Staff Bios

Robert Burke, CSSBB, CLS, CPIM, BSBA
Mr. Burke has over 25 years experience in many manufacturing environments, which include defense, automotive, pharmaceuticals, packaging goods, electronics, medical device, printed circuit boards, metal converting, railroad, and equipment manufacturers. Bob holds a B.S. in Business Administration, is a certified CPIM from the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, a Certified Lean Sensei and holds an ISO 9000 Assessor certificate. He has held positions ranging from, Materials Director, to Production and Inventory Control Manager, to Master Planner to Machinist. Bob provides training and implementation methods in areas of Lean Manufacturing, Pharmacovigilance, Supply Chain Management, Kanban, MRPII, Work Cell Development, Synchronous Manufacturing, Flow Manufacturing, Kaizen, Vendor Managed Inventory, Logistics Planning, Supplier Certification, Theory of Constraints, and Quick Changeover (SMED). Mr. Burke has co-authored many of articles published in PharmaChem Magazine (An international Pharma Journal) on the subject of Lean operations and one article published in the AME's Target magazine. He has presented on many Lean topics to the IIE conferences since 2003, the AME national conference since 2002, the ASQ Quality Expo since 2004 and APICS since 2005.

Patrick Lucansky, CSSMBB, CLS, MBA, CMC, BBA
Mr. Patrick Lucansky is an Executive Director of Value Innovation Partners, Ltd. an operations improvement consulting firm specializing in the delivery of value through implementation of Lean Enterprise, Six Sigma Rescues and Supply Chain Management tools and techniques. Mr. Lucansky has held a variety of positions in the past including Production Manager and Director of Operations. Pat’s strengths are in Lean Enterprise, Lean Sigma, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management, Out-Sourcing, Business Analysis, Process Mapping & Pharmacovigilance. He holds a BBA from the University of Iowa, an MBA from Illinois Institute of Technology, a CMC from Institute of Management Consultants and Teaches at the BA/MBA level in the Chicago area. He is a Certified Lean Sensei and a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Mr. Lucansky has co-authored dozens of articles published in PharmaChem Magazine (An international Pharma Journal) on the subject of Lean operations and one article published in the AME's Target magazine on supply chain redesign. He has presented on many Lean topics to the IIE conferences since 2001, the AME national conference since 2002, the ASQ Quality Expo since 2002, Lincoln Foundation, NAM since 2003, NIQC, IMC and over 1200 other times to firms like Pfizer, Bayer, Johnson and Johnson, Avery Dennison, Graphic Packaging Underwriters Lab, Medtronic and ICI-Dulux. He is a member of IIE, IMC, AMA and AME.

Larry A. Bauman, Ph.D., CMC, CLSFM, CLA

Dr. Bauman specializes in the service industries providing leadership development, change management, strategy definition, and training. He has over 32 years of experience in business serving as a corporate executive and consultant. He has worked with a diverse client base in both the domestic and international market.  He currently serves on the Chicago IMC Board of Directors as President and holds the designation of CMC, Certified Management Consultant. He holds an AA from Oxford College, a BA from Emory University, a graduate certificate in Marketing from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. in the field of Behavioral Economics from Rushmore University.  He has written numerous articles and four books on strategy and leadership. Dr Bauman is certified and licensed for the web-enabled planning diagnostic One Page Planning and Performance System™ and Behavioral Assessment Instruments from TTI, Inc. He serves as a visiting professor and teaches Strategic Business Management at several universities throughout the world. Larry serves as the Senior Director of Business Development and Special Advisor to Projects.

Charles E. Manning (Chuck), CLE, CLSFM, CLA, MS, BS

Chuck has thirty-five years of experience in manufacturing, service and process industries including internal management, executive level, business ownership and both internal and external consulting positions. His experience base spans a diverse set of industries including the aerospace and defense, aircraft component, automotive, transportation equipment, consumer goods, electrical equipment, business equipment, building products, telecommunications, non-profit, recreational products, health supplements, chemical, printing, paper products, HVAC, rail equipment and steel industries throughout North America and Europe. Chuck holds an M.S. in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas, a B.S. in Mathematics from West Liberty State College and has received specialized training in a wide variety of application focused approaches to the improvement of business operations and performance enhancement.

