ATI (ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE) - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair of the Board
- Group Vice President and CISO for Albertsons Companies
Aaron Hughes is Group Vice President and CISO for Albertsons Companies. In this role he is responsible for enabling the business and securing the infrastructure, digital assets, and payments for a network of over 2200 supermarkets operating under 20 brands across the United States.
Previously he was Vice President for Information Security and Deputy CISO at Capital One where he led the team providing security services across all of the Capital One lines of business to include Card, Financial Services, Commercial and Retail Banking as well Enterprise IT, Digital Products, and Data Initiatives.
He is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy. In this position, Mr. Hughes was responsible for the development and implementation of cyber policies, strategies, plans, and operational oversight for all Department of Defense efforts in cyberspace.
Prior to his appointment with the DoD, he was a Vice President with the strategic investment firm In-Q-Tel. During his seven years with the firm, he held a variety of roles culminating with leadership of all Intelligence Community engagement, outreach, and strategic relationships.
In addition to his full-time civilian employment, Mr. Hughes is a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve currently serving as a Senior Advisor to the Commander at USCYBERCOM.
Mr. Hughes received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia, MS in Telecommunication and Computers from George Washington University, and MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice Admiral Carol Pottenger Was a Pioneer Throughout Her 36 - Year Navy Career
Vice Admiral Carol Pottenger was a pioneer throughout her 36-year Navy career.
As a three-star admiral she was the first female in American history to lead in a combat
branch. During her remarkable naval career, she commanded two ships, a logistic force
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the Armament Technologies ( at ) Division
Mr. Bryant is Vice President of the Armament Technologies (AT) Division at ATI, where he oversees the management of five robust Other Transaction (OT) consortia. AT Division consortia include the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC), the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC), the Naval Energetics Systems and Technologies (NEST) Consortium, the Training and Readiness Accelerator (TReX II) Consortium, and the Homeland Security Technology (HSTech) Consortium. In total, these consortia represent well over one thousand industry and academic members actively participating in the development of cutting-edge technologies with a common goal to advance national capabilities and enhance national security.
Mr. Bryant previously led the Sea, Space and Air Division at ATI, where he was responsible for the management and execution of four Other Transaction (OT) consortia and a national consortium developed to address energy security and resilient infrastructure. Mr. Bryant led the stand-up of the Information Warfare Research Project (IWRP) Consortium and the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC), and served as Program Manager for both consortia. In addition to the IWRP Consortium and UTIC, he was also responsible for the Naval Surface Technology & Innovation Consortium (NSTIC) and the stand-up of the Expeditionary Warfare Consortium-Crane (EMC 2).
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Bryant served over 23 years as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy in a variety of leadership and management positions both afloat and ashore. His diverse assignments included multiple surface combatant platforms, numerous overseas deployments in support of national objectives, two university faculty assignments, and command of a U.S. Naval Consolidated Brig.
Mr. Bryant was awarded a Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University, and Master of Arts in National Policy and Strategic Studies (with Highest Distinction) from the U.S. Naval War College. He is a member and past president of the Surface Navy Association, Charleston Chapter.
Chris Van Metre was born in Philadelphia, PA, the son of a career naval officer. He moved frequently with his family during his childhood starting school in Charleston, SC, and ultimately graduating from high school in Virginia Beach, VA. After high school, Chris attended the University of Notre Dame on a Naval ROTC scholarship and majored in Aerospace Engineering. After graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign in the U. S. Navy and immediately began nuclear power and initial submarine training. He completed a 20-year Navy career that included four submarine assignments, including command of a fast attack submarine, as well as a variety of shore assignments focused on training and education.
After retiring from the Navy, Chris returned to the Lowcountry and joined the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) in North Charleston, SC. Originally hired by ATI as a project manager in May 2005, Chris soon transitioned into a Business Development role, responsible for growing ATI's market reach and business portfolio.
In April 2012, he became the third President and CEO of the renamed Advanced Technology International (ATI). In this role, he oversaw the strategic direction of ATI, which has grown to become the largest collaboration management services company in the US. ATI's mission is to lessen the burden of government by supporting federal government agencies, industry, and universities in the collaborative execution of our nation's most innovative research initiatives. ATI leads R&D collaborations that cover a broad array of technology domains including armaments, biotechnology, electromagnetic spectrum, space technologies, advanced materials, shipbuilding, and ship repair. Building multi-disciplinary teams from the private sector (Fortune 500 companies to small businesses), federal agencies and universities to deliver prototype technologies is a prominent feature of these programs.
Chris led the 2023 spin-out of ATI into an independent not for profit. As CEO, Chris led the growth of ATI's research management portfolio from annual revenues of $150 million to more than $3 billion, with ATI repeatedly recognized as a South Carolina Best Places to Work.
