HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 12, 2011) – Dr. Paul Collopy, internationally recognized leader in the design process for complex systems, will join the Center for System Studies at The University of Alabama in Huntsville as Deputy Director. Collopy will be responsible for growing and managing the center’s diverse research portfolio and innovative partnerships with industry, academia, government, and non-profit organizations. In addition to overseeing the daily operations, he will also support the creation of the center’s first affiliated Ph.D. class. “We are very fortunate to have Paul as part of our team at the Center for System Studies,” said Mike Griffin, director for the center. “His unique expertise and leadership will help the center realize its mission of creating a vibrant community of systems thinkers dedicated to advancing the practice of systems engineering.” Collopy brings to UAH more than 20 years experience in the development of the design process for large systems. He most recently served as the executive director of the Value-Driven Design Institute, a non-profit research and education institute dedicated to developing new approaches to the design of complex systems. He is also the co-founder of DFM Consulting, which develops value-centric design methods, value models, and cost models to support complex product design and technology management. The company’s clients include Boeing, GE, Lockheed Martin, and several government agencies and offices. Contact: Laurie Provin Office: 256-824-4419 Cell:256-318-0255 lsp0004@uah.edu