New York State renews contract with CACT; David Gottfried promoted to director

David Gottfried

The Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) at Alfred University has been renewed for four years with a new $5 million contract from New York State, Gabrielle Gaustad '04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University has announced. In addition, Gaustad said David Gottfried has been promoted to director of the CACT, effective July 1.

Gottfried, who had served as the CACT's deputy director since 2016, takes over for John Simmins '84, PhD '90, who has been named director of the University's new GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Lab. Gottfried will continue to perform many of his same duties from his role as deputy director, and will continue to serve as the University's government relations manager.

"My role will be to ensure that the CACT is delivering on its stated mission and goals as outlined in our contract with the state and in alignment with our strategic plan," Gottfried said. The CACT, which has operated in the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University since 1987, is one of 15 Centers for Advanced Technology in New York State created to speed technology transfer from universities to the marketplace. CACT also serves as the University's primary point-of-contact for industry seeking technical support and applied research, primarily in the areas of ceramics and glass.

"CACT works to provide industrial partners access to Alfred University research, faculty, students, and unique technical capabilities. This in turn supports New York State's technical ceramic and glass sectors, resulting in significant economic impacts statewide," Gottfried said, noting that last year, CACT clients self-reported over $9 million in total economic impacts, resulting from their work with CACT and the University.

The CACT's new $5 million contract from Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028. Funding from NYSTAR supports, among other initiatives, the CACT's efforts to grow glass and ceramic manufacturing in New York State through the acquisition of materials and equipment used in research; funding of student internships in relevant industry; and creating workforce development and industrial training opportunities. CACT also works to develop partnerships with industry to secure federal research grants in the areas of ceramics and glass.

Since joining Alfred University eight years ago, "David has made tremendous contributions to the CACT, including growing industrial and workforce programs and tireless government advocacy resulting in funding increases for all New York State Centers (for Advanced Technology)," remarked Gaustad. "David is also working to raise the level of recognition of Alfred University and the New York State College of Ceramics within the state and federal governments, building broad support for the University's priorities and investments."

Gottfried will continue to serve as the University's manager of University Government Relations, a position to which he was appointed in July 2023. He supports Gaustad, in her role as associate provost for research, in securing support for externally funded projects and enhancing research, and leading efforts to seek additional financial support from local, state, and federal funding sources, increased New York State College of Ceramics allocations, enhanced State Construction Fund contributions, and local and state budget opportunities.

Gottfried has also been engaged in several community development activities, from writing-in partnership with the Village of Alfred-a winning Community Smart Growth grant application that received funding of $2.5 million in 2018, to currently serving on the Alfred Strategic Planning Committee.

Prior to joining Alfred University, Gottfried served from 2004-16 as manager, Government and Community Affairs, for SUNY Polytechnic Institute's Smart System Technology and Commercialization Center. SUNY Polytechnic's STC was a NYSTAR-funded New York State Center of Excellence focused on micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication, packaging and testing, located in Canandaigua, NY. He has an Associate of Science degree in business administration from Finger Lakes Community College and a B.S. degree in philosophy from University of Rochester.