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    Tag: Engineering Leadership

    Luis Cardenas: Innovator in Continuous Improvement and Engineering Leadership

    Luis Cardenas is a results-driven Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Adjunct Professor, and Continuous Improvement Leader with a proven ability to optimize operations and drive innovation across industries. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and a Master’s in Engineering Management from UMass Lowell, Luis blends technical expertise with global experience gained from roles in manufacturing, healthcare, biotechnology, and defense. Known for his adaptability, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership, he has led transformative initiatives that delivered significant cost savings, streamlined global supply chains, and improved operational efficiency. Currently, as a Senior Process Improvement Engineer at Fresenius Medical Care and an Adjunct Professor at UMass Lowell, Luis continues to advance excellence, nurture future leaders, and champion continuous improvement methodologies to achieve organizational success.

    Jon J. Ahola: Transformative Leader in Global R&D and Innovation

    Jon J. Ahola is a seasoned executive with nearly three decades of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in the medical technology industry. Currently serving as Vice President of Global Research and Development for Stryker's Trauma & Extremities Division, Jon has led the development and successful launch of over 40 groundbreaking medical products, ranging from implants to digital software applications. His leadership was pivotal in the integration of Wright Medical, Stryker's largest acquisition to date, and his influence extends globally through roles that have spanned Europe, Asia, and North America. Guided by a commitment to integrity, teamwork, and his mission to "make humanity better," Jon combines technical expertise with visionary leadership to transform healthcare and improve lives worldwide.

    Lorin Ricker: A Leader in Software Development, Team Building and Servant Leadership; “Be Tough on Problems but Easy on People.”

    Lorin Ricker: A Leader in Software Development, Team Building, and Servant Leadership “Be tough on problems, but easy on people.” Lorin Ricker is a seasoned software developer, team builder, and leader with over 45 years of experience in technology, engineering leadership, and mentorship. As a passionate advocate of servant leadership, Lorin’s career has been defined not just by the code he’s written, but by the people he’s inspired to become better technical creatives and leaders. From assembler to Ruby, from DEC PDP-11s to Linux systems, Lorin’s journey in the world of software development has been both extensive and impactful. Currently, Lorin focuses on creating meaningful collaborations and helping organizations build resilient, empowered teams. Most recently, as Director of Software Engineering at the Western Growers Association, Lorin transformed a team of 20 software developers, pulling them out of isolated silos and building a culture of cross-training, knowledge sharing, and mutual support. His leadership introduced Agile practices, collaborative programming, and DevOps principles—transforming team members into highly capable software developers while fostering leadership for their future growth. Lorin’s passion for mentorship and technical excellence is evident throughout his career. At RickerNet Enterprises, he conducted a popular Ruby programming bootcamp, providing aspiring developers a foundation for success. This effort expanded into a multi-week curriculum, covering Ruby, Rails, and agile methodologies for a major technical training company. Lorin thrives on empowering others, whether by teaching programming best practices, designing robust systems, or building leadership skills among emerging technical leaders. Prior to these roles, Lorin served as a Senior Technical Consultant with The PARSEC Group, where he developed and marketed a Ruby Immersion bootcamp that focused on the Ruby programming language beyond websites and Rails. His work included course development, technical consulting, and hands-on software development for Linux, OpenVMS, and Oracle environments. Lorin’s contributions helped organizations adopt modern solutions, improve workflows, and achieve operational success. As the Founder and Principal Developer at LockWorks LLC, Lorin led one of the earliest ASP-based SaaS solutions for law enforcement agencies, delivering Lock&Track Jail/Prison Management Systems to government organizations nationwide. Over 20 years, Lorin pioneered innovative approaches to technology deployment, establishing a foundation for today’s cloud-based systems while driving national adoption of mission-critical tools. A lifelong learner and deeply interdisciplinary thinker, Lorin’s educational background reflects his love for both technology and the arts. He earned a BS in Interdisciplinary Engineering from Purdue University, combining studies in acoustics, music, computer science, and engineering. He later earned an MA in Music Composition from the University of Portland, specializing in electronic music techniques—an innovative intersection of engineering and creativity that continues to influence his work. Lorin’s professional influence extends beyond technology; his volunteer work with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) highlights his dedication to advocacy and civil action. As a volunteer coordinator, he provided critical mediation and support for National Guard and Armed Forces Reserve service members, demonstrating his values of service, collaboration, and fairness. Lorin’s leadership is further supported by an impressive list of certifications, including Agile Development Practices, DevOps Foundations, and Git for Teams, underscoring his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry practices. His ability to combine technical expertise with effective team leadership makes him a rare asset in today’s dynamic business landscape. With a professional philosophy of “Share it forward,” Lorin focuses on helping organizations solve complex technology problems, build thriving teams, and achieve long-term success. Whether guiding a software team to “Yes” or helping leaders embrace humility and growth, Lorin exemplifies the qualities of a servant leader who believes in the power of collaboration, learning, and human connection. Summary Character: Lorin’s integrity, humility, and servant leadership principles make him a trusted guide for technical teams and organizations, fostering collaboration and shared success. Knowledge: With over 45 years of expertise in software development, Agile leadership, and team building, Lorin brings unmatched technical and managerial proficiency. Strategic: Lorin excels at building systems, processes, and teams, transforming organizational challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence. Communication: Lorin’s ability to teach, mentor, and inspire others ensures effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, and leadership development at all levels. LinkedIn Share Message I’m excited to share my professional journey—a 45-year adventure in software development, team building, and leadership. My passion has always been helping technical teams and leaders achieve success through collaboration, learning, and servant leadership. Here is my biography.

