Dan Rhoades, a longtime advocate for innovation and community development in Middle Georgia, has been named one of just three national Defense Community Champions by the Association of Defense Communities, an honor sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. This prestigious recognition highlights Rhoades’ exceptional leadership in strengthening defense communities and advancing regional innovation.

Rhoades played a pivotal role in the early development of Georgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing (Georgia AIM), where he spearheaded the connection between the initiative and the 21st Century Partnership. As the Georgia AIM coalition developed, so did Rhoades’ vision to enhance regional efforts to support Robins Air Force Base and the local economy through K-12 robotics programs.

But, Rhoades’ leadership extends beyond the classroom, recognizing that K-12 robotics and STEM education boost economic development. Under his guidance, Georgia AIM funding has combined with additional state and local investments to support mobile science labs, technology boot camps, high school robotics teams, and innovation fairs. So far, the Middle Georgia project has reached nearly 2,000 students, many in rural areas.

“Georgia AIM is about more than machines and algorithms—it’s about people,” Rhoades said. “We’re building a future where every student, every worker, and every community has a place in the innovation economy.”

This commitment to education and workforce development is one of the reasons the Association of Defense Communities selected Rhoades for national recognition. As the association noted:

“The initiatives Mr. Rhoades helped spearhead resulted in a wave of innovation throughout Middle Georgia, transforming the region into a hub of localized creativity and entrepreneurship.”

Rhoades’ work continues to shape the region’s future. Now serving as president of the Museum of Aviation Foundation, he is pursuing the creation of a national STEM academy and expanded training programs for local educators. His efforts exemplify how visionary leadership can drive lasting impact across education, industry, and defense.