Government Acquisition Leaders Briefings & Panel Discussions

Luncheon Keynote Speakers

Dr. Laura D. Taylor-Kale
Assistant Secretary of Defense For Industrial Base Policy (ASD(IBP))
U.S. Department of Defense

Dr. Laura D. Taylor-Kale was confirmed in March 2023 as the first Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (ASD(IBP)). She advises the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and other senior defense leaders on all matters pertaining to industrial base resilience and innovation; small business programs; and industrial base development, industrial policy, and international engagement. She also leads teams dedicated to conducting geo-economic analysis and assessments; providing recommendations on budget matters related to the defense industrial base; anticipating and closing gaps in manufacturing capabilities for defense systems; assessing impacts related to mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; and monitoring and assessing impact of foreign investments in the United States.

Panel Discussions

Concurrent Sessions:  12:30 pm – 1:20 pm

Concurrent Sessions:  1:30 pm – 2:20 pm

Concurrent Sessions:  2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Panelist Bios

John Benhart, Jr., PhD, is professor in the Department of Geography, Geology, Environment & Planning at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Dr. Benhart received his bachelor’s degree in urban planning from the University of Pittsburgh, his master’s degree in Geography from the University of Miami (FL), and his doctorate in Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Dr. Benhart’s research and teaching interests include geographic information science (GISc), technical aspects and applications of geographic information systems (GIS), spatial environmental analysis, and application of small-uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS) to spatial data acquisition and environmental and land cover analysis. He has been an investigator on projects funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the United States Department of Education, the United States Office of Surface Mining (OSM), and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Dr. Benhart has been a faculty member at IUP since 1994, serving as Department Chair from 2005-2021, and has received the Teaching Excellence Award from Kappa Delta Pi (2002) as well as the Excellence in Research Award from the IUP Graduate School (2009) and the Distinguished Researcher, Service and Mentor Awards from the Pennsylvania Geographical Society in 2014 and 2021, respectively. Dr. Benhart is a Certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP, GIS Certification Institute) and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certified Remote Pilot and has flown hundreds of drone flight missions to accomplish high accuracy land surveys and topographic mapping, hydrologic and built environment modeling, and land use / land cover analysis.

Mr. Robert Cherry, CEO Of Partner4Work, is committed to a thriving workforce.  He is an active champion for businesses and job seekers, implementing programs, policy initiatives and community engagement.  Robert previously served as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in Wisconsin, managing six bureaus that include the Division of Administration, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Unemployment Insurance, Division of Employment and Training, Division of Equal Rights and Division of Workers Compensation.  Before DWD, Mr. Cherry spent five years at Employ Milwaukee, the workforce development board serving Milwaukee County, in roles including Vice President of Planning and Development, Chief Development and Partnership Officer and Director of Career Exploration.  He is most proud of developing and implementing the Career Plus program that consisted of year-round combined workforce training, subsidized improvement and social-emotional development delivered to Milwaukee citizens aged 15-24. Mr. Cherry spent his early career at the Community Advocates Public Policy Institute and the Center for Urban Population Health. 

Chris Furtick is Director of Defensive Security, Echelon Risk & Cyber.  He is an established leader in information security, serving as a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) and board advisor. Possessing a consultative approach, he effectively bridges the gap between technology and business outcomes. Demonstrating technical proficiency in information security leadership, Chris advises C-level executives and technical engineers alike on fundamental and advanced security strategy. His passion for team building is evident, as he successfully interprets business objectives and guides team members to measure success and meet business requirements. With over a decade of experience in cybersecurity, Chris has been a valuable business enabler for clients across various verticals, offering a concierge approach to risk reduction. Widely recognized as a subject matter expert in the industry, Furtick frequently provides commentary across digital and broadcast media as an engaging public speaker and media contributor.