    Dean Sawyer: Aerospace and Defense Systems Engineering Leader

    With over three decades of experience in aerospace and defense, Dean Sawyer is a seasoned leader specializing in systems engineering, program management, and operational strategy. From his distinguished Navy career, where he delivered groundbreaking SIGINT capabilities, to his impactful tenure at Booz Allen Hamilton driving systems integration and innovation, Dean has consistently demonstrated his ability to solve complex challenges and deliver purposeful results. Equipped with advanced degrees in aeronautical engineering and an MBA from Johns Hopkins, Dean brings a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic insight. He is now seeking to leverage his experience to guide smaller companies toward growth and operational excellence.

    Brett Anderson: Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing Executive Leader with Expertise in Product Development and Cross-Industry Supply Chain Management

    Brett Anderson is a seasoned executive with over 34 years of experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, automation, and research and development. With a career marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Brett has successfully led large-scale product development projects and managed complex supply chains across diverse industries. His expertise spans from Level 1 through Level 3 full-scale products to commercial and government sectors, where he has built and managed high-performing teams, developed integrated reporting tools, and contributed significantly to strategic decision-making processes. Brett is passionate about sharing his extensive knowledge, having worked internationally with customers and partners in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. His mission is to give back the lessons he has learned throughout his career, empowering others to navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve sustainable success.

    Jim Keough: Turning Vision into Reality; Plan the Work & Work the Plan.

    I’m excited to share my professional biography, highlighting over three decades of experience in specialty vehicle engineering, project management, and product development. My approach to engineering is centered on quality, safety, and reliability, grounded in my motto: "Plan the work & work the plan." Here is my biography.

    Sagar Kale: Redefining Engineering Excellence with Visionary Insight and Transformative Innovation.

    I'm thrilled to share my executive biography, highlighting my journey as a Process Engineer specializing in project lifecycle management for FPSO topsides, LNG, refining, and petrochemical industries. I bring hands-on expertise in FEED, detailed engineering, commissioning, and more, with a focus on delivering high-quality solutions for complex projects. Here is my biography.

    Eric Wallis: Innovating Tomorrow, Leading Today; Engineering Excellence with Vision and Precision.

    I’m excited to share my professional biography with you all. Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to drive innovation and excellence in the field of engineering and technology. My journey has involved tackling complex technical challenges, particularly in vapor detection technologies, and turning them into actionable solutions. My leadership approach is grounded in integrity, strategic vision, and clear communication, which I believe are crucial for transforming industry standards and achieving impactful results. I invite you to read more about my career and contributions and learn how my experiences and insights are helping shape the future of technology and operations.