AUKUS Connect

Dale Heinken is the President and Managing Director of Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT) Australia, a CACI company, based in Melbourne, Victoria, which specialises in the design and development of gyro-stabilised imaging systems for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), target acquisition, and counter uncrewed aerial systems operations.

Prior to joining AVT Australia, Dale served in the United States Navy as a surface warfare officer with a subspeciality in naval nuclear propulsion for 26 years. He retired as a Captain in 2021. During his time in the Navy, he served on a variety of ships and staffs, and he is most proud of his time as Commanding Officer of Littoral Combat Ship Crew 101 aboard USS Freedom (LCS 1), the Reactor Officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and the Commanding Officer of USS Boxer (LHD 4).

Dale was commissioned through the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He earned a Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology degree from the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland in 2003 and a Master of International Public Policy degree from the Johns Hopkins University in 2009.

Michael stands out as an influential figure in Australian industrial sectors, including engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, space, academia, and the nuclear industry. His robust connections span across manufacturing, industrial sectors, political landscapes, and top-tier universities, particularly influencing the nuclear and AUKUS sectors. As the Founding Director of the AUKUS Forum, he has built extensive opportunities for industry and researchers, reflecting decades of relationship-building and industry engagement.

Recognised as one of Australia's most connected industry figures, Michael excels in driving business transformations, facilitating entry into export markets, and enabling traditional engineering firms to venture into space and defence sectors. His knack for linking key decision-makers, fostering Australian and international partnerships, and setting up supply chains has attracted significant US corporate interest for local supplier connections.

Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders; a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and has completed courses in Leadership at the Harvard Business School.

Scott Stewart is Managing Partner of The MKG Group, based in Covington, Louisiana specializing in strategic advisory and implementation consulting.

With a background as a US Navy nuclear submarine officer and C-Suite executive in operations and technology, Scott has extensive experience in advanced manufacturing and the US Defense Industrial Base. After transitioning from the Navy, where he specialized in Virginia class submarine weapons and combat systems, he transitioned to roles in project management, engineering consultation, and executive leadership across various sectors.

At The MKG Group, he has expanded the company's reach. MKG’s roots began in 2015 with an acquisition of a 60 year old apparel and apparel accessories manufacturer.  Since then, the efforts have broadened to other industries including Nuclear, Defense, Oil & Gas, Sustainable Infrastructure, MedTech, Lumber, and Fasteners.  The expansion underlines Scott's vision for growth and adaptability, leveraging his project management, engineering, and executive expertise.

Scott holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Engineering Management from Old Dominion University, and an MA in General Management with focus in Corporate Sustainability and Innovation from Harvard University, highlighting his commitment to leadership and sustainable business practices.

As Administration and Operations Manager, Catherine integrates the leadership team's vision and manages the secretariat for the AUKUS Forum.
 

In her role, Catherine assumes overall responsibility for the efficient and smooth   operation of the office, overseeing various crucial aspects such as membership, staffing, and legal matters. She is responsible for maintaining all systems on-site and remotely, including security details and cybersecurity functions.

With her exceptional organisational skills, Catherine ensures that the secretariat functions seamlessly, allowing the AUKUS Forum to operate efficiently and effectively. She has a background as a paralegal secretary, with a flair for organisation, an unflappable personality, and strong people skills.

As such, Catherine is the ideal first point of call for inquiries about membership, events, and functions. What's a product or service you'd like  to show?

Mark Cooper, from Hampton Roads, Virginia, leverages a notable 25-year US Navy career as a senior submarine officer developing and leading teams through complex problems/operations ashore and at sea.  

Mark is passionate about the success of the AUKUS program and how both Pillar I and II efforts can catalyze small business growth for all three members in their manufacturing efforts. 

Mark’s in-depth knowledge of submarine maintenance, repair and operations coupled with his experience empowering small manufacturing firms entering the Defense Industrial Base are force multipliers for companies interested in the growth and success of  the domestic and international Defense Industrial Base to support the trilateral AUKUS effort.

Chad Johnson is the esteemed President of the Akana Group, a leading provider of innovative logistics solutions and equipment services to clients worldwide. With over two decades of experience in the logistics and equipment sector, Chad has been instrumental in steering the company towards unprecedented growth and establishing its reputation as an industry pioneer.

In 2013, Chad started the Akana Group, a Native American-owned business focused on building strategic partnerships with the Federal and Tribal governments. The AKANA Group is a Native-Owned Small Business Enterprise specializing in Agriculture, Forestry, Seasonal Maintenance, Construction, Roads, Service Trucks and Commercial Cleaning equipment, operating in the U.S, Canada, and Australia.

