Richard
Bernstein retired from BAI Aerosystems (BAI), a
company he founded to fill a void in the emerging
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) market to serve military
needs. The company’s products include an array of
aircraft, avionics, and sensors, as well as support
equipment and services. BAI’s products are used
throughout the world by the U.S. military and its
allies. BAI was acquired by L-3 Communications
Corporation in December 2004.
Mr. Bernstein’s entrepreneurial
talents were first demonstrated in 1970 when he founded
K&L Microwave, Inc., a producer of RF / electronic
components used in defense, space and communications
equipment. He served as the President and CEO for more
than 20 years, building K&L from a small start-up
business with one employee to the world’s largest
supplier of microwave components, with over 500
employees. In 1983, K&L Microwave was acquired by Dover
Corporation, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate. The
growth and success of K&L spawned the expanding
technology industrial base on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
The electronics manufacturing industry that he launched
in 1970 has grown into an industry that provides
employment for more than 1,800 workers. Maryland’s
Eastern Shore’s industrial base now contributes more
than $200 million aggregately to the local economy.
Mr. Bernstein’s current business
interests include Salisbury, Inc., which produces pewter
and silver giftware; Machining Technologies, Inc (MaTech),
which specializes in high-tech fabrication for the
defense industry; Waterside Village, a mixed-use
shopping and commercial center in Talbot County; and REB
Holdings, Inc., a private investment company.
Richard Bernstein was born in
Shamokin, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Chincoteague,
Virginia. He attended the Virginia Military Institute,
earned an undergraduate degree from Salisbury State
University, a Master’s in Business Management from
Purdue University, and has been awarded honorary
doctorates from both the University of Maryland Eastern
Shore and Salisbury State University. He holds a
Professional Engineering License in Manufacturing
Management. He is a private pilot with commercial,
instrument and multi-engine ratings.
Mr. Bernstein and his wife, Ellen,
reside in Oxford, Maryland.
Mr. Bernstein’s civic and corporate
honors include:
- Maryland’s Entrepreneur of the
Year 2004 Award from Ernst & Young
- Albert Einstein Aerospace
Technology Award 2003
- Washington College Board of
Visitors
- INC. Magazine’s Top 500
Privately-Held Companies
- Maryland’s Small Business
Person of The Year
- Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers Centennial Medal
Updated September 8, 2007
Related Links:
>Richard Bernstein Biography
>Important Dates and News
>Competition Forms
>Past Winners
>Contact Information
Back to Top