Bob Miller, CLSFM, CLE, CLA, BA, MSW
Mr. Miller has over 15 years experience in many manufacturing environments, which include refineries, pharmaceuticals, packaging goods, communications, chemicals, and equipment manufacturers. Bob holds a BA in Business and Sociology from Boston University, an MSW from University of Georgia and was a faculty member at Western Michigan University Graduate School of Social Work. He has held positions ranging from Executive State Director to Project Manager. Bob's strengths are in executive training, change management, maintenance systems, Lean Manufacturing, scheduling and planning, supervisory training systems and communications planning.

Beresford (Berry) Metzger, CLA, CLSFM, CLS, BS

Berry is a business professional with over 30 years of demonstrated accomplishments in operational and organizational effectiveness, best practices identification and implementation, process design and improvement, coaching and mentoring, training and development, systems of management implementation, and project management.  Berry has designed and implemented procedures and systems to increase revenues, reduce costs, refine processes, strengthen controls, improve products and services, and stimulate business. Mr. Metzger holds BS in Industrial Management from the University of Connecticut with continued study at the University of Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Paul Silverman, CLE, CLA, BSME, BSC
Paul B. Silverman, manufacturing improvement specialist, has 25 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, quality assurance and consulting with manufacturing companies. Paul has delivered significant productivity, quality and lead-time solutions to all size companies in a wide variety of industries such as: fluid control, electromechanical, machined parts, semiconductor equipment, medical implantable devices and disposables. Paul's education consists of Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Biology from Northeastern University, Theory of Constraints training - Goldratt Institute and Accreditation from the American Consultants League. He is a regular member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, North Shore Chamber of Commerce and Society of Manufacturing Engineers and past Chairman of CASA New England SME Chapter 285.

Wille L. Carter, CLS, CQM, CISOLA, MBA, BA

Willie L. Carter is an American Society of Quality (ASQ) Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence, a Certified ISO 9000 Lead Assessor, Certified Lean Sensei and has a certificate in process mapping/redesign from Motorola University. He currently serves on the boards of IMC-Chicago and the Northeastern Illinois Section of ASQ. Willie has an MBA from Roosevelt University and a BA in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University. Mr. Carter has generated millions of dollars of waste related savings for companies by reducing poor quality costs and improving business and manufacturing processes. Some areas of expertise, Quality Management Systems, Industrial Problem Solving, Process Mapping/Redesign, Advanced Quality Planning, Statistical Process Control, Integrated Process Management, Lean Enterprise. Memberships include: Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Association for Manufacturing Excellence, Senior Member of the American Society for Quality, Institute of Management Consultants, Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology, and the Society for American Military Engineers.

Richard Carman BSIE, ELP, CLA, CLE

Rick is a proven leader with the skills set to achieve results in the complex environment of end-to-end supply chain management. He holds a BSIE from North Carolina State University an ELP from Michigan State University and has published articles in Supply Chain Review and Grocery Headquarters. He is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in supply chain management, consulting, engineering, and marketing. For more than 20 years, Rick has worked in management and consulting positions gaining an understanding of the issues and challenges faced daily by these organizations. He has held a diverse range of positions in supply chain management, materials management, marketing, operations, industrial engineering, and business development. This know-how is further augmented by significant experience in cost reduction, team building, sourcing, systems, and project management. Besides his specific corporate experiences with UBP, Rick held senior supply chain and engineering positions with both Revere Ware and Corning Consumer Products.

