Thomas R. Heckard is a seasoned project director and engineering executive with over four decades of experience leading complex capital projects, technical operations, and facility development across diverse industries including construction, manufacturing, and bio/life sciences. With a deep-rooted foundation in mechanical engineering and a career spanning globally recognized companies, Thomas is known for his hands-on leadership, operational insight, and ability to drive projects from concept to commissioning with precision and efficiency.
Throughout his career, Thomas has managed more than $1 billion in capital investments, overseeing every phase from budgeting and design to construction and startup. His engineering and project management expertise has supported the successful delivery of high-value initiatives, including multi-million-dollar hot dip galvanizing lines, mobile refrigeration systems for pharmaceutical logistics, and integrated steel manufacturing infrastructure. At CSafe Global, Thomas held progressive roles including Engineering Manager and Technical Sales Manager, where he led product innovation in cold chain technology, supported international sales teams, and played a key role in achieving ISO 9001/13485 certifications and CE Mark compliance.
Prior to his tenure at CSafe, Thomas contributed significantly to organizations such as Meadowlake Consulting, North American Stainless, Baerlocher Production USA, and AK Steel Corporation. At North American Stainless, he led the engineering and installation of a $400M+ portfolio that included electric arc furnaces, rolling mills, and water treatment systems across North America. At AK Steel, he served in multiple leadership capacities over 25 years, including managing the design and build of a $120M process line delivered ahead of schedule and under budget. His role in increasing production capacity of AK Steel’s Electrogalvanizing Line by 50% stands as a testament to his ability to align engineering strategy with business performance.
Thomas’s technical versatility extends to research and development, quality improvement, maintenance management, and mentoring cross-functional teams. He is a former Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certified Manager of Process Excellence, and a member of both the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). His international exposure includes project involvement and travel across China, Japan, Europe, Mexico, Canada, and other regions—lending him a global perspective on engineering standards, cultural collaboration, and scalable infrastructure.
A respected voice in his field, Thomas authored and presented a technical paper titled “Start-up and Characteristics of AK Steel’s No.2 Electrogalvanizing Line” at the American Electroplaters & Surface Finishers Society (AESF) Symposium in 1991, sharing insights from a pioneering industrial commissioning effort.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and completed one year of graduate study in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a focus on composite materials at the University of Delaware. In addition to his technical and operational accomplishments, he serves as an advisor in the cold chain technology sector and has frequently presented to corporate boards throughout his career.
With a personal mission to pass on his experience to the next generation of leaders, Thomas is now actively pursuing board and advisory opportunities where he can contribute strategic oversight, mentorship, and project excellence to mission-driven organizations. Known for his common-sense approach, problem-solving mindset, and calm leadership style, he remains committed to delivering results while fostering innovation, safety, and sustainable growth.
When not working, Thomas enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors—interests that reflect his appreciation for both exploration and grounded thinking.
Character: Thomas Heckard is a results-driven leader known for his integrity, practical judgment, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of professionals.
Knowledge: With over 40 years of engineering and project management experience, Thomas possesses deep technical expertise across manufacturing, construction, and cold chain logistics.
Strategic: He has successfully led over $1 billion in capital projects by aligning engineering innovation with business objectives to drive operational growth and efficiency.
Communication: A clear and effective communicator, Thomas excels at translating complex technical concepts into actionable insights for executives, boards, and cross-functional teams.