Danielle Bush Gerko is the Manager of Cybersecurity Operations and Senior Cyber Security Engineer for Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC).  In the role of manager, she mentors her staff while managing budgets and cyber-related projects and overseeing the Security Operations Center. Her technical responsibilities include maintaining, analyzing, and correlating cyber events and determining the potential impact of actionable incidents. She works with other Cyber Security and IT leaders to design and architect security tools to protect the CTC corporate network from adversaries.  In addition, she employs her experience with compliance to assist others with the process of identifying and collecting necessary artifacts to validate CTC’s adherence with various frameworks including NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC.  Previously, Ms. Gerko worked at CTC from 1996-2007 in IT support as a technical lead and line manager and as a project manager and technical resource for cyber security and web development-related projects.  Prior to her return to CTC she served nine years (2007-2016) as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, moving the two-year higher education institution to a hybrid-cloud service delivery model providing constituents with business and educational tools accessible anytime from anywhere in the world. She also held the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role for NPC, Inc. where she led both Cyber and Physical/Personnel security departments from 2016 until her return to CTC in January of 2020. While at NPC Ms. Gerko coordinated the initiative to build an in-house Security Operations Center (SOC) that monitored the corporation’s network to ensure compliance with NIST, AICPA SOC2, HITRUST, and PCI standards. She also developed a program to transform non-technical personnel into cyber security analysts through re-training and job shadowing. Ms. Gerko holds a master’s degree in IT Project Management from Robert Morris University, a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College, and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). She is also certified in various IT and Security related products.

Ms. Wendy Gumb is the Microgrid Solution Program Director for Schneider Energy.  As part of Schneider Electric’s North America Microgrid Hub, Wendy is focused on understanding and supporting the development of microgrid and distributed energy resource projects.  Her scope spans from the customer side of the meter to the utility control center, along the dimensions of both the financial and technical solution and ensuring customer-expected outcomes are achieved. Wendy began her career with the United States Navy serving in the Navigation Division aboard an ammunition ship.  She has over 25 years’ experience structuring and negotiating infrastructure improvement solutions for organizations including General Services Administration, Department of Defense, NASA, municipalities, educational institutions, commercial customers and utilities.  Wendy is a doer that specializes in connecting concepts and people into seamless teams, while innovating and operating with a shared value mindset, pushing boundaries and working to positively disrupt the status quo that results in lasting impact for customers, communities and organizations served.    She holds an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies from Suffolk University.  She has an OSHA 10 Certification.

Dr. Kristin Holzworth serves as ICAM’s Deputy Director for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program.  In this capacity, she assists the IBAS Program Director in utilizing broad IBAS authorities to enable a modernized Defense Industrial Base that integrates traditional technology capabilities and emerging industrial sectors to respond at-will to national security requirements.  Prior to this position, Dr. Holzworth served in various roles within the Department of the Navy from her parent command Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC) to include her most recent assignment as chief scientist for the Advanced Manufacturing Systems Team of Marine Corps Systems Command.   With over fifteen years of experience spanning government and academia, Dr. Holzworth has successfully managed multiple research and development efforts, developing strategies and programs aimed at maturation of advanced technologies and manufacturing processes to reduce risk and cost, while improving system producibility, readiness, and resiliency.  She is an active participant in numerous DoD and industry-based advanced manufacturing forums.

Ms. Amy Jorden, C.E.M., is a technical advisor serving south central Pennsylvania for the Pennsylvania Technical Assistant Program (PennTAP) at Penn State University, working from the University Park and Altoona campuses.  With expertise in manufacturing, customer service and managing client relationships with private sector companies, she is responsible for providing technical assistance to small and mid-sized businesses for energy efficiency, pollution prevention, and innovation.  Prior to joining PennTAP, Amy enjoyed 28 years with three different manufacturing companies.  These manufacturers produced food, fluorescent and LED lighting, and paper.  Amy understands the challenges of manufacturing and is eager to use her experience to provide consultations and unbiased technical advice along with connections to Penn State experts, resources and programs.  She holds bachelor’s degrees in management and accounting.