Margaret Dospiljulian , BSCE, MSIE, CLE
With 16+ years of management consulting experience, Margaret has spent her career assisting organizations to improve. Her passions are process and results. This is reflected in all her work, whether she is working on corporate restructuring, organizational redesign, start-ups, reengineering, supplier negotiations, supply chain management, marketing and product development, or human resource accountability and management. Because of her experience across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, distribution, travel and leisure, healthcare, education, government, not-for-profit, and service, Margaret is able to quickly assess an organization’s needs and determine the appropriate tools and techniques needed to best assist her clients. Margaret was selected by the US Department of Commerce to be a 2007 and 2006 National Malcolm Baldrige Examiner and has been a Senior Examiner for The Lincoln Foundation’s Award for Performance Excellence for the past seven years. Sponsored by the Governor of Illinois, this is Illinois’ version of the President’s National Malcolm Baldrige Award Program. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Bradley University and a Masters degree in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University, which Margaret completed while concurrently attending the Kellogg MBA School. In addition, Margaret has continuously updated her education via classes with Deming, Juran, Schoenberger, Harvard, Northwestern, Loyola, MIT, ASQ, Baldrige, and the American Marketing Association.

Bill Pierrakeas, IMC, CLE

Bill is a results-oriented industry advisor and consultant serving on several industry conference panels and advisory boards. His skills at developing highly profitable business relationships at all levels of the supply chain and within the corporate structure has earned him an impeccable record of success in the application of sound business and fiscal strategies. He has extensive experience coaching Presidents, Senior Management and project teams on creating and exceeding performance targets. Bill is immediate past President of the Institute of Management Consultants' Chicagoland Chapter, which promotes excellence in management consulting through certification and education. He co-founded C3 Circle, a group of senior executives who foster and reward mutual trust, collaboration and growth to others.

Edward Pokropski, CSSMBB, CLE, CLA,
A dynamic, team spirited and performance driven Operational Excellence Leader and experienced change agent with over 25 years experience in the manufacturing, filling, packaging, quality management and continuous improvement in Consumer Products, Food, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device industries. Exceptional blend of leadership, business and manufacturing knowledge combined with my “Hands On Management Style” (MBWA), that has been key in meeting and exceeding organizational goals and objectives in profitability, productivity, quality, cost control, safety, sanitation and customer service. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver creative solutions to business challenges. Strong organizational skills and very effective in building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, team members and customers. Lean Six Sigma Expert, Master Black Belt Certified, with numerous Lean Six Sigma initiatives completed, resulting in over $60 Million in costs savings to date.

James Cesnick, CLE, CLA, BA
Mr. Cesnick has twenty years of consulting experience managing a variety of projects in industries from capital goods manufacturers to pharmaceuticals. Jim's strengths are in Lean Manufacturing (TPM, Kaizen Blitz events, Poka Yoke, 5S, SMED, and BPR), batching and continuous process manufacturing, cellular design and layout, and Process Mapping. Industries worked in include distributors/manufacturers, Chemicals, and Pharmaceuticals. Jim is a retired Navy Seal with BA degree in Economics from The University of Pittsburgh and a member of APICS & ASQC. Jim has a working knowledge of Spanish.

Robert Brooks, CSSS, CLE, BS, MBA

Bob consulted with GE Capital on their six-sigma implementation for almost four years. During that time, he trained over 600 corporate leaders, master black belts and black belts, acted as an interim Quality Leader and Master Black Belt, and consulted with corporate leaders on implementation issues.  Bob has also implemented process improvement initiatives in the advertising, aerospace pharmaceutical, consumer goods, automotive, and electronics industries.  In addition to his consulting, Bob has been a professor of marketing and management at the graduate and undergraduate levels for several universities.  He has chaired three academic departments, developed several programs and led a small business development center. Bob has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Vermont and an MBA from New York University.

