Operational Excellence

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.

Kelly Grissom works with companies on a variety of improvement projects including, energy and environmental assessments, layout and design projects, 5S, process flow, job instructions, and ISO system implementation.

Expertise: Energy Management, Energy Efficiency, Energy Systems (Steam, compressed air, process heating, chilled water, pumps & fans), Plant Layout and Design, Lean Process Improvement.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.