James R. Martin II, PhD is vice chancellor for STEM Research and Innovation at the University of Pittsburgh, where he drives transformative initiatives ranging from the University’s core STEM landscape to regional campuses.  Focused on enhancing Pitt’s $1.3 billion research portfolio and expanding STEM access, he leads collaboration to spawn new research growth, builds innovation ecosystems and connects rural areas to city centers via urban-rural research bridges.  As a senior advisor and thought leader, he influences national action from the White House to major funding agencies to think tanks.  Locally, he is a board member for Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and was a foundational advisor for Neighborhood 91 at Pittsburgh International Airport.  Dr. Martin received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from The Citadel, and earned his Master of Science and PhD in civil engineering from Virginia Tech.  He has received numerous national, state and university awards for research, teaching, scholarship and service, including the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Norman Medal, the highest honor for published work in his field.  He was inducted into Virginia Tech’s Civil Engineering Department’s Academy of Distinguished Alumni in 2015.  His dedication to broadening participation, fostering innovative collaborations and regional engagement continues to shape STEM education, research and innovation.

Ms. Petra Mitchell is the president and CEO of Catalyst Connection, a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to helping manufacturers with business growth and job creation.  Catalyst Connection is the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Affiliate and the Industrial Resource Center (IRC) of Southwestern Pennsylvania.  Ms. Mitchell’s experience in manufacturing operations, technology acceleration and business development stretches back to 1988.  Before joining Catalyst Connection, she was employed by GE Aircraft Engines, now GE Aviation.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Dayton, and a Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati.  She is on the board of directors of the Advanced Robotics in Manufacturing (ARM) Institute, the Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (IRC) Network, and the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC). Previously she served as a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland – Pittsburgh Branch.  Ms. Mitchell is also the honorary Consul for the Republic of Slovenia.

Dr. Ronald Poropatich is the Director, Center for Military Medicine Research and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Poropatich is also Professor of Sports Medicine & Nutrition in the Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition Science and an affiliated faculty member of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Pitt. He is a Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine physician who served 30 years on active duty in the US Army retiring in 2012 at the rank of Colonel with extended assignments at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD from 1985 to 2012. His last assignment was at the US Army Medical Research and Materiel Command at Fort Detrick, MD, serving as the Deputy Director of the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center from 2006-2012 where he managed large medical research programs and developed novel research programs and technologies in medical informatics and telemedicine. Dr. Poropatich received his medical degree from Drexel University in 1985. He completed his Internal Medicine internship, residency and his fellowships in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in 1992 at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Lt COL Jonathan Z. Smith is the Commander, 19th Space Defense Squadron (19 SDS). 19 SDS is part of the federated Space Domain Awareness mission and is responsible for conjunction assessment, innovation, space based environmental monitoring, and extended Geosynchronous Earth Orbit domain awareness. Additionally, 19 SDS serves as a backup to operations conducted at the 18th Space Defense Squadron and is the sole data provider for the Naval Network Warfare Command’s fleet support mission. Lieutenant Colonel Smith served on the Joint Staff, at Headquarters Air Force Space Command, and in a variety of missile warning and missile defense, space surveillance, defensive space control, and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) operations positions, including Crew Commander, Instructor, Chief of ICBM Scenarios, Chief of Training, Flight Commander, Executive Officer, and Operations Officer. Lt Col Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, a Master of Arts in Theology, and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science.

Dr. Red Whittaker is a monumental figure in robotics and a highly acclaimed engineer, entrepreneur and educator whose work has had a global impact and whose insights have inspired thousands. Red pioneered many high-impact fundamentals that became the underpinnings of automated mobility, robotic worksystems, computer vision, AI, and their countless applications across industries. He demonstrated first outdoor autonomy in 1984, then decades of evolutions, applications, fielded products and related spinoffs. He won DARPA’s Urban Challenge that ignited the automotive automation industry. He founded the National Robotics Engineering Center whose alumni have established 20+ firms valued collectively at more than $25B. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and recipient of the Simon Ramo Medal and Columbia Medal for robotics and Feigenbaum Prize for AI.