Charles (Charlie) E. Ward, BSME, CLE, CLA, CLSFM

Charlie is a seasoned expert in Process Improvement, Lean manufacturing, cost reduction and building a Teamwork environment. He has strong communications skills, written and oral, excellent listener and has a proven ability to facilitate teamwork and resolve issues. He is especially adept at teaching, coaching and sustaining employee enthusiasm. Mr Ward is further knowledgeable in ISO 9000, QS 9000, GMP’s, and OSR’s, CFR 21’s and 483’s and MIL/QPL Standards, ASME Section III & VII Lean Enterprise and has implemented CMS, SIMMS, Mass90, JD Edwards, Revalant, Oracle & Cost Point. Charlie has worked as a Senior Executive in Operations and Engineering along with a long career in consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Science Program in Mechanical Engineering, Lowell Technical College, Lowell, MA and a Certificate in Advanced Engineering Design, Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA.

Sam Beaird, BEME, MSIA, CLE, CLA

Sam Beaird has over 35 years of line manufacturing management experience in a wide variety of products, processes, and environments. In industry Sam started his career on General Electric’s Manufacturing Management Program and subsequently advanced to increasingly responsible roles as materials manager, plant manager, general manager, and vice president of manufacturing with several progressive companies. He has served in management roles for such Fortune 500 companies as General Electric, Reliance Electric, and Dresser-Rand; small companies such as Lufkin Industries; and a European-owned company, S.E.W.-Eurodrive. As a consultant Sam has guided significant improvements in a variety of industries including rotating equipment repair and overhaul, aircraft manufacturing, sporting goods manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, pharmaceutical testing, construction, automotive, printing, and more. His areas of expertise include developing and effectively implementing sound manufacturing strategies that address competitive and global issues; transforming businesses to better provide value to customers according to the concepts and methodologies of the lean enterprise; designing or redesigning manufacturing operations that enable companies to be superior competitors; and applying advanced technologies to streamline businesses and achieve best-in-class performance. He has led successful strategic initiatives in lean manufacturing transformation, cycle time reduction, cellular manufacturing, focused factories, Total Quality Management, value stream management, sales & operations planning, large system changes, and high performance work systems. Sam brings a balance of technical acumen, manufacturing management expertise, and personal commitment to identifying opportunities for increasing market value and developing and implementing cost-effective solutions. Sam has a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude) from Vanderbilt University and an M.S. in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University.

James Montemayor BA, MBA, CLE

James Montemayor has been specializing as a consultant in Lean Management Training and implementing Lean Methods and Process Improvement in various manufacturing and service industries on an international scope for the past 14 years. He has overseen and managed an internal Quality Control Lean Implementation program in the printing/publishing field for R.R. Donnelley and was instrumental in leading the company on its Lean Initiative and global Lean Manufacturing System in Latin America. He has designed and developed Lean Implementation operating systems/structures, plant layouts and start-ups, labor productivity & improvement metrics for cellular manufacturing and has personally led over 50 kaizen team events. He has been a Lean Project Director and has led highly successful Lean transformations for Lucent Technologies, Ingersoll Rand and International Paper for Lean cultural change and substantial process cost savings.  More recently he has been offering bilingual (Spanish) Lean/Kaizen Training, consulting services, and Lean Shop-Floor Implementation to a variety of companies, including plastic injection molding operations, Tier 1 auto suppliers, foundry/casting operations, woodworking/cabinet assembly and food packaging.  He has also worked with Freudenberg-NOK, Kennametal, Ingersoll Rand, Lear, Inc., Magna International, Delphi and United Technologies Automotive and other international clients.  He has a B.A. degree from Northwestern University and a Masters Executive Program specialty in Operations Management from Texas A&M University.

Joan Adams, BSE, DE, SM, MBA

Joan Adams has been in consulting for over 20 years. First, she headed DITT, the consulting arm of the French National Utility, Electricité de France. She has worked on projects for Outokumpu (the world's largest copper producer), USAR (a smart chip manufacturer), UNICEF, American Express, Textron, MasterCard and many mid-market firms. Joan is a fully certified National Institute of Standards and Testing Lean Trainer. She is expertly skilled in Introduction to Lean and Lean Thinking. 5S, Value Stream Mapping, TPM , Cellular Flow, Administrative Lean, Kanban techniques and SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die). Joan teaches business classes at Baruch and Mercy College, she writes a monthly column on small business for a trade magazine – The Supply House Times. She has engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Ecole Centrale des Arts et Manufactures–Paris and MIT. She also has an MBA in finance and operations from the Wharton School.

