Martin J. “Marty” Mechsner was a driving force behind the development of robotics teams and leagues in Southern California. He supported local initiatives and played a key role in the inaugural VEX World Championship at CSUN. Long before it gained national recognition as a critical need, he championed workforce development.

Mechsner served as president and CEO of the Small Manufacturers’ Institute (SMI), president of Schober’s Machine and Engineering (SME), and adjunct professor of Technology and Mechanical Engineering at California State University, Los Angeles. He was also General Manager and Chief Engineer of the Fabrication Division at IMS.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mechsner worked as a consulting engineer for Advanced Entertainment Technologies and Hydraulic Press Engineers. He advised on aerospace engineering at El Camino Community College and previously represented high-tech small businesses on the Los Angeles County Community Development Corporation’s loan committee. As the only West Coast educator certified by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers to instruct Certified Manufacturing Technologist and Engineer courses, he taught electronics, manufacturing, and robotics at several colleges, including El Camino College, Pierce College, LA Valley College, San Bernardino Valley College, Mt. San Antonio College, Chaffey College, and West Hills College.