The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 20, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 21.
Next is Nicholas Martin, director of the Defense Microelectronics Activity, and finalist in the DoD Executive of the Year, Government, category. Here, he talks about recent achievements, shares career advice and more.
What key achievements did you have in 2024?
I take a lot of pride in the partnerships DMEA has forged within the Defense and Organic Industrial Base, which through collaboration, resulted in the delivery of 700+ technology solutions to the Warfighter that significantly enhance the Department’s microelectronics and cybersecurity posture in contested logistics environments. Providing technology to protect soldiers from adversaries’ unmanned aerial systems, which has become a growing threat on modern battlefields, strengthening the supply of essential semiconductors for National Security through assured access via 83 DMEA accredited Trusted suppliers, and rapid development of microelectronic solutions that enhance Warfighter capabilities are amongst my biggest achievements this year.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
Looking forward to 2025, my primary focus areas are to continue to build partnerships within Industry and the Services, along with leveraging DMEA’s highly talented workforce and capabilities to deliver microelectronic solutions that strengthen our national security. One key initiative at DMEA is aligning the Department’s only captive semiconductor manufacturing capability to produce discrete high-voltage components, that are not commercially available, for integration into emergent platforms such as directed energy. Success on this initiative will address an existing gap in manufacturing of critical devices for DoD capabilities, enable scaling of emerging technologies, and provide the US with an asymmetric technological advantage over potential adversary nations.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. Foster a culture where people embrace risk, have a passion for leaning into problems, and are excited about coming together to pursue opportunities that have the potential to significantly advance the mission. I am a firm believer that risk acceptance leads to growth, opportunities and positive change.
Upward progression throughout your career will be accelerated by seeking out mentors, within and outside your place of employment, that provide critical professional and personal guidance needed to map out a career path and break through barriers. As you progress throughout your career, return the favor by mentoring others and passing on the knowledge received.
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know about?
I worked as a dive master throughout college and spent my weekends teaching advanced topics such as deep, night and wreck diving out of Monterey and San Diego, California. After obtaining an MS in Electrical Engineering, I taught undergraduate coursework in the evenings at California State University, Sacramento. You can find me on the weekends decompressing from work in the great outdoors with my identical twin sons, teaching them how to fish, hunt, snowboard, and scuba diving in the near future.