PROVIDENCE, RI — Mahr Federal has announced that Donald A. Pearson II has joined Mahr Federal as General Manager of Mahr-ESDI, Tucson. Pearson will report directly to Mahr Federal President Tony Picone in his new role.

"With nearly 30 years experience in the optics and photonics industries, Don Pearson has a wide breadth of knowledge in optical and electro-optical systems, fiber optic communications, optical manufacturing, optical metrology, lasers and laser platforms, and optoelectronics," said Tony Picone. "Don's sound technical expertise and strong business acumen have allowed him to succeed in many diverse roles and organizations."

Mahr-ESDI is a globally recognized leader in providing innovative metrology solutions for astronomical, aerospace, bio-medical, optical fabrication, data storage, and production metrology applications. Mahr-ESDI products include Fizeau, Shearing, sub-Nyquist and "real time" vibration insensitive interferometers; the world-renowned IntelliWave interferometric analysis software; interferometer accessories & upgrades; and custom metrology solutions.

Pearson was previously the president and CEO of the three TRIOPTICS GmbH companies: TRIOPTICS USA, Davidson Optronics, and Wells Research, all based in the USA. His career has included roles as an Optical Scientist, Senior Engineer, Development Engineer, Test Engineering Manager, Marketing Manager, VP of Sales & Marketing, and CEO. During his tenure, Pearson was instrumental for many of the program successes realized by top-tiered organizations such as SAIC, McDonnell Douglas, CTS Microelectronics, and Lucent Technologies. He has also realized many successes at smaller and start-up organizations such as OptoLynx and Opto Technology.

Pearson has a BS from the University of Houston in Electro-Optic Engineering and an MBA in international business and Marketing from Maryville University in St. Louis. In addition, he successfully completed an Executive Development Program in Strategic Planning through Michigan State's Eli Broad School of executive management. Pearson is a long-term active member in OSA, SPIE, ASPE, and APOMA. He currently sits on the OSA's Industry Council and was a previous board member of the Optical Society of Southern California. Pearson has one US patent, and has authored and delivered multiple presentations on the topics of aspheric metrology and advanced interferometry at numerous conferences and technical meetings.

For more information, visit www.mahr.com.