Dr. John Keogh is the Vice President, Technology at LIFT.

Although past responsibilities included leading the full engineering team at LIFT, Dr. Keogh now focuses on guiding the future of LIFT’s technology program, strategic planning, and business development, while serving as PI on a range of large internal projects. He is currently spearheading LIFT’s Materials Informed Digital Acceleration Suite (MIDAS) for Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), further expanding AMPP, and actively developing CerMaC and HEET.

Dr. Keogh has a robust background spanning 20 years in R&D, synthetic and analytical chemistry, materials science, and various engineering disciplines, which has evolved through several pivotal roles at LIFT, from Development Engineer to his current position as Vice President of Technology.

Dr. Keogh earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from the University of Arizona, focusing on analytical, physical, and astrochemistry. He also holds an M.A. in Chemistry, and B.S. degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Molecular Cellular Biology & Molecular Biophysics. His contributions to the field are well-documented through numerous publications, speaking invitations, committee appointments, and recognitions.

Nick Johnson is the Vice President, Engineering & Operations at LIFT.

In this role, Johnson is responsible for leading the engineering team consisting of: manufacturing, robotics, and welding engineers and technicians, metallurgists, and modeling & simulation engineers, as well as all activities in the High Bay, including materials, manufacturing, metrology, and LIFT’s Advanced Metallics Production & Processing (AMPP) facility, a multimillion-dollar melt, cast, atomization, and wire drawing initiative to achieve vertical integration of the materials supply chain, supporting the rapid development and validation of new materials.

Since joining LIFT in 2022, Johnson has worked with a wide variety of alloy systems and advanced and traditional manufacturing processes supporting technical projects in both hands-on and leadership roles. Johnson also routinely and significantly contributes to LIFT’s technical growth and development, road mapping, and overall strategy, and supports marketing and business development efforts.

Johnson is an experienced leader, metallurgist, process engineer, and project manager with over 14 years of experience in industries ranging from SBQ steel bar production to various Tier 1 and 2 automotive component suppliers. He earned his B.S. and M.S. from Michigan Technological University in Materials Science and Engineering where he studied the processing and mechanical properties of cast Al-Sc-Zr-Yb alloys.

Nancy Cummins is the Vice President, Corporate Controller at LIFT.

Nancy is a Certified Public Accountant. Nancy’s focus is ensuring LIFT complies with non-profit accounting and grant regulations. She is responsible for internal and external financial reporting and oversees the annual independent audit.

Nancy received her CPA license in 2013 and has more than 15 years of professional experience in accounting and finance. Prior to joining LIFT, Nancy worked as an audit manager at the second largest accounting firm in Michigan for 8 years with specialties in non-profit and benefit plan audits.

Nancy received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, and a Master’s of Science in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University. She serves on two non-profit boards in the Detroit area.

Sherri Diehl is the Vice President, Program Controller at LIFT.

Diehl is a Certified Project Management Professional and Government Financial Manager. Her focus at LIFT is contract management, program financial controls, and compliance. She is responsible for ensuring adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements and optimizing program performance.

Diehl has over 30 years of professional experience in finance. Prior to joining LIFT, she provided support and oversight in program and contract management as well as the development of methodologies, processes and tools that have aided organizations in their development, consolidation and reorganization of financial management activities.

Diehl began her career with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and served as a Financial Management Solution Area Leader. She led teams of consultants on financial management projects focused on process improvement, process re-engineering, financial audits and account reconciliation.

Diehl received her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Ohio State University.

Grant Horne is a distinguished business development executive and engineering leader with over three decades of experience advancing the automotive, advanced manufacturing, and mobility sectors. As Vice President of Business Development at LIFT in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Horne directs all Government and Department of Defense commercial relationships, spearheads strategic consulting initiatives, and manages large, multidisciplinary teams driving innovation in lightweight materials and next-generation manufacturing technologies.

Prior to joining LIFT, Mr. Horne was Senior Director of Business Development at AVL Powertrain Engineering Inc., overseeing growth initiatives across Passenger Car OEM, Tier 1, and Tier 2 clients. He led large, high-performing teams in delivering powertrain (conventional and electrified), new energy, mobility, ADAS/AV, and vehicle integration solutions. Mr. Horne has consistently secured significant new business, and earned the trust of global customers through strategic relationship-building and negotiation.

Mr. Horne’s career encompasses global account development, complex project delivery, and hands-on engineering leadership, with experience engaging stakeholders Globally. His background includes managing large engineering teams, end-to-end program management, full engine design and validation, critical containment planning, and delivering high-profile technical projects at companies such as Jaguar Land Rover and AVL.

With dual citizenship in the United States and United Kingdom, Mr. Horne brings an international perspective to addressing contemporary business challenges. His academic credentials include a Master of Engineering in Engineering Business Management from the University of Warwick and a Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering with Management from Edinburgh Napier University.
Mr. Horne’s core competencies include strategic business development and leadership, advanced automotive and mobility technology solutions, major account management and commercial negotiation, engineering team management and multidisciplinary project delivery, as well as new product development and critical containment.

He is known for his integrity, results-driven leadership, and innovative approach to solving complex technical and commercial problems. He has consistently been entrusted with critical business functions, recognized for driving transformation, and leading teams to exceed organizational objectives.

Christine Longroy is the Vice President, Business Development at LIFT.

With a passion for creating meaningful impact and a dedication to excellence, Longroy is a driving force behind Industrial Base development at LIFT.

Prior to her role at LIFT, Longroy held various positions with SME, Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Her reputation for fostering collaboration, building lasting relationships, and driving sustainable growth is a testament to her dedication to manufacturing.
Longroy leverages her extensive experience and expertise to lead transformative initiatives that connect manufacturers within technology and innovation. With a career spanning over two decades, Longroy has cultivated a deep understanding of manufacturing and its interplay between technology, business, and collaboration. Her visionary leadership has consistently driven success in building and nurturing partnerships that foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and create value for all stakeholders.

Longroy holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University and is a member of the SME.