Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center Adds Program Manager to Cybersecurity Team

PLYMOUTH, Mich. - Jan. 18, 2018 - PRLog -- The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (The Center) has announced the addition of Jeff Williams to its cybersecurity team as a Program Manager. The announcement was made by Mike Coast, President of The Center.

Williams leads The Center's effort to ensure small to medium-sized manufacturers around Michigan are meeting the latest cybersecurity standards. A focus of Williams' work includes the updated list of specifications that must be met by contractors who work with the Department of Defense (DoD), published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These standards, called NIST 800-171, detail requirements for 14 policy areas dealing with information security that must be met by contractors. Williams is working to raise awareness, understanding, and compliance of these and similar information security-related standards within manufacturing facilities around Michigan.

"It is no longer optional for manufacturers to consider cybersecurity—it is a necessity," said Elliot Forsyth, Vice President of Business Operations at The Center. "Jeff will be an integral part of making sure small businesses are doing everything they can to safeguard themselves against potential cyber-attacks. His extensive experience working with software systems will be key to our cybersecurity efforts."

Williams has more than 20 years of experience in implementing and supporting network systems. He has worked with The Center twice in the past as both Senior Applications Designer and IS Director, where he gained experience with various software systems handling estimation, implementation, development, and project management. Williams specializes in administrating and developing database systems, as well as schema development, data management, and security. In 2017, Williams received the Acumatica Development Network's (ADN) "Most Valuable Professional" award in honor of his work.

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center is an organization dedicated to supporting Michigan manufacturers to work smarter, to compete and to prosper. The Center offers personalized consulting services to meet the needs of clients in virtually every aspect of their businesses. The Center is affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and is part of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP National Network). The Center also is closely affiliated with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with the shared goal of making Michigan businesses vibrant, driving GDP growth and creating new and lasting jobs. For more information, visit https://the-center.org/.