Martin Lancaster Elected Chairman of the Defense/Aerospace Advisory Committee

Raleigh NC (January 5, 2010) – Martin Lancaster, a lawyer with Smith Anderson, has been elected Chairman of the Defense/Aerospace Aviation Advisory Committee for North Carolina’s Eastern Region (NCER). As Chairman, he will lead the committee’s efforts to build the defense/aerospace industry in North Carolina.

Lancaster’s work with Smith Anderson focuses on Corporate Relocations and Expansions and Life Sciences. He joined the firm after retiring as president of the North Carolina Community College System, a post he held since 1997. Mr. Lancaster’s other public service includes serving as Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 until 1995 and as Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for the preceding eight years. In Congress Lancaster served on the Armed Services, Small Business, Agriculture, and Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committees; in the North Carolina House, he Chaired the Judiciary Committee.

The Defense/Aerospace Advisory Committee will serve as a think tank regarding opportunities and strategies for building the defense/aerospace industry as well as address workforce education issues as they apply to that industry. The committee will focus on creating networks to promote collaboration among government, industry and academia to facilitate the sharing of resources and expertise needed to encourage the growth of the industry in North Carolina.

About Smith Anderson

Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P. is the largest Triangle-based law firm and one of the largest in North Carolina. Representing diverse organizations with local, state, national and international interests, our lawyers focus on building and strengthening relationships by understanding our clients' businesses and customizing our legal solutions accordingly. Our commitment to our clients also extends to our community and profession.