Chris is active in the local community, serving on the Lowcountry Heart Walk Executive Leadership team, as the Director of Officials for SC High School League Swimming and as a professional mentor for local young professionals. Chris and his wife, Rose are the incredibly proud parents of three children: Brian, a Navy Lieutenant Commander currently serving as a Department Head on USS MASON (DDG 87); Ashleigh, a Navy Lieutenant physician (OB/GYN) at Naval Hospital Okinawa and Regan, a resident physician at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA. They are also serial dog rescuers and currently the parents of a rescue Great Dane and a rescue Great Dane/Lab mix.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Treasurer
Mr. Culp serves as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at ATI, where he collaborates with the executive team and Board of Directors to drive the company's financial strategy and operational performance. He provides strategic financial leadership and oversees all financial reporting to federal agencies, external auditors, and stakeholders.
In his role, Mr. Culp manages day-to-day financial operations, leads banking and credit functions, and ensures development and execution of ATI's Annual Operating Plan. He is responsible for capital structure planning, regulatory compliance, and implementation of internal controls to mitigate risk. He also serves on both the IT Steering Committee and Retirement Plan Committee.
Before joining ATI, Mr. Culp was Vice President of Finance at Home Telecom, where he led all finance and accounting operations. Prior to that, he spent nine years as President and CFO of Crystal Media Networks in Washington, D.C., overseeing the company's financial strategy and infrastructure. His previous experience also includes key financial leadership roles at The Carlyle Group, Abingdon Capital Management, and USA TODAY.
Mr. Culp holds a degree in Economics from George Mason University and earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance from Marymount University.
Mr. Brougher is starting at ATI as a Senior Project Manager supporting the Naval Technologies Team.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Brougher spent over 15 years at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) in Johnstown, PA. During his tenure at CTC, Mr. Brougher specialized in lightweight armor development, ballistic testing, and advanced metrology system operation / integration. Mr. Brougher also provided technical project management and engineering support for the Navy Metalworking Center (NMC) and Combat Vehicle Research (CVR) programs for topics ranging from Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of ground vehicle structures to novel tool development for the evaluation of Special Hull Treatment (SHT) de-bonding on US Navy vessels.
Mr. Brougher also worked as a Research Assistant in the Photomechanics Laboratory of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Clemson University. His research resulted in the development of a modified microscopic moiré interferometer which enabled the direct mapping of strain across a specimen surface at scale nearly one order of magnitude smaller than previously recorded. He also assisted in the development of a test fixture that enables experimentation and analysis under quasi-static loading conditions at the same scale (approximately 10 microns across a specimen surface).
Mr. Brougher earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science from Bob Jones University and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University. He currently resides in Summerville, South Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Interim Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the Board
Julia Martin is the Interim Chief Executive Officer of ATI. In this role, Ms. Martin will oversee the strategic direction and ongoing success of ATI, which has grown to become the largest collaboration management services company in the US.
Ms. Martin is the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of ATI. In this role, she works with ATI's leadership team and its Board of Directors to develop strategy for the organization. She provides financial leadership, serves as liaison for financial reporting to federal agencies, external auditors and company stakeholders and provides supervision and management of the day-to-day financial operations of ATI. She directs banking and credit activities, ensures the development of the Annual Operating Plan, and maintains appropriate capital structure to support the plan. Ms. Martin ensures regulatory compliance and establishes appropriate internal controls for the business in order to manage and reduce risk, and provides oversight for the estimating, pricing and rate development for federal contracts. As CFO, she serves on the IT Steering Committee and the Retirement Plan Committee. She currently supervises the Accounting and Finance Department.
Ms. Martin was previously the CFO of the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) with similar responsibilities. In addition, she served as Treasurer of ATI and SC Launch, Inc., served as primary interface with the Audit/Finance Committees of ATI, SC Launch, Inc. and SCRA Boards of Directors, supervised the Human Resource department and facilities operations, and supported early-stage investment activities. Other positions within SCRA included Director of Budgeting and Costing and senior financial analyst. Prior to joining SCRA in 1993, Ms. Martin was with First Federal of South Carolina where she served as a branch manager. Julia earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, with an additional Major in Accounting. She has completed graduate coursework at the College of Charleston and is a Certified Management Accountant. She is currently a member of the Institute of Management Accountants, Financial Executives Institute, and the National Association of Corporate Directors. Ms. Martin is a Class of 2014 Liberty Fellow and 2008 alumnus of the Riley Institute's Diversity Leadership Initiative. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Charleston Southern University, Shield Ministries and Agape Liberia Mission, including service on finance and investment committees. She previously served on the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and its Executive Committee, as its Vice-Chair for Innovation and Vice-Chair for Finance.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Human Resources
Mr. Cusanelli manages the day-to-day activities of the Human Resources Departments. He supervises team members, provides guidance, focuses on development and set priorities of work.
Mr. Cusanelli currently holds several certifications; "Professional in Human Resources" (PHR), Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP), SHRM-Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), and Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP). Prior to moving to Charleston, Mr. Cusanelli was the Law Office Manager for the Washoe County District Attorney's Office in Reno, Nevada. He managed the DA's office for over two years. This organization was the largest law office in Northern Nevada that consisted of approximately 180 specialized personnel who are dedicated to public safety, law enforcement, and the prosecution of criminal acts.
