Consultants

Dr. Danek has expertise in leading teams for innovative solutions and invented 70 US patents. Chris co-founded AtheroMed (Philips Volcano). As the CEO, he raised its first $17 million in funding. Chris transitioned into CTO for the Phoenix® Atherectomy products. He was the Vice-President for Research & Development at Asthmatx® (Boston Scientific Corp), working on a wide array of life science products. He has been an advisor, mentor, and visiting professor at The Catholic University of America, Santa Clara University Plug & Play Tech Accelerator, and the University of Wisconsin IdeaAdvance SEED fund. Chris helped develop undergraduate and graduate curriculum and courses in innovation and medical device development. Dr. Danek has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from The Catholic University of America.

Mr. Gonzales has over 34 years of experience in weapon systems development and acquisition for the Department of Defense (DoD). At ETC, Mr. Gonzales contributes to national security initiatives while supporting the southern Maryland community's goals. As a DoD's Senior Executive Service member, he oversaw significant defense acquisition programs for the Office of the Secretary of Defense valued at over $70 billion annually. Jose has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Public Administration Degree from Virginia Tech. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the College of Southern Maryland and is a 30-year resident of Charles County. 

Mr. Keslar spent 34 years leading and managing large innovative organizations. He initiated and fielded the Department of Defense's (DoD) first internal social media platform, milSuite, to over one million users and was a leader in cybersecurity, Army and DOD information technology, and knowledge management solutions. He was an early thought leader in the development of DOD Electronic Commerce. Emerson received numerous DoD awards and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from James Madison University and a Master of Science degree in Technology Management from Steven's Institute of Technology. Mr. Keslar is certified in the Army Acquisition Corps and Professional Designations: Project Management, Contracting. 

Mr. Lauer focuses on the development of defense-related local and state ecosystems and partnerships. He secured funding for ETC's TechFire incubator and guided an economic impact study of the Army Research Laboratory in Maryland. He has 35 years of experience in local and state government public policy, finance, and economic development. Gene served for ten years as Administrator of Charles County, Maryland, and 18 years as Prince George's County's Deputy CAO and department head. Among his accomplishments are completed public-private partnerships, including a 775 MW power plant and a minor league baseball stadium. Gene has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Pennsylvania State University. 

Mr. Riordan retired from the US Army in March 2018, with 30 years of service. His final assignment was the Division Chief, Operational Contract Support for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Director of Logistics in an effort to reduce risk when incorporating commercial options into military operations. Matt received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Florida, a Master of Arts Degree in Procurement and Management from Webster University, St. Louis, MO, and a Master of Science in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, Fort McNair, D.C.

Mrs. Michel has 25 years of experience helping federal, state, and local government leaders develop, plan, and implement strategic initiatives, including creating private-public partnerships among government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions. She is experienced in workforce development and is passionate about helping clients create and sustain exceptional organizations to fulfill important missions. Joan’s clients range from large government agencies and non-profits, to school systems and small commercial firms. Prior to her work as an independent consultant, Joan was responsible for leading business management functions for an Army research and development laboratory in Maryland. She brings a keen understanding of today’s challenges and opportunities faced by government agency leaders. Joan holds a Master’s in Organization Development and Change from Penn State University.

Dr. Moore supports ETC in strategic thinking, innovation and leadership, thought leadership in advanced technologies, and futuristic visioning focused on emergent trends and their implications. He transitioned from 37-years of government service for the US Navy. He served as Director for Strategic Initiative Coordination and Execution for NAVAIR, NAWCAD Assistant to the Commander for Strategic Operations, Chief Systems Engineer for the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System X-47B, Deputy Corporate Deployment Champion for NAVAIR AIRSpeed, and NAVAIR's Materials Competency Lead. 

Dr. Russell had a diverse 30-year career, working for government, science, and technology. His focus has been on the leadership of complex multidisciplinary research organizations and executing comprehensive multi-discipline programs to meet future warfighter needs. He is a proven leader in directing basic, applied research and advanced technology development across the Department of Defense, including the Department of Defense research collaborations with academia, industry, and the international community. Thomas Russel has a Tri-Service career experience (16 years with the Navy, six years with the Air Force, and eight years with the Army). He provides strategic insights and analyses of relevant programs, policies, and regulations across the national security enterprise. He offers profound experiences from both DOD science and technology as well as the service acquisition communities. Dr. Russell served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology; Director, Army Research Lab, Director; Air Force Office of Scientific Research; Executive Director, Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division; and Director, Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation Directorate, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in chemistry from Muhlenberg College.

Mr. Schramm supports ETC's DoD energetics community engagement, software development, project management, strategic partnerships, and communications. Pete brings entrepreneurial expertise focusing on mentorship and staff development. His portfolio ranged from production operations (missiles, launchers, and ships) to standoff threat detection systems. He worked as an engineer and program manager for Lockheed Martin, MTEQ, and QinetiQ. Pete led large geographically diverse teams (100+ engineers and scientists) to solve complex problems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force in the functional areas of quality, manufacturing, program management, and business development. Mr. Schramm has a Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees in Mechanical Engineering from The Catholic University of America. He is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt, AgileHR, ScrumMaster, and Risk Management Professional (RMP).

Mr. Thomsen advises on reforms affecting technology, engineering, and acquisition policy in the National Security domain. He retired from the Department of Navy as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (Research, Development, and Acquisition). Jim served more than 35 years in the Department of Defense as a Naval Engineer, Surface and Undersea Warfare Weapons Executive, Navy Program Manager, and Program Executive Officer (PEO). He received the Presidential Rank Award, the Defense Civilian Service Medal for Exceptional Service (twice), and the Defense Department's Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. He serves on several Company Boards in the National Security domain and on the National Academies of Science & Engineering's Army Board for Research and Development. Mr. Thomsen has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Florida State University.