MI2's Newest Team Members

We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of the Metals Innovation Initiative. Please join us in welcoming Kahlil and Drew to the MI2 family. We are energized by the opportunities to enhance our workforce, foster innovation, strengthen our brand, promote sustainability, and increase engagement. Learn more about our talented new team members below.

[Image: Kahlil e1716905912586]

Kahlil Garmon

Kahlil is a Member Engagement Specialist with the Metals Innovation Initiative. In this role, Kahlil focuses on advancing member engagement for MI2 with metals companies and value providers. His focusing on developing robust data and membership systems supports the organization in enhancing overall member value and engagement. Kahlil is also the founder of MoneyBot, an EdTech platform situated within the WKU Innovation Campus in Bowling Green, KY. MoneyBot aims to revolutionize financial literacy by leveraging artificial intelligence to provide personalized learning experiences, making financial education accessible and engaging for all. Before venturing into the educational technology space, Kahlil was the Vice President of Business Development at Jim Reynolds Asphalt. In this role, he was instrumental in driving the company's growth and expanding its market reach. Kahlil is the Spring 2024 recipient of the Buckman Prize, presented by the WKU Innovation Campus in honor of WKU Professor Emeritus and serial entrepreneur Dr. William Buckman.

[Image: Drew Sutton]

Drew Sutton

Drew leads Technology Innovation efforts for the Metals Innovation Initiative. He is a seasoned leader with a deep tech and innovation background. He began his career with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Kentucky and spent a decade on helicopter design, leading the rotors research team at Bell Helicopter for four years, earning 30 patents. He then moved into fixed-wing mission systems, software, and AI. Relocating to Kentucky to be closer to family, Drew joined Lockheed Martin as Chief Engineer for the $30 million HC-130J SACU system, managing a team of 25 and overseeing multiple engineering disciplines, supply chain strategy, and contract negotiations. Drew briefly worked with the USAF Acquisitions Office before the Air Force Research Laboratory enlisted his help in developing a system for predicting human cognitive loads during missions. He developed a pre-AI simulation framework now being adapted for Multi-agent AI simulation. Currently, Drew is a technical consultant and business coach specializing in profit generation, strategic leadership, and innovation planning. His career focuses on generating and guiding innovation through bureaucracy to achieve tangible results in the corporate world. At Metals Innovation Initiative, Drew hopes to employ his wide experience in innovation, manufacturing, and program management to see useful innovations brought to market. Specifically, he hopes to help member companies navigate the exciting future of AI and guide new technologies into sustainable niches that serve our member companies and workers for years to come.