ETC is excited to welcome Robert Tavzel as the organization’s new Vice President of Business Development. With a career spanning military service and the defense industry, Tavzel brings extensive experience supporting weapons programs and working alongside Department of Defense stakeholders.

In his new role, Tavzel will focus on strengthening ETC’s relationships and expanding support for defense partners.

“My biggest goal at ETC is to continue to grow the relationships and support we provide to our War Department partners. We have such a unique opportunity as a non-profit to be a trusted and value-added teammate.”

Tavzel was particularly drawn to ETC’s technical expertise and mission-driven work.

“ETC’s expertise in warhead design, energetic effects, propulsion and composition chemistry were a particular lure and really got me excited to participate.”

Prior to joining ETC, Tavzel served in the Marine Corps and built a career supporting defense programs across organizations of varying sizes.

“I served in the Marine Corps as a uniformed Infantry Officer, and later as an Acquisition Officer. Having worked with weapons and in weapon program offices led me to the defense industry supporting numerous weapons programs over the years, from start-up to top 20 Prime contractors.”

Among his many professional accomplishments, one stands out as especially meaningful.

“My proudest achievement was the SMAW MOD 2 program. The Marine Corps replaced a shoulder fired 83mm rocket launcher and thermal optic through a full and open competitive solicitation. My team won the contract! I had the opportunity to lead the capture and program management for the contract. That program was the most challenging a rewarding effort I have supported.”

As he begins his journey at ETC, Tavzel is energized by the organization’s impact and commitment to supporting the warfighter.

“The most interesting thing, to me, that ETC does, is how it supports the warfighter in such a unique way. ETC supports the ecosystem from so many angles. We provide industrial manufacturing expertise, STEM academia outreach, additive manufacturing and AI/ML know-how, and just about every inch of energetic knowledge awesomeness. It is a dream to be a part of an organization that supports such a broad and exciting portfolio.”

Please join us in welcoming Robert to the ETC team.