Meet the GaMEP Team

Larry Alford connects companies in his region to the resources of GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and our partners. He manages the South Metro Atlanta Advanced Manufacturing Consortium and serves as the industry liaison for the Georgia Consortium for Advanced Technical Training (GA CATT) program.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Managing for Daily Improvement, Workforce Development, Apprenticeship Programs.

Education: MBA from Columbus State University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University.

David Apple’s primary focus is to successfully implement lean strategies and management while guiding companies to develop and sustain a culture of continuous improvement.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, Employee Engagement in Continuous Improvement, Culture Change, SMED.

Education: MBA from Georgia State University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Cassia Baker helps manufacturers improve their cyber hygiene and support their work toward Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).

Expertise: Cybersecurity, Cyber Hygiene, CMMC Gap Assessments and Project Implementation, Economic Development, Project Management.

Education: B.A. in International Relations and Art History from Lake Forest College.

Michael Barker works to help manufacturers understand cybersecurity and how to improve their overall cyber hygiene and resiliency. He also assists manufacturers who need to certify to DoD CMMC 2.0 requirements. Michael comes to GaMEP with more than 20 years of experience in network, information, and operational security.

Expertise: Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Governance, Risk, Compliance, Audit, Resiliency Planning, Root Cause Analysis, Digital Forensics.

Education: M.S. in Information Security Management and Graduate Certificate in Information Security Analysis from the University of Fairfax, B. in Nuclear Engineering from Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing a DScIT in Information Technology / Cybersecurity from Middle Georgia State University.

Jay Boudreaux provides support and coordination for GaMEP's processes and operations.

Expertise: Customer Service, Event Logistics, Operations.

Education: B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston.

Ben Cheeks connects manufacturers in his region to the services of GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and our partners.

Expertise: Leadership Development, Culture Change, Strategic Business Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Transition, Warehouse Distribution, Supply Chain, Plant Management, ERP Systems.

Education: MBA from Indiana University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in International Business from the International School of Management.

Jason Clarke uses his 20 years of experience working in operations, engineering, and project management to help manufacturers successfully implement continuous improvement and sustainability programs.

Expertise: Energy Management, Integrated Management Systems, Strategic Planning, Sustainability Strategy, Energy Systems, Plant Layout and Design, Plant Management, Technical Personnel Management, Plant Maintenance, Electrical Design, Innovation, Project Management, Problem Solving.

Education: MBA from Kennesaw State University, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University. Certified Energy Manager, Distributed Generation Certified Professional, Existing Building Commissioning Professional. Certified Practitioner in Energy Management Systems.

Drawing on 20 years of industry experience, Craig Cochran consults, writes, and speaks on management, problem solving, and quality. He is the author of several books on quality and management, including ISO 9001:2015 in Plain English and Internal Auditing in Plain English: A Simple Guide to Super Effective ISO Audits.

Expertise: Quality, ISO 9001, Auditing, Problem Solving, Integrated Management Systems, Leadership Development, Culture Change.

Education: MBA from the University of Tennessee, B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Professional certifications from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and Exemplar Global.

Sam Darwin helps companies initiate and sustain successful lean manufacturing programs and provides logistics expertise.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Scheduling Systems, Sales and Operations Planning, Plant Layout and Design, Plant Management, Supply Chain, Warehouse and Distribution, Leadership Development.

Education: M.S. in Management from Georgia State University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University. Professional Engineer, Certified Logistics Professional.

Katerina Dimovski provides technical assistance to manufacturers in the areas of energy management and sustainability. She has an extensive background in implementing energy management systems at large enterprises, having worked as an energy manager in the steel industry and served as an energy management consultant for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Expertise: Energy Management Systems, ISO 50001, Energy Auditing, Alternative Energy, Environmental Management Systems, ISO 14001, OHSAS 45001, Sustainability Strategy.

Education: M.S. in Industrial Process Engineering from Saints Cyril and Methodius University, B.S. in Automation and Computer System Engineering from Saints Cyril and Methodius University.

Sandra Enciso helps organizations develop and implement environmental, health, and safety management systems to achieve certification under ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. She also provides technical assistance to companies by evaluating environmental regulatory requirements and managing the Pollution Prevention Program through the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia.

Expertise: Environmental Compliance, Water/Wastewater Treatment, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC), Toxic Release Inventory (TRI).

Education: M.S. in Environmental Resources Management from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the American University in Colombia. Certified ISO 14001:2015 Lead Auditor.

