Message from the President

Kenneth Bassey

I was introduced to the American Technion Society by my parents, who themselves are long-time members. My interest in ATS was deeply seated in my own pursuit of a high-tech career, along with a personal interest in technology and, of course, my desire to support the State of Israel. My commitment to ATS was cemented by the opportunity to travel to Israel on an ATS mission many years ago as a junior executive.

As president of ATS – Detroit, my priorities include expanding participation among new members by sharing the news emanating from the Technion of technical, defense, and medical breakthroughs that are beneficial to our local community and all of society.

Ken Bassey is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saphran, Inc., a high tech software company serving the automotive industry. Having served in strategic planning, sales and account management, forecasting, and marketing capacities, his experience includes managing relationships on behalf of top tier automotive suppliers with Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and the North American operations of multiple Japanese OEMs.

Ken is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. He is a lifetime member of the Detroit Economic Club.

Local Leadership Council

Kenneth Bassey, President
Sharyl Ackerman
Mark Adler
Arline Bittker
Cyma Carn
Barbara Cohn
Terry Cross
Cathy Deutchman*
Eric Dobrusin*
Adam Finkel

Zelda Gechter
David Jaffa
Sue Ellen Kaufman
Bernard Kent
Linda Kovan
Marshall Lasser
Scott Leemaster*
Debbie Levin
Deborah Livneh

Leslie Magy
Jerold Minkin
Richard Minkin
Jill Neuvirth
Yan Stewart
Carolyn Tisdale
Janis Wetsman
Andi Wolfe*
Marla Zwas

*National Board of Directors Member

Professor Shai Shen-Orr with a student looking at a laptop in a Technion lab.

Technion Fund

The Technion is contributing to Israel and the global good in unprecedented ways, and it depends on people like you to ensure its continued advancement as a world-class institution of higher education.

The Technion Fund will help ensure that our supporters have access to a broad array of opportunities for engagement at all levels. The Fund will support the entire ecosystem necessary to maintain the Technion’s distinctive strengths.

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Join Us at Local Events

Hear firsthand from Technion experts about breakthroughs that are advancing science, medicine and technology worldwide. We hold a variety of events at synagogues, campuses and festive Detroit venues, sometimes in collaboration with partners such as Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association.

See Past Events

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Planned Giving

Have you considered the Technion in your estate planning? The American Technion Society's support of Technion facilities, research, faculty, and students has led to discoveries that have made life better for people around the world. Be part of that legacy. A planned gift can lower your tax bill, increase your income and your heirs’ inheritance, and unlock value in your real estate. We invite you to join our Genesis Circle.

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Learn About the History of the ATS – Detroit

This is a history. It is written to inform rather than to entertain, but many will find drama and perhaps even humor in some of these tales. It is not meant to be propaganda, but it does tell a story of dedication, devotion, idealism, and achievement on the part of the many men and women whose activities, in effect, constitute the Detroit Story.