CMU Board of Trustees approves new appointment to the CMURC board

Defense Leader Brings Strategic Insight to Accelerate Industry Collaboration 

Central Michigan University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Darren Werner to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) Board of Directors. Werner’s nationally recognized expertise in defense, mobility, and manufacturing enhances an already dynamic board focused on accelerating innovation, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and expanding the region’s impact in emerging technologies. 

As President of SAPA Transmission and former Commanding General of U.S. Army TACOM, Werner offers decades of experience in strategic operations and manufacturing innovation. His leadership is expected to significantly advance CMURC’s mission to cultivate high-impact collaborations across industry, academia, and the defense sector—driving economic growth and technological progress throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. 

“Maj. Gen. Werner brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to innovation—both of which are core to our mission at CMU,” said CMU President Neil MacKinnon. “His role on the CMURC Board reinforces the importance of aligning academic excellence with real-world innovation and economic growth.” 

In his current role at SAPA, Werner leads defense-focused initiatives and advises multiple organizations that support education, innovation, and veteran empowerment. A proud CMU alumnus, he remains engaged with the university through mentorship programs and service on the CMU Science and Engineering Advisory Board. 

“Adding someone with such strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a deep sense of community strengthens our board significantly,” said President + CEO of CMURC Erin Strang. “Maj. Gen. Werner’s expertise in advanced mobility and manufacturing aligns seamlessly with our mission to accelerate innovation in the Great Lakes Bay Region.” 

Werner’s appointment advances two of CMURC’s top priorities: strengthening cross-sector innovation partnerships and elevating CMURC’s role as a statewide leader in entrepreneurship, technology development, and commercialization. 

The appointed will join the CMU representatives: President Neil MacKinnon; Vice President and CFO Mary Hill; Associate Vice President for Government and External Relations Toby Roth; Trustee Jeff Stoutenburg; Provost Paula Lancaster; Vice President for University Engagement and Student Affairs Shawna Patterson-Stephens; Interim Vice President for Innovation and Online Services Kaleb Patrick; and Director of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship Julie Messing. They will also serve alongside private-sector leaders Felicia Harris, Bob Johnson, Patricia Franklin-Lindsey, Melissa Skalitzky, and Dan Ward. 

As CMURC deepens its efforts to unite innovation, industry, and impact, the organization remains focused on building strategic partnerships that drive technology, entrepreneurship, and regional growth. To learn more about CMURC’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.cmurc.com.