A3 Announces New Hires and Promotions

Former Detroit Free Press Executive Editor Robert Huschka Joins A3 as
Director of Education Strategies

ANN ARBOR, Mich.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Association
for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading global advocate for the
benefits of automating, has hired Robert Huschka as its director of
education strategies, a new position within the organization. The
association also announced the hiring of Rachel Kristensen in a new
sales manager position, along with the promotions of Bob Doyle and Alex
Shikany to vice president – RIA & A3 Mexico, and vice president – AIA,
respectively.

Robert Huschka – Director of Education Strategies

With more than 25 years in journalism and proven leadership in audience
growth, community building, and content strategy, Huschka brings
expertise in communicating new, and often complex ideas to vast
audiences. An expert at nurturing close-knit teams in a high-pressure,
disrupted industry, Huschka spent 18 years in a variety of leadership
roles at the Detroit Free Press. Most recently, he led the Free Press’
newsroom as its executive editor.

Huschka will lead the development of A3’s educational programs and
goals. He’ll identify technology trends to integrate into A3’s
offerings, while building a network of industry experts and education
leaders.

“As the leading automation trade group, we are proud that A3 members not
only have come to rely on us for events and networking opportunities,
but also to engage with us to learn about business opportunities, trends
and new technologies,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “These
activities are key to the success of our member companies, which makes
it essential that the right person lead our educational programs.
Robert’s expertise in creating training programs, his focus on audience
growth, and his proven track record in creating, growing, and managing
new events makes him the perfect director of education strategies for
A3.”

“As someone who has covered manufacturing in Michigan for many years, I
have always been impressed by how A3 engages its members – through
events, white papers, research reports, and networking meetings,”
Huschka said. “I’m excited to join a team that plays such a key role in
an industry experiencing amazing growth.”

Rachel Kristensen – Sales Manager

To sustain A3’s growth, a new sales manager position was created and
filled by Rachel Kristensen. She has worked in higher education for
fourteen years and brings with her experience gained at both Henry Ford
College and Ferris State University. Most recently, Rachel worked as a
Recruitment Specialist, forging partnerships with area high schools,
universities and community organizations to increase overall enrollment.
Some of her previous roles include Academic Advisor; Coordinator,
Southeast Michigan Programs; Program Manager; and Enrollment Services
Manager.

Bob Doyle – Vice President – RIA & A3 Mexico

Bob Doyle joined A3 in 2013 as director of communications, taking
responsibility for all comprehensive communications efforts for A3 along
with helping to launch the A3 brand. Doyle’s role has evolved to running
the day to day operations of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA),
leading to his promotion to vice president. He also played a lead role
in launching the association’s A3 Mexico operations.

Alex Shikany – Vice President – AIA

Joining A3 in 2012 as director of market analysis, Alex Shikany
researches and reports statistics for the global robotics, machine
vision, and motion control markets for A3. Shikany’s role has progressed
to managing the day to day operations of AIA, and now takes
responsibility for the association as vice president. Shikany also
develops market opportunity studies and white papers for the automation
industry on key issues such as the impact of robots on employment, and
the emergence of collaborative robotics.

“A3 is now 21 staff members strong, serving the needs of our member
companies located across the U.S., North America and around the world,”
stated Burnstein. “We’re happy to welcome Robert and Rachel, and promote
Bob and Alex into their expanded roles. This is an exciting time for A3.
As the membership of our associations grows and the services we provide
expand, our staff and capabilities must grow in order to continue
supporting the industries we represent.”

About Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

The Association for Advancing Automation is the global advocate for the
benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas
that transform the way business is done. A3 is the umbrella group for
Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA – Advancing Vision + Imaging,
and Motion Control & Motor Association (MCMA), and A3 Mexico. RIA, AIA,
MCMA and A3 Mexico combined represent over 1,070 automation
manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users,
research groups, and consulting firms from throughout the world that
drive automation forward. For more information, visit: A3 www.A3automate.org.
RIA www.robotics.org.
AIA www.visiononline.org.
MCMA www.motioncontrolonline.org.
A3 Mexico https://www.a3mexico.com.mx/.

Contacts

Association for Advancing Automation
Bob Doyle
(734) 994-6088
[email protected]