Bogna Grabicka works with manufacturers to help them achieve environmental compliance and provides assistance with sustainability projects. She specializes in hazardous waste material handling, storage, and safety.

Expertise: Environmental Compliance, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), Chemical Hygiene, Sustainability, Green Chemistry.

Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Kent State University, M.Sc. in Environmental Protection from Poznan University of Technology, Studied Environmental Engineering at Poznan University of Technology.

Kelly Grissom works with companies on a variety of energy and environmental projects, to help them save money on energy costs and increase their sustainability. He is also the associate director of the Georgia- North Florida Industrial Assessment Center.

Expertise: Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Systems (Steam, compressed air, process heating, chilled water, pumps & fans), Renewable Energy.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Earth and Atmospheric Science from Georgia Tech, Engineer-In-Training (EIT) Certified.

Jasmyn Green provides administrative support for GaMEP and assists with the coordination of professional education training courses.

Expertise: Customer Service, Administrative Support, Event Coordination, Scheduling.

Education:  B.A. in Sociology from the University of New Orleans.

Randy Green leads the Energy and Sustainability team. He oversees the development, transfer, and adoption of energy and environmental best practices and innovations in industry and commercial buildings. In addition, he provides technical assistance, training, and assessment services to manufacturers, and has also authored several software tools to support energy management systems.

Expertise: Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Assessments, E3: Lean and Green, ISO 50001, Water Conservation, Sustainability Strategy, Industrial Energy Systems (Compressed Air, Steam, Pumping), Wastewater Treatment, Lighting, Investigative Analysis.

Education: MBA from Georgia State University, BME from Georgia Tech. U.S. Department of Energy Certified System Specialist in Steam and Pumping systems, ISO 50001 Lead Auditor, SEP Performance Verifier, Certified Practitioner in EnMS Industrial.

As part of the Strategy and Leadership Development team, Adam Hayes works with clients to ensure their vision and strategic priorities are achieved and sustained. He draws on his previous experience as an accomplished executive and registered professional engineer with experience in manufacturing operations, facility management, product development, continuous improvement, and supply chain management.

Expertise: Strategy, Business Development, Leadership, Team Building, Culture Direction, Regulatory Compliance, Financial Management, New Product Integration, Lean Manufacturing.

Education: MBA from Kennesaw State University, M.S. in Geophysical Sciences from Georgia Tech, B.S. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University.

Andy Helm specializes in leadership development and executive coaching.  He works with his clients to instill a positive leadership culture, improve employee engagement, and help them become their community’s, “Employer of Choice”. He also draws on his previous experiences as a serial entrepreneur to help clients grow their businesses by developing new products and services or by entering new markets.

Expertise: Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Innovation, Strategic Business Planning.

Education: MBA from the University of Central Florida, B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida.

Dean Hettenbach helps clients turn technology, supply chain, and manufacturing strategies into deliverables that impact how clients operate, scale, and compete. He utilizes knowledge gained through his past experience delivering solutions across a diverse customer base of start-ups, emerging growth, and Fortune 500 companies, including manufacturers of all types and in many different verticals.

Expertise: Manufacturing Technology, Supply Chain, MedTech, Manufacturing Process, Strategy Development, Project Management.

Education: M.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Missouri, Certificate in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Georgia Tech.

Katie Hines uses her extensive experience in manufacturing engineering and quality management to drive process improvement efforts and provide cutting edge solutions for manufacturing companies throughout Georgia.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Process Optimization, Problem Solving, Value Stream Mapping, Occupational Safety, Ergonomics.

Education: M.S. in Chemical Engineering, B.S. in Polymer and Fiber Engineering, and Graduate Certificate in Occupational Safety and Ergonomics from Auburn University.

Dr. Henry B. (Hank) Hobbs provides a broad range of industrial services that enable business and manufacturing companies in his region to grow and stay competitive.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Leadership, Workforce Development.

Education: Ph.D. in Adult, Career, and Technical Education from Valdosta State University, M.S. in Technology and Industrial Management from Georgia Southern University, B.S. in Technology and Industrial Management from Georgia Southern University. Certified Economic Developer Trainer, Graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development.

Kelley Hundt connects companies in her region to the resources of GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and our partners.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ERP Systems.

Education: MBA from the University of Memphis, B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Raine oversees the marketing efforts for the GaMEP Professional Education Training Courses. She also serves as Marketing Strategist for the Safety, Health, and Environmental Services (SHES) Group and Southeastern Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (SETAAC), programs of the Industry Services division of the Enterprise Innovation Institute.

