Dayton continues to emerge as one of the most important defense, research, manufacturing, and innovation ecosystems anywhere in the country, but for many companies looking to engage in the region, the biggest question is often simple: Where do you start? This special one-hour discussion hosted by OrangeSlices AI was designed to help answer exactly that. Featuring leaders from several of the organizations helping shape and strengthen the broader Dayton ecosystem, this fast-moving conversation serves as a practical flyover of the market, the missions, the organizations, and the relationships helping drive momentum across the region today. Anchored by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and supported by organizations like Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the Dayton market sits at the center of major conversations around AI, autonomy, advanced manufacturing, digital engineering, cybersecurity, logistics modernization, and mission acceleration. In this discussion, we hear directly from leaders representing organizations across the ecosystem as they share: • how their organizations support the broader Dayton mission community • where they see momentum building across the market • how companies can authentically engage and build relationships in the region • what capabilities and technologies are becoming increasingly important • and some big, bold predictions about where this market is headed next Whether you are already operating in Dayton, considering expansion into the region, or simply trying to understand where defense innovation and investment are accelerating, this conversation offers a valuable starting point. More importantly, it provides direct access to the perspectives of leaders who are actively helping connect government, industry, academia, manufacturers, innovators, and mission-focused companies throughout this ecosystem every single day. If you are looking to better understand which organizations align with your goals, where you should be investing your time, and how to more quickly engage in this market, this conversation is absolutely worth your time. And hopefully, it also encourages you to reach out, get involved, support these organizations, and become part of one of the most dynamic defense ecosystems in the country. Connect with the speakers. Richard Green President & CEO — Ghostworks LLC David Hart CEO, First Fast Roper & Founder — FastRope, LLC Rachel McClain Maki Managing Partner — FastRope, LLC Yvonne Vermillion Air Force Business Development Lead — Hathiant LLC Cynthia Anderson Contracts Manager — KBR, Inc. David Dunn Director, Innovation, Initiatives, and Collaboration — University of Dayton Research Institute Shanna Staten Business Development Executive — Chugach Government Solutions, LLC Carl “Shof” Shofner Director of Community Relations — Dayton-Wright Chapter of AFCEA Dan Prindle Principal Program Manager — Digital Transformation Center at University of Dayton Research Institute Jim Masonbrink Senior Associate — Aerospace Business Development Associates John Nolan — Sponsor VP of IT Operations — ISI