Mr. Cusanelli retired from the United States Army in May 2009 after 25 years of service at the rank of Command Sergeant Major/E-9.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Director
- Project Manager in the Naval Technologies Division
Mrs. Hill is a Sr. Project Manager in the Naval Technologies Division at ATI in Anderson, SC. In this capacity, Mrs. Hill is a member of the Composites program management team who works to achieve program goals and objectives, including technology transfer, communications, and outreach support. Mrs. Hill supports the planning, tracking, and reporting of projects of varying contract type, size, complexity, and level of risk. She efficiently provides a variety of program management support services to the CMTC technical team. Duties also include assisting in the development and submittal of project planning documents, project development requests, and project plans.
Prior to joining ATI, Mrs. Hill was a Product Manager at RBC Bearings for the Aerospace market. Her responsibilities revolved around being the point person for the Airframe Control Ball Bearing product line and later the Rod Assembly product line. Her main focus during this time was to positively affect market share and gross margin through competitive analysis, establishing points of differentiation, and implementing competitive response strategies. Responsibilities also included the development of annual forecasts and strategic planning to achieve those targets.
Mrs. Hill received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Connecticut in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing. She has also received a Master's of Business Administration from Quinnipiac University. Mrs. Hill also obtained her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Job Titles:
- President, C.D. Blake Consulting, LLC
Maj Gen Blake is President, C.D. Blake Consulting, LLC. He provides consulting services to the Aerospace and Defense sector, AbilityOne Not-for-Profit 501(c)(3) companies. He has extensive experience in Federal Contracting, Procurement, and Acquisition disciplines, and defense procurement and acquisition policy.
Previously, he was the Chief Operating Officer for PRIDE Industries. He led PRIDE's $450M P&L operations and support functions (Contracting, Procurement, Quality Assurance) focused on their portfolio of business lines nationwide, including: Integrated Facilities Management; Custodial and Environmental Services; Electronics Manufacturing Services; Supply Chain Management; and Kitting, Fulfillment and Distribution Services.
Prior to joining PRIDE Industries, General Blake served nearly 34 years in the U.S. Air Force. He is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Contracting. As the Air Force Senior Procurement Executive, he was responsible for all aspects of contracting relating to the acquisition of weapon systems, logistics, and operational support to the Air Force as well as provided contingency support to the geographic combatant commanders. As a strategic thinker, he impacted nearly every facet of AF/DoD Contracting business leading a highly skilled staff supporting $825B Space, Global Power/Reach, and Information Dominance programs portfolio. General Blake oversaw training, organizing, and equipping of a workforce of some 8000 Contracting (procurement) professionals that executed programs over $65B/yr. He was the Business Clearance Authority for all acquisitions over $500M. General Blake served as 1/18 Commissioners on the Congressionally FY16 NDAA mandated Section 809 Panel; charged with streamlining/improving the defense acquisition process.
He commanded at the Squadron, Group, and Wing-equivalent levels. Served on the Air Force Materiel Command and Secretary of the Air Force staffs, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense and Central Command Combatant Command joint staffs. General Blake had multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He has served in numerous contracting jobs (weapon systems development and sustainment and operational/contingency) throughout his career to include serving as an unlimited warranted PCO for contingency contracting and a major defense acquisition program.
General Blake graduated from: The Citadel with a Bachelor of Arts in History (Pre-law); the Golden Gate University with an MBA; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Eisenhower School) with an MS in National Resource Strategy. He attended the Elliott School of International Affairs National Security Studies Program at George Washington University. General Blake completed both the Advanced Program Management Course at the Defense Systems Management College and the Systems Acquisition Executive Management Course at the Defense Acquisition University. He was also an Air Force intern with the Air Force Institute of Technology Education With Industry Program in Contract Management at Aerojet Corporation. He is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager and DAWIA Level III in Contracting and Program Management.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Director of Naval Technologies
Mr. Snider is a Program Manager at ATI within the Naval Technologies division, specifically the Deputy Director for the Center for Naval Metalworking (CNM). CNM is a Navy ManTech Center of Excellence, chartered by the Office of Naval Research to develop advanced manufacturing technologies and deploy them key acquisition platforms. Mr. Snider works directly with Navy and industry representatives to execute select Navy ManTech projects, providing technical, management, and schedule oversight.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Snider spent 8 years at General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection (GDLS-FP), a leading tactical wheeled vehicle manufacturer with a customers from U.S. DoD, U.K. MoD as well as other allied nations. During his tenure at GDLS-FP, Mr. Snider was responsible for the occupant safety and protection performance of the company's product lines. Managed staff of up to 20 design, analysis, and test engineers and oversaw a prototype shop. Mr. Snider gained international experience working in the U.K. and Australia executing various programs for the U.K. MoD and Australian DoD. Mr. Snider has wide experience designing, manufacturing, repairing, testing and validating advanced metallic and composite vehicles that can withstand blast and ballistic events in addition to standard transportation vehicle safety requirements.
