Gary Laier currently serves as Armstrong’s Center Liaison for the NASA SBIR/STTR Program, and has been with AFRC since 2016, having before worked as a Civil Servant with the 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base. Prior to Federal Service, he held various engineering and management roles in the testing and development of sub-systems and components for the aerospace industry, including development work on the nozzle and main combustion chamber for the Space Shuttle Main Engine. Gary holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from California State University, Northridge, and an MBA from Pepperdine University, and is both a registered Professional Engineer licensed through the State of California and former President of the California Society of Professional Engineers. When he is not working, he enjoys serving as a board member on a non-profit community outreach foundation, engaging in various home improvement activities, hiking and taking their dog Lulu on walks, traveling and camping along the Pacific Coast, and spending time with family.