Michael Schaffner, BSEE, MSEM, PE, CLE

Mike has more than 35 years of manufacturing, consulting and construction experience in operations, engineering, supply chain, strategic and operational planning, maintenance and facilities, mergers and acquisitions, company consolidation and integrations, and the development and delivery of lean training programs. His strengths are in leadership, planning, multi-functional teams, new process and product implementation, and introduction of new business strategies. He has delivered lean, one-piece flow and material replenishment systems, integrated supply chain systems, product quality improvements, plant-wide productivity improvements, rationalization and consolidation of products, processes, facilities and distribution channels, and project management of facility construction, productivity improvements and new business integrations. He has built new manufacturing facilities and managed over a dozen facility relocations. His career experience includes plant management, VP of lean implementation and Director of Engineering across diverse industries and business sizes including automotive suppliers, chemicals, electronics and electrical equipment, consumer goods, nuclear power equipment, HVACR equipment, oil and gas production, telecommunications equipment, and outdoor power equipment. He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s in engineering management both from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is a registered professional engineer and has advanced training in Demand Flow Technology, is a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers where he was a member of the St. Louis Chapter’s advanced education subcommittee and has a published article in Assembly Magazine.

Beth Keno, BA, CPBA, CPMA

With 25 years of experience in entrepreneurial and business consulting, Beth Keno brings strategic and results-oriented solutions to her clients. She demonstrates expertise in strategic planning, business processes and personal and professional development. In addition to business operating processes, Beth works with individuals and teams to improve their personal effectiveness, team dynamics and leadership skills.  She is trained in mediation at the Center for Conflict Resolution.  As part of her training workshops and coaching, Beth often utilizes assessment instruments and is certified in Myers-Briggs® (MBTI) and DiSC®.  These tools help participants learn more about themselves and provide a better understanding of others.  Beth has spoken at many professional organizations and conferences.  She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University.  Beth is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst and Certified Professional Motivators Analyst by Target Training International.

Robin Lindgren, CSSMBB, CLS, MBA, BSEE
Mr. Lindgren has six years of consulting and twenty years of senior executive positions demonstrating experience managing a variety of businesses and industries from capital goods manufacturers to automotive producers to pharmaceuticals. He has extensive experience in reengineering, business turnarounds, TPM, BPR, cost cutting, TQM, and streamlining operations, in addition to materials management. Robin has earned a BSEE from the University of New Hampshire (Cum Laude), an MBA from Dartmouth, a Lean Sensei and a Certified Master Black Belt.

Robert Paquin, CSSMBB, CLS, BSIE

Mr. Paquin has over Thirty-five years of experience in operations, engineering, materials management, advanced manufacturing technology, program management, and quality assurance, implementing continuous process improvements in total productivity and supply chain management. He has designed (including training/certification) and implemented belting programs for many clients providing the design, training and implementation Continuous Improvement, Lean and 6-sigma strategies throughout their enterprise.  Areas of engagement include:  Engineering/Manufacturing Value Analysis (E/MVA,DTUPC, PDQA, DFMA etc), Risk Analysis/ Recovery (FMEA), Kaizen events, ERP/MRP selection/ implementation, manufacturing and facility rationalization, team building, problem solving techniques, key performance indicators (KPI, MEI), ABC/M, value stream mapping (VSM) and analysis (VA/NVA), OEE, 5S, SMED, TPM, maintenance management (CMMS), KanBan, vendor managed inventory(VMI), supplier certification, warehouse logistics, demand flow, synchronous manufacturing, and new (high speed) product development.  Bob is a degreed Industrial Engineer and a senior member of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, a past chapter president and current member of the IIE operations research, engineering & systems management, and consulting SIGs.  He is also a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Program Management Institute.  He is the founder and past chairman or the IIE Simulation Software Show (SimSol). 

