ASU President Jim Winkel announces retirement

Winkel has served as the President of ASU since September 2013 and his remarkable career in the night vision industry spanned nearly four decades.

“Some of the greatest memories I have during my time at ASU is the outstanding friends and colleagues whom I've been privileged to work and form a relationship with," said Winkel. "My ASU family is replete with wonderful innovators, always focused on developing solutions for those whom we serve.  I'll treasure the great community we have built as well – from the ASU soccer team to our annual retreat, and the many conversations we've had because of the trust and confidence we've built with one another."

A vast knowledge in the night vision world

ASU founder Mike Atwood hired Winkel as President. Atwood previously held the role for almost two decades.

“Jim had a vast knowledge of the night vision world and his aviation background was a plus when we hired him,” said Atwood. “He has a tremendous amount of international experience and worldwide contacts gained from his previous employment.

“Through his leadership in the last seven years, ASU has grown, expanded, and entered many new markets. Jim has been a stable force during the many challenges that ASU has faced over the years. We are thankful for his time at ASU and wish him the very best.”

Winkel’s influence in the NVG industry has been seen worldwide

Winkel first began his career in Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) in 1978 as a Soldier for the US Army. In 1982, he began flying with PVS-5 goggles. Before retiring from the Army in 1998, Winkel was flying all mission profiles – formation, sling loads, air assault – at night using NVGs and with Night Vision Imaging Systems compatible aircraft lighting. It was after he retired from the Army that he formed Moon Shadow Training. He trained law enforcement pilots all over the US. 

In 1999, he joined Litton Industries, now L3Harris, full-time. With Litton, Winkel was on the development team of the M949 aviation NVG.  Around a hundred industry and military saints from North America, Australia, and Europe labored together for nearly two years to develop the standards for NVG, NVIS lighting, and NVG operations that have been adopted for use by Federal Aviation Administration and civil aviation authorities around the world. Mike Atwood was among those on the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics committee. Winkel's influence on the world of NVGs has touched military, corporate, and civilian operations worldwide.

Winkel and Atwood knew each before Winkel arrived at ASU. Their friendship and mutual respect impacted Winkel's decision to join ASU. The company plans to announce Winkel's replacement next month.