March 8, 2011
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Vicksburg, Miss. — ERDC Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory Director Dr. David Pittman has been named Federal Laboratory Director of the Year by the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC). The honor, which was previously awarded to ERDC Construction Engineering Research Laboratory Director Dr. Ilker Adiguzel in 2008, recognizes directors who have made maximum contributions to the overall enhancement of technology transfer.
"I think this award is a tribute to the outstanding work that our folks in ERDC and GSL are doing every day in support of the Warfighter and the nation," said Pittman. "The fact that ERDC directors have won this national award twice since 2008, out of all the laboratories in the entire federal government, sends a strong message to our people, and to those we serve, that something special is happening at ERDC."
The FLC is a nationwide network that provides the forum to develop strategies and opportunities for linking laboratory mission, technologies, and expertise with the marketplace. Organized in 1974 and formally chartered in 1986, the group boasts more than 250 federal laboratories and centers.
Pittman's ERDC career began in 1983, when he joined the Pavement Systems Division of what was then known as the Geotechnical Laboratory (GL) as a research civil engineer. After leaving for three years to serve as an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department of Auburn University, he returned to ERDC in 1997 as chief of the Airfields and Pavements Division of GL.
"The best part about my job is that I get to be part of a team that has a passion for making a difference, every day," said Pittman. "It is a great privilege to do what we get to do, for the Soldiers and our citizens who put their faith and trust in us to deliver."
He has both a bachelor's and a master's in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and a doctorate in the same from the University of Texas at Austin. Previous awards for Pittman include the Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal and the ERDC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Equal Opportunity Employment. He is a registered professional engineer in Mississippi.
Pittman will be presented with the Federal Laboratory Director of the Year Award at the annual FLC conference in Nashville, Tenn., in May.