David Smith, BSME

David is a season engineering manager for complex programs resulting in factory automation systems, improved manufacturing processes, and new products. His specialty is innovation resulting in several patents; granted and pending. David performs advanced manufacturing engineering and implements lean six sigma principles on the factory floor. He is a goal-oriented program manager and experienced team builder in a matrix organization and has a Medical Device Management Certificate, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA. Mr. Smith also is actively involved in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Boston Chapter Chair, 2007, 2008, 2009 Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Robotics & Motion Control Tech Group, Advisor and Laser Institute of America (LIA), New England Chapter, member.

Brad Buchner, BSBM, CSSBB, CLE

Mr Buchner is a senior-level professional, hands-on leader, strategic thinker, and innovative developer and implementer of effective operational and technology strategies. He has demonstrated achievements contributing to superior corporate performance through expert alignment of operations, people development, enterprise technologies and effective processes with corporate objectives. He has positively lead diverse, cross-functional teams in complex, fast-paced environment and has extensive experience with diverse multi-billion dollar global organizations, as well as numerous mid-sized manufacturing, distribution and service organizations including automotive (OEM/Tier 1-3), trucks and heavy equipment, durable goods, glass, metals, polymers, food, beverage & confections, paper converting, aggregates, fire and security, building products, retail, educational and workplace measurement, insurance and trucking industries. He has a BS in Business, Enterprise Management for NIU and a Lean Six Sigma Certification from Villanova University. He is a frequent speaker on Lean and a guest lecturer at Marquette University MBA Program on Lean, Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement. Brad has 5+ years of senior level business management experience coupled with 11+ years of successful consulting experience.

David Stowe, BSIE, MBA,CLE

Dave works with clients to provide proven methodologies based on the Toyota Production System (lean manufacturing) to create value and competitive differentiation. For 20 years, he has been helping companies systematically reduce their costs through efficient operations and strategic sourcing processes. He brings both industry leadership and consulting experience to his clients to provide key insights on implementing improved processes. His work includes factory design and transformation, strategic sourcing and supplier assessment, and buy side due diligence. Dave has held leadership roles in operations and purchasing with AlliedSignal Aerospace, Pactiv Corporation, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive. He has also worked for Oliver Wyman. Dave has been interviewed on the keys to implementing lean manufacturing in CAP Today, a publication for news in the medical and clinical laboratory industry. His work on implementing lean manufacturing has been credited in a client’s annual report for their improvement in operating margins and business growth. He has a dual masters degree in Business and Engineering from the University of Michigan where he was awarded a scholarship from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations. He has an undergraduate degree in Industrial Management from Purdue University.

*CMC (Certified Management Consultant) is the certification mark awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA and represents evidence of the highest standards of consulting and adherence to the ethical canons of the profession. Fewer than 1% of all consultants have achieved this level of performance.  See http://www.IMCUSA.org.

*CSSGB (Certified Six Sigma Green Belt) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Green Belts

*CSSBB (Certified Six Sigma Black Belt) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Black Belts

*CSSMBB (Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Master Black Belts

*CSSS (Certified Six Sigma Sensei) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Sensei's

*CSSLC (Certified Six Sigma Lean Champion) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Lean Champion

*CSSC (Certified Six Sigma Champion) is the certification mark awarded to Six Sigma Champion

*CLE (Certified Lean Expert) is the certification mark awarded to Lean Experts

*CLA (Certified Lean Analyst) is the certification mark awarded to Lean Analysts

*CLS (Certified Lean Sensei) is the certification mark awarded to Lean Sensei's

*CLSFM (Certified Lean System For Managing) is the certification mark awarded to Lean System For Managing experts