Federal Laboratory Consortium Announces Next Wave of FLC PRO™-Verified Practitioners

Released: June 25, 2026

(WASHINGTON, D.C. - June 25, 2026): The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) has announced its latest group of FLC PRO™ designees, federal technology transfer professionals who meet a peer-reviewed standard of experience, competency, and continuing education. This cohort of PRO-verified practitioners includes 15 stalwarts in the federal technology transfer ecosystem from 11 labs and 7 agencies.

Launched in 2026, the FLC PRO (Professional Registered ORTA) initiative offers the only professional verification for federal technology transfer. The designation validates the capabilities and expertise that drive progress in the field.

Congratulations to:

• Krishna Balakrishnan, NCATS, National Institutes of Health
• Andrea Bechtel-Mathias, DEVCOM Chemical Biological Center
• Sharon Conable, Defense Health Agency/Brooke Army Medical Center
• Maria Duran, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division
• Rebecca Erwin-Cohen, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
• Ami Gadhia, NCATS, National Institutes of Health
• Terri Hunter, Veterans Affairs
• Jasmine Kalsi, NCATS, National Institutes of Health
• Amy Kettelle, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division
• Kerry Leonard, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory
• Michelle Miedzinski, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division
• Eric Payne, National Laboratory of the Rockies
• John Rein, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Aaron Sauers, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
• Stefan Susta, NASA Langley Research Center

"Federal technology transfer doesn't happen by accident - it happens because of professionals like these, who bring the skills, dedication, and track record to make it work," says FLC Professional Development Director Courtney Bronson. "The FLC PRO designation recognizes that expertise and give it the visibility it deserves. We're proud to welcome this cohort and look forward to growing these ranks every quarter."

To earn the PRO designation, applicants must be employed at a federal laboratory or agency, demonstrate at least three years of experience in federal technology transfer, and complete coursework in the FLC Learning Center. Applying for PRO status is free, and submission deadlines will be on a rolling, quarterly basis. The next application window opens September 14, 2026.

Experienced technology transfer professionals should apply for a PRO designation at federallabs.org/PRO. Verified PROs will be listed on the FLC website and receive a digital certificate and badge to include in their email signature and professional biographies, like LinkedIn.

About the FLC

The FLC is a formally chartered, nationwide network of more than 300 federal laboratories, agencies, and research centers that foster commercialization best practice strategies and opportunities for accelerating federal technologies from out of the labs and into the marketplace. To learn more, visit federallabs.org.

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