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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
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From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
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I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
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Summit Interconnect Welcomes Leo LaCroix as Vice President of Aerospace & Defense Operations
February 21, 2025 | Summit Interconnect, Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
Summit Interconnect, a leading provider of advanced printed circuit board (PCB) solutions, is pleased to announce that Leo LaCroix has joined the company as Vice President of Aerospace & Defense Operations. In this role, LaCroix will oversee operational strategy, customer engagement, and manufacturing excellence for Summit’s aerospace and defense-focused facilities, driving continued growth and innovation in the sector.
LaCroix brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments, with deep expertise in PCB technologies, operations management, and supply chain optimization. He has successfully led multi-facility teams across North America and Asia, spearheading initiatives in lean manufacturing, process improvement, and advanced technology development.
“Leo’s extensive experience in PCB manufacturing, coupled with his proven ability to drive operational excellence, makes him a tremendous addition to the leadership team at Summit Interconnect,” said Shane Whiteside, CEO of Summit Interconnect. “As we continue to strengthen our partnerships within the A&D industry, his leadership will be instrumental in enhancing our capabilities and delivering outstanding value to our customers.”
Prior to joining Summit Interconnect, LaCroix served as Executive Vice President of the Circuits Division at Firan Technology Group, where he was instrumental in integrating and optimizing the company’s U.S.-based facilities. His leadership resulted in significant revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and strategic positioning within the aerospace and defense sector. He also held senior leadership roles at Sanmina Corporation and Viasystems, where he was instrumental in driving profitability, securing major defense contracts, and advancing PCB manufacturing capabilities.
LaCroix expressed his enthusiasm for joining Summit Interconnect, stating: “I am excited to be part of a company that is committed to innovation and excellence in PCB manufacturing. Summit Interconnect has a strong reputation for best-in-class solutions, and I look forward to working with this outstanding team to drive continuous process improvements, expand our technological capabilities, and exceed our customers’ expectations.”
LaCroix holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economy and Policy Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a concentration in International Business and multiple professional certifications in supply and operations management, including a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
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Summit Interconnect Marks 10 Years of Precision Manufacturing
04/03/2026 | Summit Interconnect, Inc.Summit Interconnect, the largest privately held printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer in North America, marks its tenth anniversary, a milestone that reflects a decade of bold acquisitions, pioneering technology investments, and an enduring mission: to enable customer success through the highest-reliability PCB manufacturing on the continent.
My Top 7 Takeaways from APEX EXPO 2026
04/03/2026 | Chris Mitchell, VP of Global Government Relations, Global Electronics AssociationI’m back from APEX EXPO 2026 in Anaheim, California, and it was another great year. Even amid significant global volatility, the industry is growing, innovating, and building partnerships. As I reflect on the experience, I want to share my top 7 takeaways and explain why each matters. First is this year’s Advanced Electronics Packaging Conference (AEPC) , which delivered outstanding, peer-reviewed content and strong participation, reflecting how central advanced electronics packaging has become across the industry.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
02/27/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007 MagazineIt’s time for my five must-reads featured this past week. The global economy is still reeling from last Friday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that most tariffs imposed under IEEPA by President Trump are unconstitutional. In other news, with APEX EXPO just two weeks away, we're featuring the first three Real Time with... pre-show sponsor interviews: Remtec, Burkle North America, and KYZEN. These are insightful and forward-thinking interviews about what you can expect to see at the show this year. Please check them out!
Growing an Engineer: Meet Emerging Engineer Julian Vega
02/25/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007 MagazineJulian Vega started as a 17-year-old intern who rose to planning supervisor at Summit Interconnect in just seven years, and credits the Global Electronics Association’s Emerging Engineer program for fueling his passion and accelerating his career journey. In this interview, Julian shares how the program expanded his technical perspective, connected him with industry leaders, and helped shape his vision for the future.
Siemens Wins Best of Show Award for ‘Packaging: Design’ at 2026 Chiplet Summit
02/23/2026 | SiemensSiemens has won in the “Packaging: Design” category at the 2026 Chiplet Summit Best of Show Awards for its Innovator3D IC™ solution.