Don Douthit
Business Development / Project Management,
CAO
Biography
Mr. Don Douthit started his career in 1986 as a machinist working at MRC Inc. in Sarasota, Florida. MRC specialized in manufacture of optical components within the aerospace/defense and commercial markets. The core business for MRC was metal optics - specifically beryllium optics. Over the next several years, Don honed his skills in this specialized industry ranging from general machining, single point diamond turning, conventional polishing and chemical processing as it related to nickel plating and anodize. By 1995, he was introduced as the Manufacturing Manager for MRC.
In 1996, MRC was sold into separate ventures with the polishing business sold to Axsys Technologies located in Rochester Hills, MI. In June of 1997, he left for Michigan as one of their Manufacturing Engineers. There he continued his manufacture career within the Aerospace/Defense products field with special attention to aspheric manufacture.
In April of 2000, part of the optics business was relocated to Cullman, AL which operated under the same name as Axsys Technologies. During 2003 to 2004, he attended the University of Alabama as part of the College of Continuing Studies for the Management Certificate Program. He spent the next 14 years with Axsys and aided in development of a world-class optical manufacturing facility eventually earning him the title of Optics Manager.
In 2014, Don decided to enhance his capabilities by jumping into the Sales/Marketing and Business Development roles with L.A. Gauge Company located in Sun Valley, CA. He spent the next 4 years with LAG representing them as the #1 buyer of raw beryllium products.
On July 18th, 2018, UAH and the Center for Applied Optics welcomed Don to their team. In this position, he aids with the Business Development and all aspects of Engineering and Manufacturing as it relates to optical components. Don brings to the table over 3 decades of experience relating to design, manufacture and quality assurance. He is considered a tradesman of diamond turning, polishing, machining, chemical processing and quality assurance representative. Feel free to contact him directly to discuss any design or manufacturing concerns.
