NDIA honors DBS' Ortiz for work on trusted microelectronics group

Catherine Ortiz of Defined Business Solutions accepts NDIA's silver medal from Senior Vice President Frank Michael during the Trusted Microelectronics Joint Working Group meeting, held recently at Northrop Grumman's Arlington, VA, offices.

Catherine Ortiz, president and founder of Defined Business Solutions of Washington, was honored Wednesday by the National Defense Industrial Association during its seventh Trusted Microelectronics Joint Working Group, which met at Northrop Grumman Corp.’s Arlington, VA, offices.

Ortiz was recognized for her contributions to the trusted microelectronics arena and her leadership of the group specifically. Frank Michael, NDIA’s senior vice president for program development, awarded Ortiz with the organization’s silver medal, which is given for superior leadership and service.

“Kaye is among the hardest working volunteers we have,” Michael said. “She is a wonderful person with boundless energy. She tirelessly gives of herself and her time to help NDIA in our mission to advance the defense industrial base.” 

Ortiz said she was surprised by the honor, giving a nod to the team leaders, members, and advisory board of the Trusted Microelectronics Joint Working Group. She thanked NDIA, which she said has been “a very good partner in addressing issues” within the industry and the Defense Department.

“When I see a critical issue that really needs focus from industry and government, NDIA has always been able to accommodate a forum for discussion and problem solving around that issue,” Ortiz said. “That’s a great value to the community.”

In 1995, Ortiz founded DBS, a management consulting firm that helps businesses with expansion, targeted marketing, acquisitions, strategic reorganization, and partnerships, particularly federal agencies. She is a business development expert who has spent more than 25 years in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, and security arenas.