Huntsville Research Center taps new director of Army and Missile Defense Programs

Melanie Baker, a seasoned business development strategist in Huntsville's growing technology sector, has joined Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering as director of Army and Missile Defense Programs. Working with the Auburn University Huntsville Research Center, Baker will help secure research funding for Auburn University faculty, students and professional staff in the Army and Missile Defense mission areas.

Baker previously served as senior vice president of strategy and business development for Davidson Technologies in Huntsville, where she was responsible for the identification and capture of programs, execution of customer campaigns, and the lead and execution of marketing and sales efforts in support of the company’s corporate growth strategy. 

Before that, she worked for Lockheed Martin, finishing her 29-year career with the company as director of Army and Missile Defense Programs.

Baker earned her Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and management from Kennesaw State College of Engineering in Marietta, Georgia. She is an active member of the Huntsville community and belongs to several professional organizations including the Air, Space, and Missile Defense Association, National Defense Industrial Association, and Women in Defense. Baker also serves on the Board of Directors for the Riley Center, the National Children’s Advocacy Center and Phoenix Services.

"Melanie is one of the top business development professionals in the Huntsville community," said Rodney L. Robertson, executive director of the Auburn University Huntsville Research Center. "She has strong relationships with the Army and Missile Defense government and industry customers, and she is an exceptional strategic thinker. We look forward to working with Melanie to better position Auburn University faculty and students to bring thought leadership that will help solve the Army and Missile Defense Program's most pressing challenges."