President and CEOMidwest Research Institute
As President and Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Research Institute, Dr. Helmstetter guides a staff of 2,800 scientists and other professionals performing research in more than 48 scientific and technical disciplines, including the field of energy at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. MRI has managed and operated NREL since its inception in 1977.
Dr. Helmstetter became President and CEO in 2009, having served MRI as Executive Vice President and Director of Research Operations. In that position, he participated in the planning, development, and implementation of MRI’s strategic operating goals. Dr. Helmstetter managed MRI’s divisions located throughout the U.S. including MRI’s Kansas City, Missouri, headquarters, as well as several major laboratories in Florida and Maryland.
Dr. Helmstetter previously served as Senior Vice President and Director of Research Operations, and prior to that served (respectively) as MRI’s Director of Technical Operations and as MRI’s Director of East Coast Operations—encompassing MRI’s divisions in Florida and Maryland. His efforts were instrumental in the growth and stability of the Florida Division, where he provided overall direction to this state-of-the-art, nationally recognized biodefense research laboratory. He played a key role in MRI’s quick-start establishment of the National Capital Region Division in Rockville, Maryland, a critical laboratory serving the greater Washington, D.C., area.