Expertise: Marketing, Project Management, Social Media, Business Development.

Education: B.A. in Marketing and Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Tim Israel directs the GaMEP and guides the program's efforts to advance Georgia manufacturing.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management Systems, Supplier Development.

Education: M.S. and B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Megan Johnson communicates with manufacturers about the services provided by GaMEP and manages the Manufacturing Growth Meeting Series.

Expertise: Event Marketing, Event Coordination, Social Media, Email Marketing.

Education: B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Alabama.

Ieasha Jones plans and supports training, educational, and networking events around the state.

Expertise: Event Planning, Project Management.

Education: Certified Professional in Catering and Events, Certified Meetings Professional.

Caley Landau oversees the marketing and outreach efforts for the GaMEP.

Expertise: Marketing Strategy, Project Management, Event Coordination, Content Development, Email Marketing.

Education: B.S. in Business Administration and Mass Communication from the University of Florida.

Sean Madhavaraman utilizes his 17 years of process engineering and advanced manufacturing experience as well as his passion for technology to serve as the GaMEP Industry 4.0 expert. He has a proven track record of utilizing data, communication, and organizational skills to deliver key business objectives through alignment and next generation technology.

Expertise: Process Automation, Process Control, Process Engineering, Manufacturing IT/OT, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Program & Project Management.

Education: M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Madurai Kamaraj University, Six Sigma Certified.

Melody McElwee provides workforce assistance and supports credentialing of energy management personnel. She also supports management of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group for ISO TC 301 (ISO 50001).

Expertise: Energy Management Personnel Certification, including ISO 50001 and SEP programs.

Education: B.S. in Geology from Austin Peay State University.

Vance Merritt works with manufacturing companies on process improvement projects designed to solve problems, increase efficiency, decrease waste, and improve communication. He draws on his 30 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles including plant manager, production manager, and quality manager, to provide insight and expertise to help them reach their goals.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Process Stability, Lean Six Sigma, Leading Cross-Functional Teams.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Bill Nusbaum provides technical assistance to area industries and supports Georgia Tech’s economic development efforts via training, research, and on-site assistance.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing and Transformation, E3: Lean Green, Problem Solving.

Education: M.S. in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas, Austin, B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University. Member of the Board of Examiners for the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

As Associate Director, Don Pital oversees the development and implementation of operational processes and strategy for the GaMEP. He helps secure and manage funding and leads internal process improvement efforts to allow the GaMEP team to meet client needs and reach long-term goals.

Expertise: Business Transition, Innovation, Product Development, Project Management, Cybersecurity.

Education: M.S. and B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from Georgia Tech. Certified Business Growth Coach.

Olivia Pitts specializing in implementing Quality Management Systems and completing other quality-related projects for manufacturers throughout the state. She utilizes knowledge gained through her extensive work experience in quality management in the printing and chemical manufacturing industries. She holds multiple certifications in quality management, is a certified Project Management Professional, and has a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

Expertise: Quality Auditor, Organizational Excellence, Project Management, Certified Lead Auditor ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Education: Bachelor of Science - Printing Management from Georgia Southern University.

Elliot Price provides technical and managerial assistance to manufacturing and service industries, and connects them to additional resources to help them succeed.

Expertise: Plant Management, Quality Systems, Business Transition, Project Management, Strategic Business Planning, Leadership Development, Culture Change, Root Cause Analysis.

Education: MBA from Augusta College, B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Exemplar Global certified Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified Quality Manager.

Bill Ritsch helps Georgia manufacturers improve company culture and processes through lean implementation, training, and making connections to additional resources to help them succeed.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Culture Change, Leadership Development.

Education: MBA from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Tom Sammon helps manufacturing companies identify and implement technology applications and best practices to improve their operations.

Expertise: Automation, Robotics, Conveyor Systems, Equipment Design, Lean Manufacturing, Plant Layout and Design, Plant Management, Project Management, Problem Solving.

Education: M.S. in Management of Technology from Georgia Tech, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Southern Polytechnic State University.

Delaney Spicer manages digital marketing projects for GaMEP and delivers marketing services projects for manufacturing clients.

Expertise: Marketing Automation, Website Development, Content Development, Email Marketing, Social Media.

Education: B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies – Art and Communication Studies from the University of Central Florida.