Mr. Snider earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering both from Clemson University, and currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Naval Technologies Division
Mr. Ryan is the Vice President of Naval Technologies, which includes ATI's three Navy ManTech Centers of Excellence, the Naval Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP), the Maritime Sustainment & Technology Consortium OTA (MSTIC), and the Demonstration and Assessment Team (DAT). There are currently more than 100 active projects across the Division in support of Navy and Joint Defense needs. The Team's responsibilities run the gambit starting with the ‘Navy Needs Identification' processes through team building, contracting, project execution and implementation onto Navy and Joint Weapons Systems.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Ryan served as Science and Technology Advisor to Lieutenant General Wallace Gregson, where he managed the R&D and Technology Transition program for Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific. He identified S&T requirements for all Marine Corps forces assigned to the Central and Pacific Commands, to include the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Rim. He supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom through the pursuit, evaluation, development, and successful deployment of technologies to counter the evolving asymmetric threats within the region. Prior to his assignment with the operating forces, Mr. Ryan served as Deputy NAVAIR Manufacturing Technology Program Manager and then Program Manager in 1999 and 2001, respectively. During this tenure, he worked closely with the ONR ManTech Office and was an active participant in the development of Navy ManTech guidance and processes. He managed the NAVAIR needs identification process, including the initiation, and subsequent coordination, of several CMTC ManTech projects. Mr. Ryan represented PEO interests to ensure initiation and transition of critical technologies to key air weapons platforms. He coordinated all NAVAIR ManTech efforts within the Centers of Excellence to include project monitoring, industry participation, and transition. Mr. Ryan also worked extensively with the DoD Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel and Chaired the JDMTP Sub-Panel on Advanced Manufacturing Enterprises. The panel coordinated the DoD efforts in Intelligent Manufacturing, Supply Chains, Lean Manufacturing, and Benchmarking with the efforts of the DOE, DOC, NASA, and NSF.
Mr. Ryan was awarded a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Florida Tech in 1988.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the TechConnect Division
Dr. Laudon is Vice President of the TechConnect Division of ATI, where he oversees the management of ATI's open innovation and technology scouting services. Matt has spent his career supporting entrepreneurs, corporates, and federal agencies to accelerate innovation into industry and society.
Previously Matt co-founded and led TechConnect and TechConnect Ventures, a 25-year technology prospecting company acquired by ATI in 2021. Matt has founded multiple technology accelerator companies and non-profits across nanotech, cleantech, and defense innovation, vetting thousands of innovations annually. Prior to TechConnect, Matt worked as a research scientist and technology commercialization lead at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Motorola, Los Alamos National Laboratory and various startups over the past 30 years. Matt has a Ph.D and M.S. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, a B.S. from the Missouri University of Science and Technology, with a strong interest in using open innovation models to address complex challenges across deeptech, medical, spacetech, big science and national security domains.
Job Titles:
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
Ms. Frady is a Sr. Financial Analyst supporting the Naval Technologies Division at ATI.
She currently serves as the Naval Technologies Division Lead Analyst and the Financial Manager for all three ATI-managed Navy ManTech CoEs (i.e., CMTC, CNM, and NSAM). Ms. Frady joined the SCRA/ATI team in 2006. She has extensive knowledge in program management, program & project cost proposals, and ATI cost structure. Ms. Frady currently mentors division financial analysts and oversees the division financial progress.
Prior to joining ATI, Ms. Frady was employed as an Accountant by AnMed Health in Anderson, South Carolina. She managed the non-patient accounts receivable system and corresponding general ledger accounts; reconciled patient accounts receivable; prepared month-end journal entries; and, assisted with the annual external audit. Ms. Frady began her career employed as a Financial Analyst with Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Charleston, European Regional Office (SPAWAR Europe) in Stuttgart, Germany. She provided program financial analysis to the C4ISR and IT programs in support of Department of Defense (DoD) commands including United States European Command (EUCOM), U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), U.S. Marine Forces Europe (MARFOREUR), and U.S. Air Force Europe (USAFE).
Ms. Frady earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Lander University.
Job Titles:
- Compliance Officer
- General Counsel
- Secretary of the Board
- Vice President
Ms. Crawford is Sr. Vice President, General Counsel, Compliance Officer and Board Secretary at ATI. In these roles, she serves as legal advisor to ATI Leadership and the ATI Board of Directors. The Legal Department provides guidance designed to minimize legal risk and costs, reduce litigation exposure, and protect ATI assets. The Compliance Department ensures ATI, its Directors, Officers, Employees and partners abide by applicable legal, regulatory and policy standards. She provides advice on corporate governance, general corporate and regulatory matters, human resources and employment, and coordinates compliance with laws and regulations applicable to ATI's business operations. She also serves as the lead on any disputes, claims and litigation and is ATI's initial point of contact for outside legal counsel. Ms. Crawford establishes the annual legal and compliance budgets, coordinates responses to non-standard Government investigations and audits and is responsible for creating, updating, and/or maintaining a variety of internal records related to trademarks and other intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, and other documentation related to or created by the Legal and Compliance Departments. She also conducts a variety of legal reviews, coordinates and provides guidance on internal investigations and assists in negotiations related to real property/leases, branding and other public facing material, contracts and procurement.
