John Patten

John Patten has extensive experience in the fields of manufacturing and engineering, with a notable career spanning over four decades. Patten is currently the Founder, Owner, and President/CEO of LADD, LLC since April 2016, specializing in Laser Augmented Diamond Drilling. As a Life Member of SME since 2020, Patten has been involved since January 1986. Previously, Patten served as the Director of the Manufacturing Research Center at Western Michigan University from August 2003 to January 2020. Other significant roles include founding Micro-LAM Technologies, serving as a Professor at UNC Charlotte, and holding engineering positions at General Motors, HBA, and Mohasco. Patten holds a PhD in Precision Engineering from North Carolina State University, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Oakland University, and a BME in Manufacturing from General Motors Institute (Kettering).