Dr. Stacie Williams is the Space Science Architect for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) where she leads the space basic research investment strategy ensuring that basic science investments effectively meet United States Space Force (USSF) mission needs.  She has extensive experience managing S&T programs from basic research to advanced demonstrations.  In prior assignments, she led AFOSR’s remote sensing basic research portfolio and the AFRL’s space imaging portfolio.  She served as a program manager at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office, leading a portfolio focusing on remote sensing, small satellite technology, and high-energy laser detection.  Dr. Williams is also a leader in STEM education and is nationally recognized for her innovative approach to engaging children in the Department of Defense’s science mission.  She has over 50 peer-reviewed technical journal publications and conference proceedings.  Dr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Arkansas and a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of California.

Mr. Michael Zambotti is a cybersecurity educator and consultant with extensive experience in the finance and legal industries.  Michael teaches courses on governance, risk and compliance (GRC), cybercrime, and foundational cybersecurity classes at Saint Francis University.  His practical experience and academic background uniquely position him to provide valuable insights to organizations to provide strategic consulting and align cybersecurity with business goals.  Michael holds a degree in finance from Penn State University and a master’s degree in cybersecurity and intelligence from Utica University.

Dr. Yadunath Zambre is the chief microelectronics technology officer (CMTO) for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) where he is responsible for defining microelectronics strategy and driving research and development efforts in coordination with Navy, Army, OSD and other partners.  Dr. Zambre joined AFRL in 2020 after 15 years at Lockheed Martin, where he was a senior fellow and served as Director, New Ventures, Chief Scientist for Space Systems’ Advanced Technology Center (ATC), and Chief Scientist for information systems and Global Solutions (IS&GS) Engineering organization.  He often worked across the corporation to develop technology strategy, refine engineering practices and resolve critical issues on major programs such as F-35. Most recently, he worked with external partners to create, incubate and raise private equity for several commercial technology start-up companies with defense industry applications.  Prior to Lockheed, he held leadership positions in venture capital, management consulting, and small businesses/start-up companies where he developed and fielded remote sensing systems, distributed network application and intelligent systems.  Dr. Zambre recently finished a four-year term on the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board where he chaired the FY 2020 study titled “Air Force Communications in Future Operating Environments,” was vice chair for the FY 2018 study titled “Technologies for Resilient Command and Control,” and served as a panel member on several other studies.  Dr. Zambre holds a B.S. and M.S. in Engineering and Applied Science from Yale University and a PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University.

Moderator Bios

Mr. George Appley serves as Executive Vice President and COO at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC).  He is responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of services and programs.  He leads all assigned internal operations, working in partnership with the CEO, co-creating the strategic plan of the company and implementing new processes and approaches to achieve the strategic plan.  Mr. Appley is responsible for the development and execution of plans to drive operations and is currently leading initiatives to enhance CTC’s strategic partnering and recruitment/retention.  He oversees four divisions: Energy, Resilience & Sustainability; Engineering and Manufacturing; Information Technology; and Readiness Solutions.  He directs CTC’s focus on business development, project execution, financial performance, and development and management of CTC’s 400 employees.  Since he became COO in 2018, CTC has grown year-over-year.   Mr. Appley has more than 34 years of experience in leadership, advanced research and development, software/systems engineering, and program management for government clients.  He joined CTC in 1991 and has held various positions across a wide variety of technical areas.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1987.  He and his wife of 30 years have a daughter and two sons.  They reside in East Taylor Township in Johnstown.

Dr. Catherine F. Cahill serves as the Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the CEO of the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex.  For more than 30 years, Cathy has conducted research on atmospheric aerosols and their impacts on visibility, global climate and human health.  Since 2006, Cathy has collaborated with the UAF UAS program and worked on developing unmanned aircraft-based sensors for determining the concentration, composition and spatial distribution of atmospheric aerosols.

