MEP Staff

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.

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.

Vicki Bryan provides administrative support and coordination for GaMEP.

Expertise: Scheduling, Organization, Troubleshooting, Miracle Working.

Certification: Certified Professional Secretary (CPS).

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.

Deann Desai provides implementation assistance and training to companies pursuing ISO management systems. She serves internationally with ISO TC 301 energy management and energy savings as the convener for Working Group 1 on energy management (ISO 50001) and works with the GT standards development organization on the national standards related to the Superior Energy Performance Program.

Expertise: ISO 50001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001, Integrated Management Systems, Energy Management, Standards Development.

Education: M.S. in Statistics and Polymers from Georgia Tech, B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Exemplar Global Certified Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor, Environmental Management Systems Lead Auditor, Energy Management Systems Lead Auditor, IEnMP Certified Energy Management System Practitioner, IEnMP Certified Superior Energy Performance Lead Auditor.

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.

Green oversees the development, transfer, and adoption of energy and environmental best practices and innovations in industry and commercial buildings. 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.

Adam Hayes is a Project Manager for the Strategy & Leadership Development Team. He works with clients to ensure their vision and strategic priorities are achieved and sustained. He is an accomplished executive and registered professional engineer with experience in manufacturing operations, facility management, product development, continuous improvement, and
supply chain management.

Expertise: Strategic & 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.

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. In addition, he is the assistant director of Georgia Tech's Industrial Assessment Center.

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

Andy Helm uses his experience as an entrepreneur to help manufacturers generate new sources of revenue by implementing best practices in innovation, strategy, and technology.

Expertise: Innovation, Strategic Business Planning, Product Development.

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

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.

Raine oversees the marketing and outreach efforts of GaMEP.

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

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

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.

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.

Lori Kennington supports the Business and Industry Services of the Enterprise Innovation Institute, providing various administrative functions for all units and field personnel.

Expertise: Administrative Support, Quality Management, Project Management, Event Coordination.

Education: A.S. Degree in Business from Reinhart University.

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.

Sankar Madhavaraman is a Project Manager, Industry 4.0 on the Strategy & Leadership Development team. He serves as the GaMEP Industry 4.0 expert with 17 years of process engineering and advanced manufacturing experience with a passion for technology and IIOT. Sankar has a proven track record of utilizing data, communication, and organization skills to deliver key business objectives through alignment and by leveraging next generation technology.

Expertise: Process Automation, Process Control, Process Engineering, Manufacturing IT/OT, 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.

Ed Murphy assists manufacturing entrepreneurs in aerospace, industrial, and consumer product markets as well as early-stage companies, focusing on issues and opportunities facing business growth.

Expertise: Plant Management, Business Transition, Innovation, Product Development, Strategic Business Planning, Tech Scouting, Tech Marketing, Strategy Execution.

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England College, Graduate of Greater Boston Executive Business Management Program at MIT’s Sloan School. Certified Professional Engineer, Certified Economic Development Finance Professional.

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.

Don Pital and his team train and coach companies on innovative techniques for organizational sales growth and innovation-process management strategies.

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.

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 focuses on implementing lean manufacturing practices and helping companies develop capital equipment applications.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.