Akana Equipment developed quickly after Johnson and his team made their first deal with John Deere (JD) and became the only Native partner of JD, world-wide. The Akana Group is made up of seven separate entities, Akana Ittatoba being the newest operation to launch in Australia. Akana Ittatoba is the first and only Native company to incorporate in AU and it is their mission to build allyship with First Nations businesses and Communities around the world. Today, Akana Equipment is the largest Native-owned equipment provider in North America.

Johnson and his team continue to spearhead new operations, and have recently developed the first ever Native-owned Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in the U.S.A. The FTZ is a true multi-model option that includes air, sea and land. Chad’s leadership philosophy centres on empowering employees, nurturing a culture of innovation, and maintaining a customer-centric approach, which has been key to the company’s success and resilience.

As the original stewards of the lands and waters, Akana understands and appreciates the importance of having meaningful relationships to our Indigenous partners and allies. Despite his remarkable success, Johnson still defines Akana as a small business and credits his talented team for all their accomplishments. Chad loves to say his job is to just get out of the way and let his people do what they do best.

David is the CEO of The Australian Steel Association and CEO of the Advanced Fibre Cluster.

The Australian Steel Association (ASA) champions the need for an open market and even playing field for all manufacturing users and converters of steel products. It is our view that fair trade and a competitive market are essential for the steel industry to thrive.

The Advanced Fibre Cluster is an initiative of a group of highly innovative companies and organisations centred around Deakin University and the Geelong region, accelerating the growth of Australian advanced fibre and composites capabilities.

The region is a centre of excellence in advanced fibre and composites manufacturing and innovation. The Cluster promotes and supports the interests of its members through the facilitation of research and business collaboration, access to opportunities, trade missions and site visits, advocacy, training, and the sharing of management and technical best practice.

Neil is an experienced and sought after company director with close to 30 years’ experience in the Chartered Accounting profession. 

Throughout his career, Neil has been consulting to private businesses with respect to overall strategy and growth, planning and implementation, shareholder value, funding, exit strategy and execution. Neil holds or has held Board or Advisory Board roles across industries as diverse manufacturing, distribution, fashion, franchising, agriculture, automotive repairs, professional practice, outsourcing, entertainment and the not-for-profit sector.

Neil is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2011, Neil co-founded BridgePoint Group and remains today as its Managing Director. The group was formed in response to a strong sense of pride in the capability of Australian business to punch above its weight on the world stage, often through the development of innovative products and services. 

The group’s primary objective is to assist ambitious Australian businesses to outperform.

A future in the textiles industry was practically written for Tristan Cross. As the Chief Executive Officer of Fibre Tech Solutions, he is a sixth generation Holden family member. His family’s association with the car manufacturer dates to the 1800s when James Alexander Holden started a saddlery business in Adelaide, with the company eventually becoming the exclusive supplier of American car manufacturer General Motors in Australia.

Whether engaging prime contractors, OEMs, SMEs, or government agencies, Tristan helps his clients gain access to industrial, technological, and international opportunities by developing strategic co-research, co- engineering, co-production relationships within priority sectors, such as: aerospace & defense/security and critical infrastructures (energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing).

Recognised as an industry expert, he provides straightforward consulting and advisory services to a broad range of US and international clients. His responsibilities include, but not limited to determining urgent acquisition and channel needs, coordinating partnership alliances, and providing decision-making market intelligence.

Professional experience

As a mining and oil and gas specialist, as a safety advisor and procurement specialist in heavy rigging, his distinguished services included leadership positions of high visibility, accountability, and responsibility in operational, team leadership, and project delivery.

His experience with cultivating relationships, asserting presence, and leading with authority adds tremendous business value by cultivating relationships, asserting presence, and leading with authority.

During his professional career, Tristan has developed cross-disciplinary knowledge of industrial MROP (Maintenance, Repair, Operations, Production) global supply chains, flexible manufacturing technologies,
and engineered composite material applications. Along with his knowledge of how people and technologies work together, he brings tremendous focus and experience to clients that demand industrial manufacturing management technologies to support effective and efficient processes. His ambition, ability to recognise the specific needs of industries and strong client-based approach has seen Tristan win high-level projects around the world for his core team.

Noteworthy deliverables

Realising the challenges of next-gen multi-domain requirements and cross-functional modernisation priorities, Tristan creates opportunities for domestic and international organisations by providing valuable industry/sector pathways, addressing complex requirements, and delivering rigorous business analysis influenced by global supply chain subject matter expertise. His work includes high-level strategic market engagement and business development targeting international growth areas, tactical support to specific program capture efforts, and an integrated, authoritative viewpoint combined with clarity and of understanding practical impacts that influence priorities and decision-making.