Ms. Crawford was previously an Administrative Law Judge for the Federal Government. She also served as the Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for an international engineering, construction and consulting management company with similar duties and responsibilities as those she now performs for ATI. In addition, she was the founder and managing partner of Crawford-Hill Law, a law firm focused on government contracts disputes, military criminal and administrative matters and other federal claims. She also served as the Charleston District Counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including a tour in Afghanistan. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Oceanside Collegiate Academy, a non-profit publicly funded, privately operated high school in Mount Pleasant, SC.
Ms. Crawford retired from the U.S. Army Reserves (USAR) in May 2020 after 30 years of commissioned service, commanded twice at the O-6 (Colonel) level and served in the Judge Advocate General's Corps for a combined 14 years on active duty and 16 years in the USAR. She obtained her commission as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the ROTC program at The University of Miami where she also earned her B.A. in Criminal Justice. The Army granted her an educational delay which she utilized to obtain her Juris Doctorate from The University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Ms. Crawford is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS; obtained an L.L.M. in Military Law (with a concentration in Criminal Law) from The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, VA; and earned a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, PA. She is also a proud boy-mom to three great young men.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Manufacturing & Information Management Division
Mr. Atkinson has a passion for providing U.S. warfighters with the innovative technologies needed to ensure the United States remains ahead of our adversaries-a passion rooted in his 20-year Naval career. Today, Mr. Atkinson pursues that passion as a Vice President of the company's Medical and Software Services division, a portfolio of programs that encompasses the health sciences, homeland security, electromagnetic spectrum technology, and public safety technology domains. Under Mr. Atkinson's leadership, each program develops cutting-edge technologies that advance warfighter capabilities and enhance national security. The portfolio also includes the Global Alliance South Carolina, a private non-profit corporation created to stimulate education exchanges, research collaborations and business partnerships with stakeholders in South Carolina, Israel, and Estonia.
With more than a decade and a half of experience at ATI, Mr. Atkinson previously served as the Sea, Air and Space Division lead, where he oversaw the management of five Other Transaction (OT) consortia and a DARPA-funded consortium established for satellite standards development. He also served as the Program Manager for the formation of the National Spectrum Consortium (NSC), the Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC) and the Information Warfare Research Project Consortium (IWRP).
As previously mentioned, Mr. Atkinson was a Master Chief with the United States Naval service. He served as a nuclear operator and senior department advisor on board fast-attack submarines and served as a senior instructor and class director for various Naval Nuclear training commands. Following his 21 years with the Navy, Mr. Atkinson was a health physicist with the government at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Charleston serving as the Engineering Manager for the NAVSEA RADIAC Calibration Certification Program. Mr. Atkinson received a Bachelor of Science (and Applied Science Technology) degree in Nuclear Engineering from Thomas Edison University in Trenton, New Jersey and a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas. Mr. Atkinson has also received his Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute in 2005. More recently, he completed Stanford Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate in January 2016.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Vice President
Dr. Stebbins is Senior Vice President of ATI and oversees the Medical & Threat Countermeasures Division. This Division includes six unique Other Transaction (OT) Agreement programs for HHS and DoD valued at greater than $50B. The HHS portfolio includes BARDA's Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) and BARDA's Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness - Consortium (BioMaP), as well as ARPA-H's Customer Experience Hub, part of the ARPANET-H Network. On the DoD side the portfolio includes the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), the Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC)) and the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Consortium (CWMD).
Mike led the startup of two biotech/health related OT efforts and since inception has led the execution of over $10B of funded prototype development projects through the MCDC and CWMD consortia. He also serves as the Executive Director for both the MCDC and CWMD Consortia, as in his role as the Program Executive for RRPV, Bio-MaP and Customer Experience Hub is guiding the startup of these important new initiatives.
Mike also played a key role in winning and then executing the UI LABS-led Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute (DMDII, now MxD), one of several Manufacturing Innovation Institutes. Other projects include an effort at Ft. Sumter National Monument to incorporate solar panel technology with hydrogen fuel cells to create an energy production and backup power system and an effort to incorporate landfill gas converted to hydrogen as a fuel to power material handling equipment at BMW's South Carolina production facility. Finally, Mike was a key participant in ATI's Copper Touch Surfaces and Copper Air Quality programs - designed to demonstrate and validate that the introduction of copper reduces levels of harmful microbes.
Mike was awarded a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and a B.S. in chemistry from the College of Charleston.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Vice President of the Sea
Mr. Stephen D. Bates is Vice President of the Sea, Space and Air Division at ATI where he oversees the management of the following active Other Transaction (OT) consortia; Information Warfare Research Project (IWRP) Consortium, Undersea Technology Innovation Consortium (UTIC), Naval Surface Technology and Innovation Consortium (NSTIC), and the Expeditionary Missions Consortium - Crane (EMC 2). These consortia are focused on delivering cutting edge technologies to our warfighters across multiple warfare domains.
