Born on July 8, 1956, Dr. Bartles began his academic journey that helped outline his career. His educational period began at Hagerstown Junior College, where he earned an associate degree in business administration in 1976. Later, he gained higher education at Shepherd University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1978.
Dr. Dean Bartles is an American entrepreneur and an operations professional known for his contributions to manufacturing and technology. Dr. Bartles has demonstrated his commitment to advancing the field through leadership roles in various organizations and institutions. His journey, marked by notable accomplishments, has left a permanent mark on modern manufacturing.
Dr. Bartles’ commitment to learning led him to Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where he achieved his MBA in 1981. His academic qualification continued with a master’s degree in International Business in 1991. He also earned a Ph.D. in business administration from Nova Southeastern University in 2000. In 2013, he earned a second Ph.D. in technology management from Indiana State University. Dr. Bartles’ continuous learning helped him achieve an executive certificate in Management and Leadership from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Beginning his professional journey in 1978 at Fairchild Republic Company, he served as an industrial engineer, gaining insights into manufacturing processes. This experience paved the way for his tenure at General Dynamics, where he further excelled in his expertise. His affiliation with General Dynamics spanned over 30 years, during which he assumed significant roles. Dr. Bartles was later appointed as a vice president and general manager. This role demonstrated his operational competence as well as increased his reputation as a leader in the manufacturing sector.
Dr. Bartles’ role at UI Labs marked a significant point in his career. As the chief manufacturing officer and founding executive director of the Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII), he led an initiative that aimed to revolutionize manufacturing processes. The institute’s selection to lead this endeavor by President Barack Obama showed Dr. Bartles’ credibility. During his tenure, Dr. Bartles supervised a $16.5 million facility renovation project and secured funding for research projects exceeding $80 million. His approach and insights propelled DMDII to the forefront of digital manufacturing and design innovation.
Dr. Bartles’ influence extended beyond his role at UI Labs. From serving as the President of SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers) to acquiring the North American Manufacturing Research Institute (NAMRI) presidency, he consistently worked his way through to advancing the industry’s frontiers. He was later appointed as a senior technology advisor of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Additionally, he assumed the directorship of the John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center at the University of New Hampshire, further showcasing his commitment to education and technological advancement.
Dr. Bartles’ contributions continued with his presidency of the National Tooling and Machining Association and his next role as the President and CEO of the National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining (NCDMM). His tenure as a board member for NCDMM since 2010 reflected his commitment to the organization’s mission. In September 2020, Dr. Bartles earned the role of President and CEO of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (MTDG), a not-for-profit entity overseeing NCDMM and Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI). This role enabled him to further his passion for growing among small-medium manufacturers and facilitating Industry 4.0 lab build-outs.
Dr. Bartles’ tenure at General Dynamics Corporation was characterized by a hike in sales growth that highlighted his leadership and strategic approach. Between 2001 and 2014, under his supervision, his Strategic Business Unit within General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems experienced a huge increase in sales, escalating from $135 million to an impressive figure exceeding $600 million. This achievement signifies his ability to steer a major corporation to financial success and shows his deep understanding of market dynamics, innovative approaches to business development, and commitment to excellence. Dr. Bartles’ leadership during this period greatly elevated the company’s image and reputation as a driving force behind meaningful growth in the manufacturing sector.
Dr. Dean Bartles’ career path reflects sheer dedication to the evolution of manufacturing and technology. His leadership, commitment to education, and efforts in digital manufacturing have moved the industry. His passion for helping out small-medium manufacturers and educational institutions has left a lasting impact and innovation.
In summary, Dr. Dean Bartles’ journey from his early education to his current position as President and CEO of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group tells a whole lot about Dr. Bartles’ commitment to innovation and progress. His extensive expertise, leadership roles, and transformative accomplishments have propelled the manufacturing sector into a new era, cementing his place as a popular figure in the field.