Charity Stevens connects manufacturers in her region to the services of GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and our partners.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Plant Layout and Design, Plant Management, Total Productive Maintenance, Leadership Development, Culture Change, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis.

Education: B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Jennifer Stone works with GaMEP project managers and region managers to develop effective traditional and on-line training course materials.

Expertise: Instructional Design, Educational Computing Technologies, Social Media, Moodle.

Education: Ed. S. in Instructional Design from the University of West Georgia, M.S. in Educational Computing Technologies, B.S. in Elementary Education and Psychology from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Moodle Learning Management System certification.

Mike Stonecipher leads the Strategy and Leadership Development team. He specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, and managing projects that will enable top-line growth and deliver bottom-line results through process innovation, team development, and lean implementation. He also connects automotive manufacturing companies to resources at GaMEP and Georgia Tech as part of the GaMEP Automotive Manufacturing Initiative.

Expertise: Plant Management, Strategic Business Planning, Leadership Development, Problem Solving, Lean Manufacturing, Tech Scouting, Automotive Industry.

Education: MBA from Brenau University, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, Lean Enterprise training through the Lean Design Institute at UT Knoxville, Finance for Executives training through Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Katie Takacs manages the marketing services program for GaMEP, which helps small and mid-size manufacturers with their strategic marketing efforts. In addition, she oversees the marketing and outreach efforts of the Industry Services programs within the Enterprise Innovation Institute.

Expertise: Marketing, Project Management, Social Media, Business Development.

Education: MBA from Nova Southeastern University, B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Florida.

Paul Todd leads the Operational Excellence team. In addition, he assists companies with the application of lean principles, process improvement tools, and change management through workshops, kaizen events, and shop-floor coaching.

Expertise: Lean Manufacturing, Plant Management, Leadership Development, Culture Change, Problem Solving.

Education: B.S. in Industrial Management from Georgia Tech. Certified Training Within Industry Instructor, Member of the Board of Examiners for the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

Rodger Weyant provides quality and food-safety training, auditing, and coaching to help organizations improve their processes and meet customer, statutory, and legal requirements.

Expertise: Quality Systems, Integrated Management Systems, Problem Solving, Food Safety.

Education: MBA from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence.

By enhancing Food Safety and Quality Systems, Wendy White helps food companies achieve compliance with governmental regulations and exceed customer expectations. She holds leadership positions in the Georgia Association of Food Protection (GAFP) and the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP.) She also serves on the Editorial Board of Food Safety Magazine.

Expertise: HACCP, FSMA Food Safety Plans, Pre-requisite Programs, Recall/Crisis Planning, Supply Chain Management, Internal Auditing, and GFSI Audit Certification.

Education: M.S. Food Microbiology B.S. Biology from the University of Georgia.  She holds the Quality Auditor Certification from the American Society of Quality.

Meredith Wilbanks develops and implements marketing campaigns for grant-related projects and initiatives.

Expertise: Marketing, Project Management, Client Relationship Building, Communications Planning and Strategy, Marketing Analytics.

Education: B.A. in Advertising and Mass Communication from the University of Georgia.

Brad Wood helps clients achieve their goals through strategic lean implementation, transformation projects, and process improvement. Brad’s broad range of experience allows him to work effectively with many different industries and processes, from production and distribution to back end administrative functions and non-traditional operations.

Expertise: Lean Strategy and Deployment, Continuous Improvement, Leadership Development, Lean Six Sigma, Kaizen, SMED, Management Operating Systems, Developing Problem Solvers Throughout an Organization.

Education: MBA from the University of Georgia, B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Mississippi State University. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt from Georgia Tech.

Derek Woodham helps companies in his region improve their operations while also connecting them to additional resources at GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and partner organizations.

Expertise: Lean Enterprise, Six Sigma, Plant Layout and Design, Innovation, Leadership Development, Problem Solving.

Education: MBA from LaGrange College, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech.

Bob Wray specializes in helping Georgia firms develop top-line growth strategies, lean project management skills, and product and process improvement techniques.

Expertise: Product Design, Product Development, Innovation, Mechanical Design, Project Management, Prototyping.

Education: MBA from the University of South Carolina, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Florida. Certified Project Management Professional.

John Zegers connects companies in his region to resources provided by GaMEP, Georgia Tech, and our partner organizations.

Expertise: Project Management, Workforce Development, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Business Development, Innovation.

Education: B.S. in Political Science from Florida State University.