Ms. Garcia Bornfleth is the Director of Learning & Professional Development at ATI. In her role, she oversees ATI's leadership and professional development, knowledge management, learning technology and systems, and new employee onboarding. She is responsible for providing learning solutions that enable organizational goals and drive workplace performance. Ms. Garcia Bornfleth plays a key role in ensuring ATI has a robust talent pipeline.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of the Contracts
- Vice President, Contracts & Procurement
Ms. Katrina Kenny is the Vice President of the Contracts and Procurement Department. ATI's Contracts and Procurement Department is responsible for prime contract and subcontract management in support of ATI's Divisions as well as procurement in support of both programs and general operations. Ms. Kenny's responsibilities include negotiating and overseeing all ATI prime contracts Many of these contracts are complex, involving various government agencies, industry partners, and universities.
In addition, she is responsible for organizing, training and, overseeing over seventy contract and procurement personnel in the administration of the company's over two billion dollar annual spend in subcontract and procurement awards in compliance with federal procurement standards.
Prior to this role, Ms. Kenny served as Sr. Manager - Contracts and Procurement at ATI, where she was contracts division lead for the Armaments Division. In this role she oversaw six Other Transaction Agreements awarded by the Army, Navy, and DHS. She has been involved with the startup of a number of OTA-based consortia, to include consortia formation, negotiating terms and conditions with the government, establishing solicitation processes, providing member training, and working hand in hand with the government throughout the execution of the OTA.
Ms. Kenny received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina. She is a Certified Federal Contracts Manager.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- President
Ms. Mica Dolan is the President and Chief Operating Officer for ATI. She is responsible for developing company-wide best practices, as well as implementing and leading business operations and establishing policies to promote ATI's mission and vision.
Prior to this role, Ms. Dolan served as Senior Vice President of Contracts and Procurement. In that role, she was responsible for negotiating and overseeing ATI's multi-billion dollar contract portfolio. She was a key contributor to the startup of a number of consortia, including formation, contract negotiation and execution, operating procedure development and implementation, member training, and working hand in hand with the government throughout the execution of consortia based Other Transaction Agreements.
Ms. Dolan has an M.B.A from The Citadel and a B.S. in Finance and Management from the University of South Carolina. She is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager and is also a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow.
Job Titles:
- Director of Learning & Professional Development
In addition, she serves as the mentor for ATI's Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement (IDEA) Council. The Council's mission is to ensure each person on the ATI Team feels a sense of belonging and has the ability to influence change.
Prior to joining ATI Ms. Garcia Bornfleth led the learning and development functions for Creative Lodging Solutions (CLS), Thomas & King, and Cold Stone Creamery.
Ms. Garcia Bornfleth has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona in Business Management and Marketing. She is a Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM) and is also a Riley Institute Diversity Fellow.
Job Titles:
- Technical Director
- Technical Director for the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center
Nick Melillo serves as Technical Director for the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, a Navy ManTech Center of Excellence operated by Advanced Technology International (ATI). In this role, he has technical responsibility for the research portfolio that develops and transitions composites on Navy Aircraft, Ships, and Submarines. Nick also serves as a composites SME with ONR code 35.
Previously, Nick was a senior manager at Boeing Research and Technology. He started with the Boeing Company in 1984 as a structures engineer, and supported the development of several Boeing products, including the RAH-66 Comanche, V-22 Osprey, YF-23, F/A18-E/F Super Hornet, MD-11, and T-45 Goshawk. He also led the airframe and subsystems development for the Phantom Eye Hydrogen powered unmanned demonstrator aircraft. His most recent positon was leading a structures technology development team, transitioning technology on Boeing platforms.
Nick was born in New Haven, Connecticut. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering and an MBA from Saint Louis University, and an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Widener University.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Business Development
- Vice President, Business Development & Communications
Mr. Dudley is Vice President of Business Development and Communications. In this role, he evaluates areas of potential business, develops client and partner relationships, and explores new opportunities within existing business, as well as new market opportunities. Additionally, he provides oversight of ATI's corporate communications and marketing strategies. Prior to this role, Mr. Dudley was the Vice President of the Armament Technologies Division where he led the coordination and execution of solicitation processes and single-point contracting efforts for five programs, including the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC), the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC), the Naval Energetics Systems and Technologies Consortium, the Training and Readiness Accelerator II Consortium (Trex II), and the Border Security Technology Consortium. Mr. Dudley also serves as the Managing Director of the Vertical Lift Consortium.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Dudley served in the US Air Force for over 20 years as a C-17 and T-37 pilot and flew some of the earliest mobility combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq. While assigned to the Pentagon, he directed the Air Force's Foreign Military Sales to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the sale of 8 C-17s to the United Arab Emirates. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Mr. Dudley was a Director of International Business Development for Textron and worked on the Commandant's staff at The Citadel.