Mr. Randy J. Monohan recently joined Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC) as a senior director in CTC’s Energy, Resilience and Sustainability Division.  Before joining CTC, Mr. Monohan worked with Ameresco as their director of Military Readiness Programs.  For most of his career, he served our nation as a United States Marine, energy consultant for Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Federal Installations Energy Manager at MCAS Miramar and the Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Energy Projects Officer in direct support of our nation’s freedom.  In his role at HQMC, he directed the successful investment of over $1.5 billion in energy-related projects which provided an increased quality of life for the Marines, generated energy savings and enhanced the USMC’s energy security posture.  Significant career awards include two Individual Presidential Energy Management Awards, Career Exceptional Service Award in 2022 from the Department of Energy, ten Contract, Project and or program awards and five Group Secretary of the Navy Awards.  Mr. Monohan holds a master’s degree in business management with a specialization in finance and has multiple engineering certifications in Energy Managment.

Edward J. Sheehan, Jr. is President & CEO and a member of the Board of Directors at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC). CTC is an independent, nonprofit, applied scientific research and development professional services organization based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Mr. Sheehan also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Enterprise Ventures Corporation (EVC), a subsidiary of CTC and its technology transition partner. Together with EVC, CTC leverages research, development, test and evaluation work to provide transformative, full lifecycle solutions for federal, state, and local governments, as well as the industrial base. To best serve clients’ needs, CTC and EVC offer the complete ability to fully design, develop, test, prototype, build, and maintain technology-based solutions required to address complex challenges. The Company supports its clients’ core mission objectives with customized solutions and strives to exceed expectations. Areas of expertise include advanced engineering and manufacturing; advanced intelligence solutions; energy and environmental sustainability; readiness and training; safety and occupational health; and secure information technology solutions. CTC operates from a number of locations with a staff of over 500 employees.

Dr. Kevin Slonka is a principal IT security consultant with Concurrent Technologies Corporation and an associate professor of computer science and cybersecurity at Saint Francis University.  Dr. Slonka has worked for various government contractors since 1999 and has taught at the collegiate level since 2007.  Specializing in the cybersecurity sector of the computer science field, he holds various industry certifications, among which are the Certified CMMC Assessor (CCA), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and the EC-Council Certified Chief Information Security Officer (C/CISO). Dr. Slonka’s passion is teaching the younger cyber workforce the deep computer science knowledge necessary in order to fully understand both the business and technical aspects of the field.

Timothy S. Tibbits is Vice President, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Division at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC). In this role, he is responsible for the overall performance and management of the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Division, which has over $30 million in annual revenues and more than 80 engineers providing research and development, prototyping, and professional engineering services. Mr. Tibbits also served as Senior Director and then Executive Director of CTC’s Business Development and Strategy Division, where he was responsible for the overall coordination and management of the company’s business development operations, processes, tools, and corporate business development operations. Before joining CTC in 2008, Mr. Tibbits served more than 26 years in the United States Navy. Prior to his retirement, he was assigned to the United States Strategic Command as Washington Liaison Officer in the Pentagon. He was responsible for coordinating information and data exchange with various military and federal government agencies throughout the National Capital Region concerning strategic nuclear, full-spectrum global strike, space and information operations, operational space support, integrated missile defense, global C4ISR, combating WMD, and strategic planning. He also served two tours on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations where he developed requirements for the P-3 and EP-3 aircraft as well as for their programmed replacement, the P-8 Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft (MMA). In addition, he commanded Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TEN and Patrol Squadron FIVE (VP-5). Under his leadership, aircraft, crews, and staff from Wing TEN provided crucial support to Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, and the “Mad Foxes” of VP-5 operated successfully in Bosnia/Herzegovina and Kosovo, the Caribbean, and spearheaded the introduction of P-3C AIP aircraft into the North Atlantic sector.  Mr. Tibbits holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville University, a Master’s from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and was selected for a Senior Executive Fellowship at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. His military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and various other personal and unit awards.