Building America's Digital Engineering Workforce

As Executive Director of DigitalWERX, Chris Crumbly brings decades of leadership experience in space, defense, and digital engineering innovation. With a career spanning government, industry, and academia, Chris has a proven track record of driving transformative programs and advancing cutting-edge technologies. In addition to his role at DigitalWERX, Chris serves as a faculty member at Auburn University, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of engineers and innovators. His passion for delivering mission-driven solutions and cultivating technical talent makes him a trusted leader guiding DigitalWERX’s strategic growth and innovation efforts.

David K. “D.K.” Hall serves as the Executive Director for DigitalWERX where he leads the day to day and strategic operations. With 40 years of engineering and engineering management experience that includes 34 years at NASA and 6 years in leadership and business development roles in private industry, D.K. brings a broad understanding of systems engineering, organizational management and business growth. He holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Mississippi State University, and is dedicated to moving the engineering field forward to keep pace with developing technologies and tools to enhance productivity and efficiency while also expanding exposure to STEM related careers to K-12 students. Outside of work, D.K. enjoys outdoor activities and travel with family.

Ron Porter works as the lead curriculum developer for two non-profit organizations. Both focus on MBSE education at the academic and professional levels. Recently, he developed and taught a Systems Engineering Technology program to enable 2-year college students to model systems using MBSE methods and tools. Degreed as a Mechanical Engineer, Mr. Porter spent 38 years working for NASA as a Systems Engineer in systems test, system development, project and program management, and mission operations. He held a variety of positions including Chief of Marshall Space Flight Center’s Spacecraft & Vehicle Systems Engineering and Integration Division, Lead System Engineer for the Space Launch System, and Advisor to the NASA Administrator’s Office.