Mr. Dudley graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and holds a Master's Degree in Management from Troy University and a Master's Degree in Air Mobility from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Program Manager
Mr. Frankart is a Program Manager on the ATI Naval Technologies Division team serving as the Director of the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center contract. Duties include supporting the team in managing the Center performance including the identification and development of new projects, ensuring successful execution of active projects, managing Center finances, etc.
Prior to joining ATI, Ryan worked as Mechanical Design Engineer designing custom automation equipment for a variety of industries including automotive, medical, energy and military. Job responsibilities included designing automation equipment to customer specifications within an allotted schedule and budget, troubleshooting assembly and process issues related to the equipment and ensuring equipment exceeded customer expectations. Mr. Frankart was also involved in assisting customers with quality issues on existing product lines. Internally, Ryan was responsible for assisting an assigned group of peers with 3-D modeling related training and troubleshooting. Ryan was also involved in improving internal processes ranging from purchasing improvements to automated software to improve efficiency. He also spent significant time working with the Applications department and the Sales team to develop new projects and acquire new customers.
Prior to his first full time position after graduating from the University of Dayton, Ryan maintained a co-op position throughout most of his college career designing high speed conversion systems to make pop-tops for the beverage/canning industry. Areas of involvement included the design of extremely high precision metal forming tooling and press automation equipment. Ryan was also involved in development of new pop-top designs for the food and beverage industry.
Ryan obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton in 2005.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President, Program Office
Mr. Gore leads ATI's Program Management Office with strategic and operational responsibility for all program areas. His principal responsibilities include process improvement, knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, communications and network development, and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders. Mr. Gore is responsible for leading improvement initiatives and is the driving force for managing improvement initiatives across teams to deliver business results. He plays a key role in influencing change within and across ATI divisions and will build capability through knowledge sharing and coaching; engage effectively with stakeholders; and deploy appropriate methodologies and toolsets.
Prior to this role, Mr. Gore served as the Sr. Vice President of the Armament Technologies Division at ATI. Mr. Gore led the coordination and execution of solicitation processes and single-point contracting efforts for five programs, to include two of ATI's largest programs, the Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) and the Aviation and Missiles Technology Consortium (AMTC). These programs integrate Government, Industry, and Academia into a single enterprise to execute joint and co-funded initiatives. He also supported the overall management of the National Armaments Consortium which includes over 1000 companies and academic institutions brought together to enhance warfighter lethality and survivability. In addition to DOTC and AMTC, the Armament Technologies division included the Naval Surface Technology Innovation Consortium, Naval Energetic Systems and Technologies Consortium, and the Border Security Technology Consortium. These consortia are in various stages of execution, but all are focused on advancing the state of the art in their respective technology domains.
Prior to joining the ATI, Mr. Gore served as a Civil Engineer in the USAF. Second Lieutenant Gore led the Construction Management Element responsible for $40 million of active facilities/infrastructure construction and repair. Captain Gore spent a year and half as the Civil Engineer Program Flight Commander, responsible for the program development of all future construction and repair, developing a program valued over $100 million. Captain Gore's last year in the Air Force was spent in the Middle East as a Civil Engineer Operations Flight Commander. He supervised 200 military and 60 contracted civilians in the daily maintenance and repair operations for the largest base in Southwest Asia.
Mr. Gore was awarded a Master of Science Degree in Engineering and Environmental Management from The Air Force Institute of Technology. He received a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from The Citadel.
Job Titles:
- Corporate Citizenship
- Program Manager for the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium
- Program Manager in the Naval Technologies Division
Tim Macon is a Program Manager in the Naval Technologies Division at ATI, supporting the execution and growth of the unit's applied research and development programs. In this role, he uses his extensive background in project management and program development along with his ability to apply knowledge, skills and techniques to project activities. In addition to his program duties, Mr. Macon is the Corporate Mentor for ATI's Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Advancement Council.
Mr. Macon currently serves as the Program Manager for the Maritime Sustainment Technology and Innovation Consortium (MSTIC) program, which is a Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division consortium, managed by ATI that focuses on innovative sustainment solutions to effectively address current and future security threats in maritime environments.
Prior to this assignment Mr. Macon served as a project lead for the Naval Shipbuilding and Advanced Manufacturing (NSAM) program and the Center for Naval Metal Working (CNM). NSAM and CNM are Navy ManTech Centers of Excellence, chartered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop advanced manufacturing, metalworking and related technologies and deploy them in U.S. shipyards and other industrial facilities. Mr. Macon also served as program manager for DoD-sponsored field studies program for over 4 years where he utilized program management expertise to mesh disparate research institutions into a unified Study Site for USAMRMC sponsored national program.
Mr. Macon served for 3 years as the Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Program's Advanced Manufacturing Enterprise (AME) Subpanel Executive Secretariat. Developed Secretariat program and staffing requirements to support the AME Subpanel, chartered to implement strategic direction for Joint Defense ManTech efforts. Led DoD service-level manufacturing science and technology reviews, twice annually, coordinating efforts for the Navy, Army, Air Force, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and other relevant government organizations.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Macon served for more than 25 years in the U.S. Navy, including two tours of duty in Charleston. He served as the Senior Medical Department Representative on three Navy warships, and his final assignment was the Clinical Coordinator for the Directorate of Health Services at the Naval Health Clinic Charleston.
