ANN ARBOR – The Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the umbrella organization for robotics, automation, and machine vision, announced it had hired Robert Huschka as director of education strategies, a new position for the organization.
A3 also announced the hiring of Rachel Kristensen in a new sales manager position, along with the promotions of Bob Doyle and Alex Shikany to vice president – RIA & A3 Mexico, and vice president – AIA, respectively.
With more than 25 years in journalism and proven leadership in audience growth, community building, and content strategy, Huschka brings expertise in communicating new, and often complex, ideas to large audiences. Huschka spent 18 years in a variety of leadership roles at the Detroit Free Press. Most recently, he led the Free Press’ newsroom as its executive editor.
Huschka will lead the development of A3’s educational programs and goals. He’ll identify technology trends to integrate into A3’s offerings, while building a network of industry experts and education leaders.
To sustain A3’s growth, a new sales manager position was created and filled by Rachel Kristensen. She has worked in higher education for 14 years and brings with her experience gained at both Henry Ford College and Ferris State University. Most recently, she worked as a recruitment specialist, forging partnerships with area high schools, universities and community organizations to increase overall enrollment.
Doyle joined A3 in 2013 as director of communications. Doyle’s role has evolved to running the day to day operations of the Robotic Industries Association, leading to his promotion to vice president. He also played a lead role in launching the association’s A3 Mexico operations.
Joining A3 in 2012 as director of market analysis, Shikany researches and reports statistics for the global robotics, machine vision, and motion control markets for A3. Shikany’s role has progressed to managing the day to day operations of AIA, and now takes responsibility for the association as vice president. Shikany also develops market opportunity studies and white papers for the automation industry on key issues such as the impact of robots on employment, and the emergence of collaborative robotics.
A3 is the umbrella group for Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA – Advancing Vision and Imaging, and the Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), and A3 Mexico. RIA, AIA, MCMA and A3 Mexico combined represent over 1,070 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, research groups, and consulting firms. For more information, visit: A3 www.A3automate.org. RIA www.robotics.org. AIA www.visiononline.org. MCMA www.motioncontrolonline.org. A3 Mexico https://www.a3mexico.com.mx/.