proud legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and this new office will ensure that our state remains a national leader in this critical mission,” said Sen. Webber, R-Rochester Hills, co-chair of the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus. “I commend our leadership at the legislative, administrative and MEDC levels for their shared vision and commitment in continuing the growth of our state’s aerospace and defense industry.”

“On behalf of the Michigan House of Representatives and the bipartisan Michigan Legislative Aerospace and Defense Caucus, we are proud to build on Michigan’s legacy as the Arsenal of Democracy and usher in a new era of industry and defense leadership national security with the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said Representative McKinney, co-chair of the 14th House District and caucus. “I am committed to working with my colleagues and the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation to bring additional investment and economic development to our great state.”

“I am exceptionally proud of the work we have done over the years at the Michigan Defense Center, and I am excited to see this important work move to the next level within the Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation under the leadership of Col. Gutierrez “, he said Mark Ignash, interim director of the Michigan Defense Center and senior sector development director and defense advisor for the MEDC. “It is an honor to welcome him and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with him to continue to drive growth within Michigan’s robust aerospace and defense industry and to strengthen our unparalleled defense community to uplift and support here in Michigan. ”

Michigan’s defense and aerospace ecosystem

The defense industry contributes $30 billion to the state of Michigan’s economic activity, supports more than 116,000 jobs and represents nearly 4,000 Michigan companies serving the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries.

The Michigan National Guard also maintains five major installations and additional armories, including the National All-Domain Training Center in Grayling and one of the largest Air National Guard bases in the country in Selfridge in Macomb County.

ODAI will support the growth of defense and aerospace-related jobs in Michigan, while increasing federal Department of Defense spending and industry-related R&D in the state.

The new office will also support growth in innovation, testing and attractiveness of advanced air mobility in both defense and commercial applications, leveraging the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s (OFME) work on advanced air mobility.

Additional support for the new Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and its Executive Director, Colonel Gutierrez:

“Michigan has always played a critical role in our nation’s security,” he said U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The burgeoning relationship between ODAI and the Michigan National Guard will help us promote the full potential of our training facilities through investment and awareness. This combination will help us meet our professional obligation to provide service members with the most relevant and demanding training experience so they can excel on the battlefield of tomorrow.”

“The NDIA Michigan Chapter is pleased to hear that the MEDC has selected Col. John T. Gutierrez, USMC (Ret) as the new Executive Director of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation,” said Valde Garcia, Chairman, NDIA. “Col. Gutierrez is a well-known entity here in Michigan, and we look forward to supporting him and the MDC to advance Michigan’s defense sector and bring additional recognition, funding and programs his way.”

“In 2022, Michigan defense contracts totaled $5.5 billion, ranking Michigan 22nd among states. There is great potential to score even higher, with enormous opportunities for our defense and aerospace industries to compete, win and drive greater economic impact,” said Tammy Carnrike, chief operating officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber and civilian assistant to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) Michigan. “The creation of an Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation in Michigan demonstrates the state’s investment in protecting and growing this sector and the jobs it brings.”

“For years, Macomb County and our partners across the region and state have helped protect and grow the defense industry,” the spokesperson said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Through private sector innovation and facility modernization, we have positioned ourselves as the defense center of the Midwest. “With the announcement of the creation of the Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation, we have made another important commitment to ensure we continue to protect those who protect us.”

“Oakland County would like to thank retired Col. Gutierrez for his service to our country and we look forward to working with him as we advance defense and space initiatives and opportunities,” said Sean Carlson, Oakland County Deputy Executive.

Learn more about the new Michigan Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation and the state of Michigan’s robust defense industry.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and primary advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with an emphasis on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information about the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, start your journey at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Tweet.