Mr. Macon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from TUI University in Cypress, CA. He is a graduate of the Riley Institute Diversity Leadership Initiative.
Tina Jonas currently serves on the board of directors of two publicly held companies, Centrus Energy (LEU) and Virgin Galactic (SPCE). In addition, she serves on the board of directors of two privately held companies, Serco NA, and Arete. She recently joined the board of ATI, a non-profit company. Prior to these positions, she served on the board of the Aerospace Corporation and Airbus NA. Ms. Jonas is a recognized expert in the aerospace and defense industry and is an independent consultant providing strategic consulting for the defense, aviation and healthcare sectors.
Prior to her board service, Ms. Jonas served in several executive roles within UnitedHealth Group before becoming President, UnitedHealthcare, Military and Veterans. From 2008 to 2012, Ms. Jonas served in executive operations roles in the aviation industry including at United Technologies, Sikorsky aircraft. Ms. Jonas also served a career in government. From 2004 to 2008, Ms. Jonas served as the Undersecretary Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Defense. Prior to that, from 2002 to 2004, Ms. Jonas served as the Assistant Director and Chief Financial Officer for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. From 2001 to 2002, Ms. Jonas served as a Deputy Undersecretary for Financial Management for the Department of Defense.
Ms. Jonas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts degree in liberal studies from Georgetown University.
Job Titles:
- Director of Strategic Projects
Mr. Bailey, the Director of Strategic Projects, serves ATI in the areas of strategic growth, legislative affairs, internal process improvements, cross-team functionality and professional development.
Prior to joining ATI, Mr. Bailey served over 30 years in the U.S. Navy. A nuclear-trained submarine officer, he was fortunate to serve on 4 different fast attack submarines out of Pearl Harbor Hi, including command of USS CHARLOTTE (SSN 766). Following command, he served as the NIMITZ Strike Group's Assistant Chief of Staff for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Combat and Information (C5I) as well as the Strike Group's Submarine Operations Advisor. Shore tours included Submarine Operations Officer in Naples, Italy, Naval Academy Summer Training Officer and Professional Development Instructor in Annapolis, MD, Congressional Liaison in Washington, DC, and Anti-Submarine Warfare Syndicate Head at the Tactical Training Group, Pacific in San Diego. During his time in Washington, DC, Mr. Bailey served as a Congressional Liaison between the Senate and House Appropriations Committees and the Department of the Navy. His areas of responsibility included Research and Development (ONR), Intelligence programs, Weapons Procurement (WPN), Other Procurement (OPN), and all issues related to submarines and nuclear power. He also served 15 months as a Navy Fellow on the personal staff of Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS), assisting the Senator on all military policy and appropriations issues.
His final tours of duty were in Charleston, SC. First, for over 4 ½ years as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, where he was responsible for the initial nuclear power training for every officer and enlisted Sailor in the nuclear Navy, and then dual billeted as the Commanding Officer of Naval Support Activities, Charleston and as the Deputy Commander of Joint Base Charleston.
Following retirement from the Navy, Mr. Bailey pursued a life-long dream of being a small business owner. After becoming a Top 10 franchisee, he sold his business and joined ATI.
Mr. Bailey is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he was a History Major, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. He is also a co-owner of the NFL's Green Bay Packers!
Job Titles:
- Senior Contracts Manager
- Contracts Manager II
Mr. Hedges is a Senior Contracts Manager within the Contracts and Procurement (CP) department at ATI. Wade currently serves as the contractual Division Lead for ATI's Naval Technologies (NT) division; the contractual lead for the Emergent Metal Casting Solutions (EMCS), Innovative Forging Technologies (IFT), and Resilient Infrastructure and Secure Energy (RISE) programs, and supervisor of ATI's purchasing team. Prior responsibilities have included time as the CP Division Lead for the Manufacturing and Threat Countermeasures (MTC) division, a prior stint as the CP Division Lead for the NT division, leadership of ATI's Contracts and Procurement Office (CPO), a 2-year stint as the CP representative to ATI's Program Management Office (PMO), contractual lead for the Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), and support of various internal and external audits (CPSR, Government Property, Incurred Costs, Single Audit, Small Business, etc.).
Prior to joining ATI, Wade worked for a year as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. Prior to that he was an assistant baseball coach at Mississippi State University (MSU). During his tenure in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Hedges coached in the 2007 College World Series and helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2005 SEC Tournament Championship. While at MSU, he was responsible for tutoring the catchers, including the 2007 Johnny Bench Award recipient and highest drafted catcher in school history.
EDUCATION
BS, Criminology,
Florida Southern College, 1996
MS, Sports Science,
United States Sports Academy, 1998
Graduate Certificate in Leadership, The Citadel, 2018